"Almost done!" he shouted back, making me laugh again. I think I really did like him.
Chapter Seventeen
Emilia
Mrs. Navarro sure did talk a lot for having a husband who barely talked at all. She was almost more annoying than Cam who acted completely uninterested in me this time. He thought it bothered me, but I liked his disinterest. He didn't even say hello to me when he first walked through the door. He ghosted right past me and up to my father, so they could talk sports and resolutions.
Mr. Navarro was more quiet than usual. He didn't want to be anywhere near his wife while she blabbed on to me, my mother, or my aunt about nonsense. Her laugh was so obnoxious that it borderline made me nauseous. I didn't want to be stuck upstairs in this stuffy room with my mom and dad's friends. I wished so bad that I actually had friends of my own to invite. I'd wasted years clinging onto Tony, and now it's left me with lonely holidays. I needed Stephen.
It was only nine o'clock when I started to get particularly anxious. Mom and Amy had already polished off their first bottle of wine. Mr. Navarro and Dad were hardly around, and that frustrated me. I had held back on being with my lover (I know, a new level of maturity) to just get ignored in my own home. Mrs. Navarro started talking about Cam's scholarship to FIU, and I was so tired of hearing her talk. The knock at the door saved me.
I looked to my mother who squealed with Amy like they were teenagers before they rushed to the door. Nudging each other playfully, Amy finally took a deep breath then opened the door. She screamed along with the girl on the other side of the door. "Glad you could make it!" she exclaimed before stepping back and letting our new guests walk in.
I didn't recognize the woman who walked in. She was Amy's age and height with blonde hair she'd pulled back into a low bun. A taller guy walked in behind her with his hands on her shoulders, so he was obviously a boyfriend. Then my breath caught as I watched Stephen walk into my apartment for the very first time. I shot up from the couch, throwing Mrs. Navarro off balance a little, so she stood up too.
Stephen's eyes locked with mine. He had a little devious smile that sent sparks straight between my legs. I wanted to rush across the room and into his arms. I wanted to kiss him in front of everyone and declare him as mine. I wanted to hold hands with him the rest of the night and act like a normal couple, but my feet wouldn't move. I didn't know how my family would react if they knew.
He didn't make any obvious motions in my direction, so I sat back down. Amy circled around him like a vulture. He told me he made it very clear to her he was dating someone else, but she didn't seem to buy it. She tried offering him wine, but he shook his head. Her cheeks turned red with embarrassment at the small rejection.
The pretty blonde woman walked straight up to me, giving me a proper introduction. "You must be Mia! I'm Karen. I work with your aunt. I teach English." She reached out her hand, and I took it. She sat down in the chair next to me and beamed. "You two look so much alike. She literally says nothing but nice things about you."
I nodded. "Uh, thank you." I glanced over at Stephen again who was talking to my mother in the kitchen. He had his arms crossed, annoyed with the conversation. "How do you know my neighbor?" I asked, attempting to sound as innocent as possible.
Her eyes narrowed for a second before she looked over at Stephen then back at me. "He's my brother. How do you know him?"
My eyes widened just a little before I regained control. "I walk dogs for people in the building, so he asked me to walk Charlie while you were away."
She blinked. "What? No way! He didn't tell me that!" She sat up straighter in her chair now, leaning closer with wide eyes. "Charlie's a real sweetheart, huh? I missed him a little more than I missed my big brother." She snuck a glance at Stephen. "Don't tell him I said that, though."
I grinned. "Your secret's safe with me."
Stephen surprised me as he plopped down on the couch between me and Karen. She seemed suspicious again as she looked between us. Stephen grinned at me. "Hey, kiddo. How's it going?"
My eyes narrowed. "Kiddo?"
He nodded. "Maria was bragging about how you made Dean's List and all that last semester. Didn't know you were such a little goody two shoes straight A student." He playfully punched my arm.
My mouth gaped open. The way he was acting was confusing. He was teasing me, so it was obvious that we knew one another, but it wasn't exactly flirting. "Geez, you sure sound old," was the best I could come up with which made his eyes widen.
