The Emi Lost & Found Series

by Lori L. Otto

  “Love you,” I tell Emi.

  “You, too,” she returns.

  After an hour and a half, the kids are tired and hungry, so we head back to the lodge. Emi and my parents are still seated around the coffee table, talking to another couple. Jackie is lying down on the couch, her head in Emi’s lap. Emi strokes her hair as she sleeps. She looks so beautiful, the scene perfect. I stare from across the room, taking it in, knowing now, more than ever, that I want her to be the mother of our children.

  I can’t wait to have children with her. Her eyes meet mine and she signals for me to come to her. The other kids wake Jackie up and my parents take them all to get drinks.

  I kiss her slowly, touching her soft cheekbone, before taking a seat next to her.

  “That was nice,” she says.

  “I couldn’t help myself,” I tell her. “Do you have any idea what an amazing mother you will be someday?”

  “I hope I am,” she says. “If our kids are as sweet as Jackie, it will be easy.” Our kids. My smile grows wider at the thought. “You know, if we have them someday,” she adds, her cheeks getting red.

  “I hope we do,” I tell her, kissing her one more time. “How was the chat with my parents? What did you talk about?”

  “It was good. We just talked about, you know, things.”

  “What ‘things?’”

  “Well, I tried to dig up some dirt about you, but there is none,” she says. “You were apparently a model child... sounds like your brothers were the hellions.”

  “They were,” I tell her. “But I had my moments, I just hid my indiscretions well... and they trusted me a lot– more than they should have when I was a teenager. My sister, too. We covered for each other.”

  “Really?”

  “Uh, yeah,” I laugh, remembering one particular night when I was a junior in high school. My parents had gone out, and I had a girlfriend over. I expected them to be out much later, but they came home early. Kelly knew my date. They were in different cliques in school, but my twin sister and girlfriend pretended to be best friends when my parents came in. Kelly convinced my parents to let her stay over. I lost my virginity that night... and I owed Kelly dearly for her help.

  I remember I had to pay off Matthew when he saw her sneak out of my bedroom early the next morning.

  “In time,” I tell her, “you’ll hear them all, I’m sure... just not in front of the parents. I have a reputation to protect.”

  “I can’t wait,” she smiles.

  “Have you seen any of my siblings, by the way?”

  “Thomas and Kelly went to their cabin for awhile.”

  “Sans kids, huh?”

  “Yes, Brandon and his friend stayed on the slopes with the others.”

  “Are you getting hungry?” I ask her. “I’m starving. We have reservations in an hour, so they should all be getting back soon.”

  “Hope Steven’s mellowed,” she says.

  “If he’s not, I’ll take him outside and rough him up a bit.”

  “Right,” she says. “I’m pretty sure he could take you.”

  “He does play dirty... and, yeah, I’m not a fighter,” I admit.

  “No,” Emi says. “Lover, though...” We kiss again. “Do we have time to go change before dinner?” she asks.

  “Sure.” We wave goodbye to my parents from across the lodge and begin the walk back to our cabin. “We could have hitched a ride on a shuttle,” I tell her, remembering how sore she was earlier.

  “I’ll be fine,” she says. “I just need to walk it off.”

  “I could carry you,” I suggest, but she scoffs and glares at me. When we reach our cabin, Emi immediately lies down on the couch.

  “I’m not getting up,” she moans after I get out of the shower.

  “Yes, you are,” I suggest. “I’ll help.”

  “Just give me a second,” she sighs. “We’re dressing up tonight?”

  “Whatever you like,” I tell her.

  “Okay,” she says, excited, popping off the couch and running into the bathroom, closing the door behind her.

  “Um, can you at least hand me some clothes out of the closet?” I ask, laughing.

  “I’ll pick,” she says, eventually handing me my grey suit, an off-white shirt and a matching grey tie.

  I sit down in the living room, checking my watch periodically, anxiously waiting for her to come out so we can go to the restaurant... I don’t want her to find out the surprise...

