by D. W. Cee
“A bit early to be calling me, don’t you think, Chief?”
“Then shall I take back this trip to Paris I was going to offer you and Emily this February?”
“What? What trip to Paris?”
“There’s a conference in Paris I was going to attend but can’t. Since you were kind enough to fill in for me in Atlanta, I thought I’d give you the opportunity to spend a week in Paris with that lovely girlfriend of yours. I can’t believe someone that sweet and beautiful wants to be your girlfriend,” the Chief laughed. “Anyhow, I transferred my plane ticket to your name, a hotel has already been booked, and there’s even an expense account for meals for a week. You just need to buy a ticket for Emily.”
“Fantastic! Finally, you’re compensating us for all our interrupted dates. We’ll take it. I’ll let Emily know. I’m about to walk into her house now. Thanks, Chief.”
“You’re welcome. Don’t be late to work.”
This was turning out better than I expected. We could go to Paris for the conference then go see Gram in London. I nearly skipped to Emily’s door. I rang the doorbell and it opened to a surprised Emily. She obviously wasn’t expecting me.
“Good morning, my love. I wanted to stop by and see your face before you left.” I closed the door and couldn’t part from her lips knowing we’d be separated for a while. “Love, I’ve never slept as well as I did last night. We’re going to have to have more slumber parties. How did you sleep?”
Taking her breakfast off my hands, Emily slyly grinned. She wouldn’t answer me but I knew she slept well. I supposed she didn’t have to answer me as I watched her sleep throughout the night. She slept like an angel.
I told her about the conference in Paris and my wish to go with her. She looked reluctant until I told her that Gram wanted to see her sooner than March. Her qualm abandoned, she said she would work it out with her principal to get a week off in February. I took that as a yes and mentally began planning my trip to Europe with my girlfriend. A proposal in Paris was definitely high on the priority list. A month and a half should be plenty of time for her to sort out her feelings.
When it came time for both of us to leave I took her bag and carried it out for her. As I reached for her hand, I noticed she was wearing the eternity band on her finger – the fourth, ring finger!
“You’re wearing the ring… on your finger?” My spirits were flying high.
“You noticed, finally?” She kidded that the ring was too heavy on her neck and that she wanted to see if it would be any better on her finger. Lucky for me, it only fit on her ring finger. Then, she turned to me to reveal, “I am committed to you as your loving girlfriend. When I see us heading towards that last step, you’ll be the first to know.”
I saw cars pull up to and her friends get out. I knew this would embarrass Emily but I couldn’t help myself, especially not after that kind of confession.
“I love you Emily,” I declared before grabbing her and kissing her deeply. I’d never longed to kiss her as much as I did this moment. Her declaration wasn’t much different than an acceptance to my proposal. Emily joyfully reciprocated till she heard her friends talking in the background. She pulled away and hid herself for a while trying to undo her rosy cheeks.
She let out a sigh for the both of us at the thought of being apart. “I love you, Dr. Reid. Now go. Save lives.” She nudged my arms away from her body.
“Hi Jake,” Sarah greeted me. “Did you have a good Christmas? How was Hawaii?”
“It was fantastic!” I gleamed. “How was your Christmas? You went up to Oxnard?”
“Yeah. It was great. What did you get Emily for Christmas?”
“You’ll have to ask her. I tried to give it to her but she wouldn’t take it. But, I got an unbelievable present from Emily last night.”
I left it at that knowing Sarah would put Emily through a rigorous question and answer session. I looked back at my girlfriend and smiled. She shook her head. I would be in trouble when she got back from Vegas. I’d be happy to be in trouble as long as she got back as soon as possible.
My day at the hospital was as crazy as expected. Being on vacation for almost a week, it was hard to get back into the routine. During a quick respite, I texted Emily.
Last night was even more amazing than our first night in Hawaii. Miss you. Love you.
You just got everyone in this car wondering what happened to us last night. Don’t text personal messages!
Why did you let everyone read my message?
I didn’t. Charlie stole the phone from me and read it out loud.
Ha Ha Ha ! I’m okay with you kissing and telling.
I’m not. I hope you don’t go around kissing and telling.
I wouldn’t dare. I’ve got to go. They’re paging me.
Of course they are. Bye.
Nick called to have dinner so I left work and met him and Doug near Nick’s apartment.
“Why are you guys at your apartment during vacation?” I asked. “I’m actually glad you guys called. I need to move my stuff out of my house tonight. I’ll buy dinner if you’ll both help.”
“We figured you’d buy dinner regardless. I can help but where are you moving to?” Doug asked.
“I’m moving back into Mom’s. I want to be closer to Emily. They live near each other.”
“She really doesn’t have a sister?”
“No, Doug. She’s an only child. She actually doesn’t have any family. Her parents passed away.”
“That’s a bummer!” they both replied.
“How sad for sis not to have a family.” Nick seemed really bothered. “I’ll have to be even nicer to her.”
“You do that, Nick. She’ll appreciate it. As it is, she told me how much she likes you. She enjoyed spending time with you in Hawaii.”
“Did she say she likes me too?” Doug eagerly asked.
