Everlasting Love (Now & Forever)

by Johns, Melissa

  “Emily?” Alex said as he answered.

  “Hi, I hope I’m not bugging you at work.”

  “I told you that you never bug me. I take it you arrived safely?”

  “Yes, I’m about to head over to the arena right now.”

  Alex didn’t say anything for a moment then asked, “Have you seen Eric yet?”

  Emily softly whispered, “Yes, earlier today.”

  “How did it go?” Alex asked concerned.

  “Well, he kissed me.”

  Alex was quiet at first.“And?”

  “I told him it was wrong and stopped it. But, I wanted to be honest with you because it felt weird to keep that from you.”

  Alex’s response was much quicker and the tone of his voice was different. “Thank you for that, Emily. Well, I won’t keep you. Have fun and we will see each other when you return home.”

  “Alex, are you mad at me?”

  He paused before he spoke but kept the same tone as before. “No, Emily. I’m not upset with you. I just don’t like when someone touches what is mine.” Emily felt a chill race through her body and didn’t speak. Alex responded instead, “And your lips, those are mine.” Then he was gone.

  Alex made her feel different about herself. He gave her a stronger confidence that she didn’t have before she met him or when she was with Eric. She looked in the mirror and straightened her dress.

  The next few hours consisted of lectures, speeches and names being called out. When Eric’s name was read, the entire arena erupted in applause. Emily couldn’t help herself as she smiled ear to ear for him. Emma clapped along with everyone else.

  After all the festivities were over, Emily, Emma and Sam headed towards the college graduates. Eric ran over and grabbed his daughter, kissed her little cheeks and smiled at Emily. His parents congratulated him and so did his relatives. Emily noticed that Sam was in Rob’s arms as he introduced her to his relatives. She looked so happy.

  “Emily, can I take Emma over to introduce her to some of my friends?”

  “Of course,” Emily replied as she watched them walk away.

  A bunch of guys walked over to them and she could tell that they were from the football team. Then she glanced to the other side of Eric and Emily spotted the girl from the photograph, Nicole. She was laughing and smiling at Eric then she touched Emma’s hand and Emily lost it. Something inside her exploded, her face became red with anger and she wanted to scream, punch something, anything. That girl had the nerve to touch her daughter. No, no, no. Sam must have read Emily’s face and ran over to her. Emily nodded her head in Eric’s direction and it was clear to Sam what the problem was.

  “Give me a minute,” she said as she walked over to Eric and said something to him. She took Emma and headed back with Eric following behind her. Emily’s eye met the girl’s eyes and she quickly turned away from Emily and left.

  Sam was playing with Emma to distract her when Eric reached Emily. “I’m sorry, Emily. She shouldn’t have been there.”

  “Are you still seeing her?” Emily asked.

  “You broke up with me, Emily.”

  “So that kiss from earlier, are you cheating on her now?” Emily yelled.

  Eric started yelling back at her, “I can’t have this argument again. If you can’t be honest with me then I don’t have to be honest with you.”

  “What are you talking about, Eric?”

  “I can see it on your face, Emily. You smiled at your phone after reading a text from someone. You are seeing that Alex guy and you don’t have the decency to tell me the truth. So here, I will take the higher road and tell you, yes, I’m seeing Nicole and I’m having a blast. How’s that?”

  “Fine, Emma and I are leaving tonight. I can’t be around you right now. We can’t even have a normal discussion. When you get home, if you want to see Emma, just call and make an appointment. For the record, yes, I did have one date with Alex, nothing more. I never cheated on you and I never dreamt of hurting of you the way you continue to hurt me. To think, I honestly believed that we would be getting married this time next month. But, seeing how we can’t even talk to each other right now, I think my decision to break up with you was the best thing we could have done.”

  With that, Emily grabbed Emma, turned and left. She drove the three hours back to Buffalo and fell asleep on the couch.