  “Okay, I’m ready,” she says, walking out of the bedroom. She’s wearing a sleeveless off-white silk dress that falls to her ankles, accentuating each of her delicate curves. Her red hair falls in curls on her shoulders, her makeup highlighting her natural beauty. Around her neck is the beautiful necklace given to her by Nate, and I realize part of the surprise shouldn’t wait until we get back.

  “You look incredible,” she tells me quietly.

  “And you are an angel, Emi,” I tell her, nearly unable to breathe. Her cheeks turn red as she picks up her coat. “Just a second,” I tell her. “We’re not quite ready.” I walk into the bedroom and pull the suitcase out from under the bed. “Come in here for a minute,” I tell her, setting the rectangular turquoise box in the middle of the bed.

  She stops in the doorway as soon as she sees the gift that awaits her. She looks at me, unsure at first, then smiles. “Come sit down,” I encourage her. She sits on the opposite side of the bed, the box directly between us. She swallows hard, then touches her necklace slowly. She makes no move toward it, so I pick it up and untie the bow.

  “Wait,” she says before I pry the box open.

  “Why?” I ask, ignoring her request and slowly lifting the lid.

  “Oh,” she says softly. She touches the bracelet, double strands of pearls that match the necklace. “Jack, it’s perfect,” she says, her eyes tearing up.

  “I know how much the necklace means to you, Em... and it’s exquisite and you’re gorgeous in it, and I can tell it makes you feel beautiful, and I don’t want to take that away from you. I would never want to take that away from you.

  “But I wanted to give you something that would remind you of me.” I take the bracelet out and fasten it around her wrist. She takes my hands in hers and holds them tightly.

  “I have you,” she says, her eyes demanding the attention of my own. “You don’t have to buy me gifts, Jack. I think of you constantly. You don’t have to worry about my commitment to you, not for a second. I feel so lucky every single day we are together. There was a time that I truly believed that I would never feel happiness or love again... and to be honest, what you and I have surpasses anything that I had ever hoped for.”

  “I love you so much, Emi,” I tell her. I touch her soft cheek and we lean in to kiss each other. I glance at my watch again. “We need to go,” I tell her hurriedly.

  “Okay,” she smiles, standing up gracefully and straightening her dress. “Thank you,” she adds. “I love it.”

  “I’m glad.” I help her with her coat, and as soon as she picks up her cell phone to put it in her pocket, it rings.

  “It’s Jen,” she says, then answers the phone. We have to go... I guide her to the SUV that Lucas has left for us, locking the door behind us, as she talks to her sister.

  “Really? No, it’s fine, but why?” I help her into the car and make my way to the other side. She continues her conversation as I drive to the restaurant. “Alone? Where? No, really, it’s fine. I’ll be fine. It’s just... sudden, I don’t know... I had no idea you were considering moving out. Well, yeah, of course. No, I know... Well, when? Seriously? It’s nothing I did, though... okay. Well, of course, I’ll help when I get home. Late Sunday night. Okay. Alright, well how’s Clara? Oh, well, I miss her, too. Yeah, give her a kiss from me. Okay. Love you, too. Bye.”

  “She’s moving out?” I ask her.

  “Yeah,” she says, a little stunned. “She wants her own place. She found a townhouse in Astoria, two bedroom. They’re moving out
in three weeks.”

  “Wow, well, what do you think about that?”

  “I don’t know what to think,” she says. “I’ve never lived alone.”

  “Ever?”

  “No, never.” As much as I would love to just move her into my house, I want to prolong our courtship a little longer.

  “You can stay at my place anytime,” I offer. “Or if you want company, I’ll come there... watch Disney movies with you... or just watch you sleep like I did the first night you were there.”

  “I forgot about that,” she laughs. “Yeah,” she adds.