Karen crossed her arms. "You two seem close."
Her tall boyfriend appeared from outside. He was laughing as he strolled in with Cam. He leaned down and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before looking up at me. "Hey, I'm Zach," he said as he offered his hand. "How do you know each other?" he asked after we shook hands, noticing how close Stephen and I were sitting.
Stephen answered before I could. "She walks dogs in our building for extra cash. Thought she seemed like a trustworthy kid, so I asked her to help me with Charlie last week." Karen watched my reaction as I tried to play it cool. Stephen looked over at me. "How's Mrs. Petterman's dogs by the way? Did you give them their evening walk?"
My smile was forced. My face was hot. "Um, no, not yet. I was going to head down there a little after eleven."
He nodded. "Cool. I'll walk you if you don't mind. I have to go to work in the morning."
Mrs. Navarro popped up, "We'll probably be leaving around that time too, so we'll walk with you guys to the elevators."
Karen frowned. "No! Stay until midnight at least, Stephen."
He shrugged. "Sorry, sis. I can't be staying out all hours of the night. I'm not on winter vacation."
She groaned and rolled her eyes. "Why are you so difficult? Also, leave the poor girl alone. She doesn't like you teasing her like a goddamn teenager."
A smirk tugged at my lips. If Stephen could tease then I could too. "Right. You're making me feel uncomfortable, Mr. Jacobs. Maybe I'll just stay here until after midnight, so you don't have to worry about walking me down there."
His eyes were sparkling while he grinned at me. "Okay, Mia. Whatever you say."
Mrs. Navarro jumped in again, keeping her eyes on Stephen. "Where's your family this New Years?"
"Uh," his eyes narrowed a bit before he washed it away, "my daughter is with her mother for the holidays."
"What about your parents?" she asked, completely oblivious. "I'm sure they're out on a nice date or with friends tonight, yeah?"
Karen chirped up, "Our parents passed away."
Horror struck Mrs. Navarro's face. Did I look like that when Stephen told me? "I'm so sorry to hear that. How? If you don't mind me asking…”
My eyes beat down on Stephen who cleared his throat before speaking. "Uh, car crash."
She put her hand over her heart and closed her eyes for a second, letting the shock run over her. My hand ached to hold Stephen's, but he simply rolled his eyes as he and Karen exchanged a look. Did this happen often? "Oh, I can only imagine," she bellowed, "I'm glad you two still have each other. And you still have your daughter."
Stephen nodded, polite with a forced smile. "Yes, ma'am. We'll be okay. Things happen." It was quiet for a second before Stephen tapped my arm. "I'm gonna go get some fresh air."
I nodded then noticed Karen's eyes on me again. He wasn't being subtle at all. It was so obvious there was something going on between us.
He got up and walked out on the patio as Zach followed, looking like a lost puppy. Poor thing. Didn't know a soul here. Karen crossed her arms, basically glaring at me. I cleared my throat before coming up with some bullshit excuse to get up and join my mom and aunt in the kitchen.
"He's seeing someone," my aunt whispered to my mother. The urge to roll my eyes was very strong. "I'm not going to hit on a man who already has a woman."
"Well, as a friend, you're still coming on a little strong. He looked so uncomfortable when you invited him here, and
now he's acting even more out of place." My aunt invited him? Great. I bet she thought this would be a step in furthering their relationship.
Amy noticed me and winked. "Hey, girlie! How's it going?"
I shrugged. "It's going." Play dumb. "Who are you talking about?"
Amy opened her mouth to answer, but Mom talked over her, "Oh, honey, just some adult stuff." Ouch. "You'd get bored. Why don't you go talk to Cam? He should be outside with your father."
Amy and I stared at her for a moment before I rolled my eyes in her face and stalked out of the kitchen and outside. Dad had his hand on Stephen's shoulder as they laughed about something. Cam had his phone out, texting. He noticed me for a second before turning to face the view. "Mia! Get over here, baby," Dad cooed and opened his arm for me to hug him.