  When the morning arrived, Emily rolled over and fell onto the floor, forgetting that she was on the couch instead of her bed. She sat up and leaned back against the couch. Her mother rushed into the living room when she heard the thud. “Oh Emily, what happened now?”

  Emily started to cry. “We had a screaming match right after the ceremony in front of everyone. I can’t do it anymore, Mom. We don’t see eye to eye on things anymore. He kissed me.”

  Her mom sat down on the couch and ran her fingers through Emily’s hair. “Honey, when did he kiss you?”

  “Before the ceremony, in my hotel room. I pulled back but not right away even though I should have. It was very confusing. We go from talking and getting along, to kissing, to fighting. It’s exhausting.”

  “Emily, you still have feelings for him. They may be buried and complicated but they are there. He’s familiar to you. You have been with him for years so of course there will still be emotions involved.”

  “Mom, I really like Alex. I need to see if my feelings for him are real and focus on that right now,” Emily said as she turned to face her mom.

  “I won’t tell you not to follow your heart, Sweetheart. I know what Alex brings to the table - money, the love of the arts, a great personality and I won’t lie, he’s hot as hell. So it’s quite the tempting package.”

  “Mom, I don’t want you to be calling my boyfriend hot!”

  Her mother gave her a look of surprise. “Boyfriend?”

  Emily hesitated. “I don’t know. I need to call him and let him know I’m home. Maybe I will stop over there so we can talk. Can you babysit for a little while?”

  “Of course, I missed her.”

  Emily got up and headed upstairs to check on Emma. Once they both showered and dressed, they headed downstairs for breakfast.

  “You look nice, Emily,” Paul commented as he handed her a plate of food.

  “Thank you, I’m going to head over to Alex’s and get my mind off of Eric for awhile.”

  Paul smiled. “Your mom has been keeping me up to date on all the events. Has Eric been to Denver yet?”

  Emily nodded. “Yeah, he’s going back next week. They are still working on his contract but he’s attending some mini camps.”

  “I still think that’s just awesome for him,” he paused and looked at Emily like had said something wrong. “Sorry.”

  Emily laughed, “Don’t be. You are right, it’s very cool. I won’t take that away from him. But, he needs to grow up.”

  Paul nodded and went back to his breakfast and morning paper. Emily kissed Emma’s cheek and headed out the door. It was a beautiful, unseasonably warm day in Buffalo. She wore a cute, short, sleeveless sundress and a pair of sandals. She pulled her hair up into a ponytail and drove to Alex’s home.

  As she pulled into the driveway, she admired the view once more. In the beautiful sunshine it was even more gorgeous. She parked in front of the house and rang the doorbell.

  Alex opened the door and looked surprised. “Emily, what’s wrong?” He grabbed her hand and pulled her into his house and shut the door.

  “Eric and I got into a fight and I drove home last night after the ceremony. I didn’t want to bug you so late so I thought I would surprise you this morning.”

  Alex sighed and looked at her. “Emily, when are you going to stop thinking that you are bugging me? You can call me at four a.m. and I won’t be mad. I love hearing your voice. I’m sorry about the fight though.”

  Emily nodded and whispered, “I really wanted to see you.”

  Alex smiled down at her and leaned in. He kissed her gently at first, barely touching her lips. Sh
e could feel his warm breath against her lips as she parted them and moaned slightly. Alex took the chance and deepened the kiss, pressing her lightly against the front door. His arms were at the sides of her head against the door as if he was supporting himself. Emily moved her hands to his chest and under his t-shirt. She felt his chest for the first time as Alex groaned. She lightly ran her nails over his bare skin and deepened the kiss more.

  His left hand moved from the door to the side of her face as they heard someone clearing their voice behind them. They broke their kiss and Alex turned to face whoever it was while Emily tried to regain her composure.

  She looked around his shoulder since he still hadn’t moved and saw his assistant, Sue standing next to the staircase. Alex turned back to Emily. “Sorry, we were working on the next round of display information this morning.”

  “Oh no, I am bugging you. I should go.”