  “You know, I do have a confession to make about that night,” I tell her. She looks at me, curious. “Chris actually asked me to stay there... to keep you company that night.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah,” I smile. “He was really worried about you. But, of course, I was happy to oblige him. I was looking forward to spending a little time with you. But honestly, I kept thinking, she’s got to be wondering why this creepy guy she really doesn’t know is lingering in her apartment. I was waiting for you to kick me out.”

  “Well, I have a confession, too. I saw the message come in. I liked having you there. I needed someone there, but it was just... comfortable... with you there. I mean, the idea of us in a relationship was the farthest thing from my mind at that point... so you were safe... pretty harmless... plus, I fell asleep.”

  “Yes, you did. And I watched you for the longest time before I dozed off as well. You looked peaceful.”

  “Well, I would definitely like for you to stay over again... but I might need to do some redecorating first.”

  “Redecorating?”

  “Yeah,” she says. “I think the bed’s a little uncomfortable.”

  “It is, isn’t it?” I agree, considering the memories more than the lack of a pillow top or its firmness. “I’ll help you pick something out,” I suggest.

  “Okay,” she says, smiling. “I’d like that.” Maybe we’re finally making some progress.

  At dinner, all eyes are on Emi when I remove her coat and hand it to Bill. Matty whistles at her, making her blush. She smiles sheepishly before sitting down next to Renee.

  “I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore, Toto...” my brother says.

  “That dress is stunning,” Renee adds.

  “Thanks,” Emi says.

  “Wait, I think I saw that in Cosmo a few months ago. That’s from that new designer from... Philadelphia, wasn’t it?”

  “Wow, you’re good. A fashionista,” Emi says, nodding to Renee.

  “I actually looked into some of his dresses, but they were so expensive! I could never afford one.”

  Steven coughs from across the table, glaring at me.

  “That’s why New York is so fabulous,” Emi says. “Resale shop. I got it for 75% off the designer’s price. Worn once. Well, twice now.”

  I glare back at my brother.

  “You have to take me shopping next time I go to New York,” Renee gushes.

  “My sister-in-law is the shopper. She just drags me around and tells me what looks good most of the time. But I’d love for you to come,” Emi offers.

  “So, are you, like, a socialite?” Steven asks. “What do you do with your time? Get your hair and nails done with trophy wives in your circle of friends?”

  “Steven,” I admonish my brother. Emi puts her hand on mine.

  “No,” she answers, composed. “I work. I’m a graphic designer. I guess you missed that conversation.”

  “Starving artist kind of thing?” he digs further. “Needed a little extra bank?”

  “What are you implying?” Emi counters.

  “I think it’s obvious. What do you aspire to be? What do you hope to gain from being with my brother?”

  “Steven!” my mother joins in the conversation. Renee blushes, removing herself from the table.

  Emi just smiles her brilliant smile across the table. “It’s okay,” she says to my mom, then turns her attention back on Steven. “You think I’m with Jack for his money.” He raises his eyebrows. The table is quiet.

  “She didn’t even know–” I begin.

  “No, Jack, that’s really irrelevant,” she says. “Steven? Can I ask you something?”

  “What?”

  “Have you met your brother Jack? Do you know him at all?”

  “Of course,” he mutters, defensive. “I’ve known him a lot longer than you.”

  “Well, apparently, I know him a lot better than you. The Jack I know has a lot more to offer me than his money. It’s true, I had no idea about his wealth when we began talking, as friends. He was generous with his time, with his attention... his patience with me. He didn’t have to be. Our love for each other was there from the start, but grew deeper over time as we got to know each other... as we peeled beneath the layers, went beyond the people we are to the outside world. That outer persona is not what he’s about, nor what I’m about. You act like I’m with him so that he can elevate my social status... but in actuality, he grounds me. He’s my stability... my security–”

  “Security. Financial security,” Steven spits out. “Did you or did you not charge two bottles of champagne to my brother’s credit card the other night at the club?”

  “What?” Emi and I both say in unison, looking at each other.

  “And did you not flippantly say, ‘I’m not worried, Jack will take care of me,’ when we tried to stop you?”