“No, she thought you were creepy,” I answered laughing at him.
On my way to the house, I called Emily to see what she was up to.
“Hello, Love. What are you doing right now?”
“Hi Jake!” Her excited voice always made my heart thump a bit harder. “We’re on our way to the stadium. Are you done with work already? How did morning surgery go?”
“I’m exhausted. I was in surgery almost all day. Then I had dinner with Nick and Doug and now I’m on my way to my house in the valley. I got Nick and Doug to help me move tonight.”
“You’re moving already?”
“Yeah. I want to be closer to you. Can I move into your house instead of Mom’s?”
“Okay. You can live in my house and I’ll go live with your mom and dad.”
“Can we both live with Mom and Dad?”
She quickly changed the subject. “Are you working New Year’s Day? Sarah, Charlie and I want to go to the parade. Will you go with us?”
“Thanks to you, the Chief gave me the day off. Do Sarah and Charlie want to come to the tailgate party? I don’t think I can get any more tickets to the game but they’re more than welcome to come to Chief’s party.”
“None of us wants to go to the party or the game. We don’t like your team. We’re coming back to my house after the parade.”
“Emi… you have to go to the party. My whole family will be there. I’ll buy you an ‘SC outfit to wear,” I laughed imagining the scowl on her face.
“Yeah… real tempting…”
“When do you come home? I don’t know that I like you being with Max as many days as you were with me in Hawaii. Can I come see you tomorrow? I’ll be done with work early. I’ll fly in and get a room and you can stay with me instead.”
“Stay home. We’re here till Monday. I’ll be home sometime in the afternoon. Come over after work and I’ll make you dinner. I miss you. Good night.”
With that, I was forced to hang up and start my move. Since Nick and Doug helped it didn’t take long to move out my belongings. We drove back to Mom’s and they both stayed. All of us spent a good portio
n of the night playing video games in my room. Nick tried to convince Doug to spend the night but he opted to walk across the street to his home and sleep in his own bed.
The day started before the sun got up again. Today would be nonstop work so I texted Emily before leaving for the hospital.
I have a very long day today. I will not be able to call till late afternoon. Have a fun day. I love you.
Surprisingly my phone rang.
“Hi Jake. Are you off to work already?” There was something wrong with my Emily.
“Emi. Why are you up so early? Are you alright?”
“I’m alright.” The sullen voice told me she wasn’t alright. Something had gone wrong last night. I could only guess who set her off again. “My back was hurting on this couch so I couldn’t get a good night’s sleep.”
What was she doing on a couch? “Emily, why are you sleeping on a couch?”
She explained to me about their crazy back to college hotel scenario where everyone slept in one giant suite. I knew she would refuse but this arrangement didn’t sit well with me.
“Emi, let me get you a room. Sarah can join you or I’ll fly in later and stay there with you.”
Of course she wasn’t happy with my suggestion. “Please, don’t do that!” she begged me.
“Alright but Emi, are you sure you’re okay? You sound sad. Did something happen with Max again? Do you want me to fly in today?”
She began explaining why she wasn’t herself this morning but the moment her voice cracked I knew she was hurting about something. Regardless of her answer, I decided to fly in to Vegas later today and make sure she was alright. She probably had another fight with Max. She really needed to stop seeing him.
Emi abruptly hung up our conversation and I left for work with a queasy feeling in my heart. Whenever she spent any time with Max she reverted back to the Emily I first met. All our progress undid itself automatically. Even after Hawaii, her declaration of love and spending a night together, I was unsettled about our conversation just now. Perhaps I was thinking too much into this situation. Once I got to Vegas, my jitters would hopefully be proven wrong.
None of the texts that were sent throughout the day got any response. It was unlike Emily not to answer back immediately. I got very worried. Thanks to the holidays, my schedule cleared earlier than normal so I drove to Burbank airport eager to comfort my love.
Remembering Emily telling me everyone was staying at the Palazzo I drove the rental car there but realized I didn’t know what room they were staying in. I texted one more time hoping she was able to pick up her messages by now.
Emi. I am here at the Palazzo but don’t know where to go. Please call me or text back a room number.
#2260
Fantastic. She was here. Everything would be okay as soon as I saw her. Sarah opened the door to greet me with a worried face.
“Hi Jake. Does Emily know you’re here? Have you spoken with her today?”
I was alarmed by Sarah’s question. “No, I haven’t spoken with her. You mean she’s not here? Who just texted back?”
“That was me,” Sarah answered.
“I’ve tried calling her all day. Where could she be?” Now I was really worried.
“We’re not quite sure. She’s been gone since early morning. I got up around seven and couldn’t find her. She left her phone and wallet here. Ugh! I shouldn’t have let Charlie fall asleep in our room. I’m so worried about her.” Sarah looked like a mother who had lost her child.
“Sarah, I’m sure she’s alright. I talked to her early this morning and she sounded upset about something. Do you know if something happened with Max again last night?”
“I’m not quite sure. I didn’t see her last night either.” Sarah’s face told me she was hiding something.
“Didn’t you go to the game together?”
“Yeah…” She stopped talking.