Stephen and I stared at each other as I perched under my dad's arm. I glanced up at my dad's beaming face. He was a little buzzed. "Mom sent me out here," I informed him. "She doesn't like talking to me very much."
Dad shook his head. "Oh, baby, that's not true." He kissed my cheek, and I flushed, glancing at Stephen again who watched us with amusement. "You've met my daughter, right?"
Stephen nodded, crossing his arms as he leaned against the railing. "Yeah, I did. Good kid." Okay, enough with the kid stuff. "She helped me out when my sister left me with her dog for a few days."
Why does he keep saying that? "Oh, that's wonderful! I didn't know you were her client. You're dating Amy now, right?"
He shook his head. "No, Amy is simply my sister's friend. She's a sweet woman, but I'm seeing someone else."
Be still, my heart. The back door opened, and Amy peeked her head through. "Celebration on Times Square is on TV." We all nodded in response before she disappeared back inside.
We followed her in, and thus began the most awkward New Year’s celebration of my life. Stephen and I sat next to each other again with Amy on his other side and my dad at my side. We stole glances at one another, making small talk, but nothing too obvious.
Karen kept glaring until eleven-thirty when I announced I needed to go check on the dogs. Dad made a big show about kissing me goodnight at the door. My cheeks flushed as I left the apartment and headed to Mrs. Petterman's apartment.
Chapter Eighteen
Stephen
Emilia shut the door behind her. I had to hold myself back from running out into the hallway after her. Leaving now would be too obvious, so I needed to stay until the ball dropped. This entire night felt risky and fun. Teasing, watching, controlling myself. Knowing she'll make her way to my apartment later, so I can fulfill the promises I'd made over the phone on my drive home.
Pulling out my cell phone, I let her know when I'd come down. She responded with a Can't wait! followed by a bunch of smiley faces.
Once I put my phone back in my pocket, Karen was glaring again. She'd been glaring at me all night. Was I not paying enough attention to her little friend? "What's your problem?" I hissed.
"Oh, you'll find out soon enough," she spat right back at me. My eyebrow rose as I tried to think back on what I could have possibly done to piss her off.
Zach took the seat next to me with a plate full of food, also oblivious to Karen's newfound attitude. So typical of my baby sister to ruin a good night by finding some crap to get angry with me about.
Kevin chatted on with his friend Paul. Emilia's suitor, Cam, seemed particularly hostile toward me between his text messages. He was the one she'd complained to me about that first night we talked. I could tell after only ten minutes of standing out on the balcony with them. Their dads kept making comments to him about asking her out. They'd say, "Oh, she'll come around, son," when he'd made reference to her previous rejections.
He was an alright kid. A little moody, but still alright. Wasn't too different from how I was when I was fresh of out high school. They actually would make a nice couple. Why didn't Emilia want to date him? He was her age. He was a good-looking kid. He went to college and had a close relationship with his parents. Why the hell would she rather be with an old man like me?
Ignoring my insecurities, I joined in as they watched the ball drop. Emilia's parents kissed. My sister and her boyfriend kissed. Paul and his wife kissed. Amy kissed my cheek and I took that as my cue to leave. "It's been nice to meet everyone," I said at the door. "Hopefully, I can see you all around."
Kevin shook my hand. Great host. "Sure thing, Steve. Good to meet you, man." He patted my shoulder as I opened the door and snuck out.
Emilia texted me she was coming back from her walk with the dogs, so I rushed downstairs and got ready. I couldn't wait to prove to her how much I'd missed her over the last few days. How much I appreciated her infatuation with me. How much I valued her.
There was a knock at the door a little too quick to be Emilia. I checked the peephole, and Karen was standing in the hallway with her arms crossed. Shit, I guess we had to do this now. Emilia wanted to keep things secret, but I had no issues letting people know about us. I wanted to put confessions off until she was ready, but it was looking like I'd have to do it alone.
I threw the door open. My sister glared at me for the millionth time tonight. "What's your problem?" I asked, finally fed up with her attitude.
