Page 39 of Mine to Love
“Not really.” Miles ran his fingers through his thick hair. “Only, I can’t deny what you’re saying.”
“You’ve got to stop this kind of thinking, especially since I believe this entire conversation started off about you wanting advice about Liberty.”
Before Miles could respond to that jump in topic, Rumor showed up with a few appetizers for the table.
“I thought you boys might be hungry.” She placed a platter of Safe Harbor Café’s finest sampler on the table. She leaned over and kissed her husband’s cheek.
“What about you, babe?” Emmerson asked. “Want anything off this tray?”
Her face went even whiter, if that was possible. “I couldn’t, even though I want to. But then I’d be you-know-where and that’s not fun here at work.”
Emmerson sighed. “We won’t be much longer. I promise.”
“Take your time, honey. You’re the only table I need to worry about. Susie has the rest.” Rumor turned and left Miles and Emmerson alone.
Miles took an onion ring and plopped it in his mouth. He really wasn’t all that hungry, but he took the time to collect his thoughts. Emmerson wasn’t usually so forthcoming with his thoughts.
Or his advice.
He often tiptoed around the topics, choosing his words carefully.
But not this time.
Actually, ever since he fell in love with Rumor, Emmerson not only had a spring in his step, but he had a new confidence.
Miles liked it.
Even in this situation.
A few minutes of silence ticked by after Rumor left Miles alone with his brother.
Emmerson nibbled at the food and drank his coffee, waiting patiently for Miles to say something, only Miles wasn’t even sure where to begin.
“I’m supposed to have an official date with Liberty tomorrow. But after meddling between her and Gabriel, I’m not even sure it’s going to happen. Only, I was too stupid to know I was getting between her and her brother until it was too late.”
“Bullshit,” Emmerson said. “You did what you always do. You listened and then responded. That’s your superpower. But it’s also one of your greatest weaknesses because the reality is, when you care about something or someone, you do it with all your heart. It’s why when Trixi got involved with that asshole, you stepped in and helped. You might not like Trixi that way anymore, but you still give a shit.”
“That guy was a prick,” Miles muttered. “I don’t want to talk about Trixi. That’s over. I don’t know what to do about Liberty. I’m drowning in the deep end and I don’t know what to do. I like this chick and she’s making me crazy.”
Emmerson lifted his mug. “Welcome to thefall hard and fastclub. It kind of sucks in the beginning, but once you get to the other side, it’s fucking wonderful.”
“Sometimes you are absolutely no flipping help at all.”
Emmerson laughed. “Look, little brother.” He tapped his temple. “Do yourself a favor and get out of your head. Stop analyzing everything. Whatever you meddled in, apologize and then don’t do it again, unless you have to when it comes to Charlie. I don’t know if you’ve had the chance to talk with Rhett today, but I guess he found a few blemishes that are cause for more concern.”
“I’m meeting him at my house before work tomorrow.”
“Depending on how Rumor is feeling in the morning, I’ll try to be there. I’d like to hear what Rhett has found.”
“Morning sickness that bad?”
“I feel so bad for her because it lasts all fucking day.” Emmerson rubbed his chin. “The moment she blinks open her eyes, she’s making a beeline for the bathroom. She can’t even keep a cracker down and it gets worse as the day progresses. Technically, she called in sick today, but Lucy Ann needed someone for the dinner shift, so Rumor has tried to muddle through, but she’s gotten sick three times being here. Until we figure this out, she’s told Lucy Ann she can’t work.” Emmerson slumped his shoulders. “In one week, she’s lost eight pounds.”
“She’s so tiny as it is.”
“Tell me something I don’t know. She literally has no appetite. She tries to eat, but food is not her friend right now.”
“She needs the calories for the baby,” Miles said.