  Alex didn’t move an inch, keeping his body close to Emily and showing no sign of discomfort with the situation. “What am I going to do with you, Emily?”

  Emily got that gleam in her eye as she blushed and looked down at the floor. Alex laughed softly enough for her to hear him. “Do you want some breakfast, Baby?”

  Emily couldn’t help but smile at him. “I already ate, thank you.”

  Alex grabbed her hand and walked her over to Sue. “Good Morning, Emily. How are you?”

  Emily was uncomfortable by what had just happened and because she knew that Sue liked Alex. It was obvious even if he didn’t see it. Who else would come to their boss’ house on a gorgeous Saturday morning to work?

  Emily turned to Alex. “This is the first time I’ve seen you in casual clothes. I was wondering if you even owned a pair of jeans.”

  Alex smirked at her comment but it was Sue who commented, “Weird, right?”

  Emily nodded but more because she still thought it was awkward being there with Sue just as Alex spoke up, “Sue, I think we are done for now, why don’t you go and enjoy your weekend?”

  Sue smiled at him. “Of course, thank you,” she said but sounded disappointed to be leaving. “I left your appointments for Monday on your desk and don’t forget to call your sister back.”

  Alex nodded. “I told you that I couldn’t live without her.”

  Sue blushed at the compliment and grabbed her purse as she left. “Have a good weekend guys, and see you on Monday, Alex.”

  Alex turned back to Emily. “What are your plans for today?”

  Emily shrugged. “I really don’t have anything since I’m not supposed to be here.”

  Alex took her hand and led her towards the French doors. I remember you saying that you wanted a tour of the backyard.”

  Emily smiled. “What a beautiful day to do it.”

  Alex smiled as they stepped out onto the beautiful stone patio. The perimeter was surrounded with bushes and decorative stones. He led her down the path to a small gazebo.

  “What do you think, Emily?”

  “It’s beautiful. If I lived here, I would never leave. I can imagine sitting right here, staring at your pond and drawing.”

  Alex smiled and sat next to her under the gazebo. “You are welcome to do that anytime. You can have your own art room here too, if you’d like Emily. When the mood strikes, you can come here and do your thing.”

  Emily leaned over and kissed him. “You are too good to be true, Alex.”

  “Did I tell you that you look beautiful today?”

  She blushed. “Thank you.”

  He leaned over and took her lips again. His fingers traced her cheekbone and then moved down to gently hold her hand. “Emily, can I ask you a question?”

  “You can ask me anything,” Emily said searching his eyes.

  “I know we have only been on one date,” Alex said as he played with her fingers. “And I know you are in a difficult situation with Eric but I would love to call you my girlfriend, Emily. I want to call you mine and be there when you need me.”

  Emily stared at him. She knew that earlier in the morning she told her mother that he was her boyfriend but she didn’t know what to say to him. She just broke up with Eric but she also liked Alex a lot.

  “Emily, if you need more time, that’s fine. I’m not pressuring you at all.”

  “Alex, I like you, a lot,” Emily paused watching him smile at her. “You make me feel special, like I’m the only girl in your world.”

  Alex jumped in, “You are, Emily. If you only realized how I never date. I’m so focused on my job. It’s nice, for a change, to enjoy myself with you.”

  Emily blushed. “My dating life has consisted of Eric and only Eric. He was my first everything and I have a beautiful daughter because of him. I need to make sure that all my decisions include her.”

  “I totally understand that. You know that I think Emma is wonderful and I’m honored you have allowed me into that part of your life,” Alex said brushing the hair out of her face that the wind took from her ponytail.

  “Oh Alex, you make it so tough,” Emily laughed.

  He smiled at her. “How about we get through your graduation and you give me an answer at that point?”

  Emily smiled and nodded. “Sounds like a plan.”

  Alex grabbed her hand and they continued down the path towards the pond. They talked about his education and past girlfriends. They talked about her love of drawing and her future. Emily had a chance to ask him about her artwork and what would happen next for her. They started back towards the house and passed the pool area. Emily loved the landscaping around it and how much effort Alex put into it.