She started laughing. Not in a `ha ha' way, but in an `I've lost my mind' way. It was hysterical and a little frightening. "What's my problem? You're dating a fucking child, Stephen. Forgot to mention that to me?" She stomped into my apartment, knocking shoulders with me as she passed.
I froze at the door, unable to take a breath. How dare she ruin this shit for me? Turning on her, I slammed the door. She leaned against the couch with her arms still crossed, waiting for an explanation. Too bad she didn't deserve one. "She's not a child. She's eighteen years old, sis."
She laughed again. It made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. "Eighteen is still pretty young. She can't even drink yet. She can't even rent a goddamn car in most states."
I smirked at the one, finding an opening to annoy her. "Okay, like she would ever need to if she's with me."
She blinked, not impressed by my attempt to lighten the mood a bit. "Not the point I'm making! So not the point! She's a fucking kid." Her eyes widened. "Please tell me she wasn't a virgin when-"
My face scrunched up in disgust. "What? No! She was plenty experienced."
"So she's a slut then."
I blinked. "What? No!" She was pissing me off. "I can't believe you're judging me like this. You wanted me to date somebody. Now I am, and I'm actually pretty serious about it, but you suddenly have a problem with that."
She shook her head in disbelief. "You're serious about her? What the fuck is wrong with you? I wanted you to date someone your own age, Stephen. Not a little girl."
I groaned loudly, running my hand through my hair. "She's not a little girl. Jesus, you're making this sound all disgusting and wrong. She's an adult. She's a woman."
Her eyes narrowed as I watched her fucked up brain conjure some mean bullshit she was about to throw my way. "Oh, I bet she makes you feel real good, Stephen. I bet you barely have to try, and she's getting down on her knees, trying to please you." She cackled again. "Open your eyes. She's gonna grow up. She's gonna grow out of it and realize how creepy and inappropriate this is."
A pause. That one hit me right in the gut. I looked away from her. I was four years away from forty when Emilia would graduate from college. Would she still look at me with sparkling eyes when I grayed? Would she want to settle down with someone who'd be too old to run around with her kids in a few years? It was creepy and wrong. Why did it feel so right? "Yeah. Maybe."
Her face softened as she realized she crossed the line. She was cautious as she stepped closer. "Look, Stephen. I'm sorry. I didn't mean that." She shook her head. "I'm just worried."
I slumped past her to my couch. "No, you're right." Running my fingers through my hair, I let out a heavy sigh. "Emilia's still young and beautifu
l. She has all these opportunities laid out in front of her. I'm taking advantage, but it’s hard to stay away. It's hard to let her go. She makes me feel things I've never felt before."
Karen sighed too and slouched down next to me. Her eyes were clouded with confusion. She was a go-getter. She always knew what to say or do, but she was stumped. "How does one fall in love with an eighteen-year-old? I mean, how'd you even meet? What do you talk about? Why do you like her so much?"
I shrugged. "She actually did walk Charlie for me while you were away. We started talking a few weeks ago. Nothing more than neighbors. One evening, she came into my apartment, and things kind of happened from there. I don't know. I didn't expect any of this to happen or for me to feel this way, but it did, and I do."
She nodded with understanding. "She's so young, Stephen. She still has a lot of growing up and maturing to do before she'd ever be ready for anything really serious." I nodded at her concern. I knew those things. I just didn't want to acknowledge them. "Also, what about Layla? She'd get attached to her, and then when Emilia realizes you're an old fart and wants out, what then?"
Shaking my head, I let out a heavy sigh then leaned back on the couch. "I don't know. Can't I like her, and have that be the end of it?"
Shaking her head, she truly seemed distraught with my current romance. "That can't be the end of it. It's more than liking each other. It's…” she faded off before blinking away a few tears, "Just don't mess around with her, okay? No taking advantage of her innocence. I saw the way she was looking at you upstairs, and it wasn't good. She was looking at you like I don't know what, but it would break her if you changed your mind."
I shook my head. "I won't. I want to be with her. I want to be out in the open. I don't care what others think. And, if you didn't notice, I was looking at her too like `I don't know what.'"
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