“Sarah, please! What happened last night?”
“Well, Peter got all separate tickets and he sent Emily off with Max. Because we were so far from one another we all decided to catch a cab back to the hotel after the game. Emily was with Max the whole time and I know I heard them come in at some point, but it looked like they were going back out somewhere.”
“Why would she go out with him?” My voice rose, angry and frustrated. I couldn’t understand why she felt the need to spend unnecessary time with her ex.
Sarah tried to defend her friends. “I’m not quite sure what happened but it probably wasn’t anything serious. Why don’t you hang out with us? Emily should be back soon.
Suddenly, I felt a sick knot in my stomach. Sarah saw it on my face and feared having to answer my next question. “Is Emily with Max right now?” I asked slowly hoping she wouldn’t confirm my fears.
“We think they’re together but we’re not sure.”
“Sarah! What does that mean?”
She attempted an explanation but fortunately for both of us, Peter came in the room and explained what had happened.
“Jake.” Peter looked surprised. “When did you get here?”
“Just now, do you have news of Emily?”
“Yeah. Max called to say they got stranded at the Grand Canyon. They can’t get back tonight.”
This was only getting worse.
“How come they hadn’t called all day?”
“His phone wouldn’t work down there. They’re at the basin of the canyon. I’ll call him back and let Emily know to call you.”
“Thanks.”
“Jake, it’s not as serious as you think. Please don’t be upset with Emily. Understand that they are still friends. I’m sure it upsets you that she’s with Max but the two of them together is really no different than Emily being with Peter.”
I appreciated her comforting words though they didn’t comfort at all. My phone finally rang.
“Jake? What are you doing in Vegas?” A guilt ridden voice greeted me.
“Emi. Where have you been? I got worried when you didn’t answer your phone all day.”
“Well… I’m a bit stuck here in the Grand Canyon right now. A certain ex-boyfriend of mine brought me out to the Canyon then got us stranded.”
“Why can’t you get back tonight? How did you get out there in the first place?”
“We got on one of those helicopter rides and we missed the flight out of here. We’re stuck here for the night. I’m sorry. I wouldn’t have come here if I knew you were coming to see me.”
“Let me get a helicopter to come and get you. I don’t want you to be down there without me.” I couldn’t admit I didn’t want her to spend a night with Max. I’m sure she knew what I meant.
“It’s no use, Jake. They can’t come down here without the Haulapai Indians’ permission. Plus where we are, you have to walk at least another hour. It will be too dark by then.”
I let out an annoyed sigh.
“Why don’t you spend the night in Vegas and come into the Grand Canyon tomorrow morning? I’d love to go to the Skywalk with you. Can you do that or do you have to work tomorrow?” She was trying to use that same voice she used on me last night before we ended up in bed together. It wasn’t working its charm like it did last night.
“Emily. Where will you sleep tonight?”
“Right here on the ranch. Max and I will stay here, and then take a mule ride first thing in the morning up to the skywalk.”
Even more aggravated at the thought of them being anywhere near each other during the night I questioned, “Why are you there with him?” Then I quickly added, “Never mind, you don’t need to answer that.”
“I love you, Jake and I miss you. I’ll see you tomorrow morning?”
“Alright. I’ll see you then. Sleep well.”
“Good night.”
“Everything okay?” Sarah pierced into my eyes.
“Yeah, I suppose,” I answered glumly.
Sarah asked Peter and Charlie to go have dinner with all the other guys and she suggested we go a
nd have dinner on our own. She said she wanted to talk to me. We walked into CUT Steakhouse and sat down to have our meal.
“Emily will be green with envy if she knows I’m here with you. She’s been dying to come here,” Sarah informed me. I’d have to dine here again tomorrow if that was Emily’s culinary wish.
“Jake.” I was still in my own world worried about Emily and Max having spent too many days together. Sarah understood my woes. “Emily deeply loves you and only you. She hasn’t loved Max in a long time.” It was kind of Sarah to care about my feelings.
“I know she loves me but she gets in this weird funk whenever she spends too much time with Max. I don’t want him to undo all the progress we’ve made. It wasn’t easy getting this far with your overly-cautious best friend.”
Sarah started cracking up. “I wouldn’t worry if I were you. She’s head over heels in love with you. She told me you proposed after Hawaii?”
“Yeah, only to be rejected without a second thought.”
“You are always so sure of yourself and you come on so strong, it scares her. Though she hasn’t admitted it, she regrets saying no.” I was happy to hear Sarah’s conclusion. “Do you know what it took for her to agree to sleep with you? Just the consent alone tells me she wants to be with you the rest of her life. She never once wavered with Max. Give her some time, she’ll come around.”
“Sarah, I don’t understand why she’s so scared all the time. Why does she always believe I’ll leave her?”
“Because she thinks you’re too perfect. You shower her with love and gifts and do whatever you can to give her everything she wants. Max was an introvert just like Emily. He could never express his love for her like you did. This really bothered her. She was never fully sure that he loved her as much as she loved him. Maybe because she had been alone for so long, she always wanted assurance from Max and he couldn’t give that to her.”