  As they approached the doors to head back into the house, her cell phone rang. “Great, it’s Eric,” Emily sighed. “I should take this, sorry.”

  Alex smiled and nodded.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey. I’m sorry about yesterday. I got screamed at by my mother and I wanted to apologize for my behavior.”

  “Thank you and I’m sorry too for making a scene. I just wish we could get on the same page for Emma’s sake. Everything doesn’t need to turn into a fight,” Emily said as she glanced at Alex. He was intently watching her.

  “Me too Emily, I guess we just need some adjustment time.”

  “I agree,” Emily said as she looked back at Alex again. “Should I expect to see you in a couple of days?”

  “Yes, I will be coming home tomorrow and then if you still want, I will attend your graduation,” Eric said.

  “I would love that but you should know something,” Emily paused, “Alex will be there as my guest.”

  Alex walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her as if to protect her, and she placed her head on his chest.

  “So does this mean you are finally going to be honest with me?”

  “Yes, I guess you are right. We haven’t officially started dating yet but we are seeing each other and I do care for him,” Emily said feeling Alex’s grip tighten around her and his lips in her hair.

  “Did you end it with me to be with him? Is that was this has all been about?” Eric said raising his voice.

  Emily backed away from Alex. “I can’t believe after everything you did to break up this relationship that you really just said that to me!” Emily yelled as she started to cry. Alex reached for the phone.

  “Eric, this is Alex. I don’t know what you just said to her but if you make her cry again, you will have a bigger problem to deal with.”

  Emily couldn’t hear Eric’s response but she knew he wasn’t happy. She didn’t want another fight with him. She had done nothing wrong. This was all Eric’s fault, not hers.

  “We will need to get along, Eric so I suggest you come to Emily’s graduation and introduce yourself to me because I’m not planning on letting her go for the foreseeable future,” Alex said as she stared at Emily. “Good Bye, Eric.”

  He ended the conversation and reached for her arm, pulling her close to him. “Emily, did I overstep my bounds? I just hate seeing you cry because of him.”


  Emily shook her head. “No, you were right and it’s just been a long time since someone stood up for me like that and I’m tired of fighting with him.”

  “Get used to it. I plan on making you my first priority.” Alex smiled and leaned down to kiss her fully on the lips. He then picked her up and wrapped her legs around his waist. Alex carried her into his study and laid her down on the couch, propping himself up with his arms on either side of her, so that the weight of him wouldn’t crush her. Their lips continued to dance with each other as her hands ran up into his hair and over his back. He moaned softly in response.

  His fingers traced the side of her throat and travelled down the rest of her body. She tugged at his lower lip with her teeth as he pulled away, clearly out of breath.

  “Are you ok?” Alex asked.

  “Yes, thank you.”

  “I told you on the phone, you are mine. Especially these,” Alex said as he took her lips again.

  Emily groaned as she pulled away and looked into his brown eyes. “You are perfect.”

  Alex frowned. “I’m not perfect, by any means, Emily. I have my issues but when I’m around you, I forget it all.”

  Emily smiled. “You know, you still haven’t finished giving me the tour of your house yet.”

  Alex sat up and grabbed her hand. “How rude of me, please forgive me. Would you like to see the upstairs?”

  Emily nodded and followed him to the main staircase. As they climbed the stairs, she remembered the awkwardness of being interrupted by his assistant earlier. “You do know that Sue really likes you, right?”

  Alex sighed. “You need to stop that already. We are just coworkers and good friends.”

  Emily laughed. “That may be how it is for you, but Alex, no one comes to their boss’ house on a Saturday unless it was an emergency and today looked pretty casual.”

  Alex laughed. “Are you jealous, Baby?”

  Emily looked away from him because without realizing it, he had cut right to the issue of her insecurity. “She is a lot prettier than I am, you work so closely together and you guys get along so well. It just seems like if anyone would be perfect for you, it would be Sue.”