  “That’s not what happened,” Emi says, shaking her head vigorously. “That’s not what I meant.”

  “Then, please, do tell us what you meant,” Steven pushes. “I saw him hand you his credit card before he left, ten minutes before you ordered the best champagne in the bar.”

  “That’s it,” I say, standing up. “Get up.” I can’t believe I’m about to fight my youngest brother. We haven’t done this in twenty years.

  “Jackson, sit down,” my father pleads.

  “Steven, shut up,” Matthew adds.

  “What don’t you like about me?” Emi asks.

  “I don’t see how you can love Jacks when you still love someone else. You don’t cry like that, don’t become an emotional wreck over someone you’re over. You’re not over that other guy... and then you go and drink away Jacks’ money.”

  “Now,” I demand of my brother. “Let’s take this outside.”

  “Jack, please stop,” Emi requests, pulling on my arm in an attempt to make me sit down. When I don’t, she stands up next to me, holding on to my forearm tightly. “Steven,” she begins. “You don’t know me at all. But when you’re ready to give me a chance, I’ll be here. And I forgive you.”

  “I’m not sorry,” he scoffs.

  “You will be,” I answer him, staring him down.

  “Boys,” my mother whispers harshly, looking around the restaurant that has become deafeningly silent.

  “I’m leaving,” Steven says, his face red. He pushes away from the table quickly, knocking down the chair next to his. I look around and notice a few of the other diners have been watching us. Embarrassed, I pick up the chair across from me before sitting down and adjusting my tie.

  “Are you okay?” I ask Emi. “Do you want to leave?”

  “I’m fine,” she continues to smile but begins to lose a little composure, her cheeks flushing red. “I’m sorry,” she says to the rest of my family, standing up abruptly and walking quickly toward the ladies room.

  “Emi, you didn’t do anything,” Kelly says as she starts after her. I hold my sister back.

  “I’ve got this.” I follow Emi to a small lounge area in between the restrooms. She’s sitting on the edge of a couch, looking frantically through her purse.

  “Jack, did you give me your credit card? Because I swear I didn’t charge that to your card. I put it on mine,” she stammers. “In fact, I went over my limit, the bank called yesterday, I know it was on my card.”

  “I didn’t give you my credit card, I gave you the room key, rem
ember?” I rub the back of her neck, attempting to calm her.

  “Oh,” she sighs, then looks up at me again with pleading eyes, speaking quickly and shaking her head. “And when they tried to stop me from ordering the champagne, I thought they just didn’t want me to drink anymore... so I was assuring them that you would take care of me if I came back to the cabin... drunk...”

  “It’s okay,” I smile, assuring. “You don’t have to explain anything to me, ever.”

  “I can see why Steven might think what he does. It did look that way...” She looks into my eyes, unsure. “I swear, I meant nothing by what I said,” she says again. We both look up at my mother abruptly when she announces her presence with a soft cough. “I’m really sorry...” Emi explains.

  “I am, too,” my mother cuts her off. “I’m sorry he’s being like that to you. He’s protective, like his older brother... he’s just looking out for Jacks...”

  “Don’t stand u–” I begin to argue, but Emi, again, squeezes my hand to quiet me.

  “I hope so, Sharon. Over time, I just hope you can all trust that I just want what’s best for him, too.”

  After our eventful dinner, I drive the SUV back to our cabin. On the way, I ask Emi about the night at the club.

  “Did you really max your card on champagne?”

  “Apparently,” she frowns. “I already made a payment, though. It’s fine. I had no idea how much champagne could cost... and apparently it wasn’t even the best they had.”

  “Emi...”

  “If it makes you feel any better, we were toasting how great you are. It was in your honor.”

  “Actually, no, it doesn’t make me feel better knowing you spent your paycheck on champagne you probably don’t even remember drinking. Let me pay for some of it... my family got you drunk, I can take the blame for that.”

  “I can take on some extra freelance jobs this month, it’s really okay.” She shrugs and shakes it off.