Heart Block

by Melissa Brayden

  He doubled over. “Man, I’m getting beat today.”

  Sarah laughed and checked her watch and then the door for the four hundredth time that afternoon, bracing against the parade of butterflies in her stomach before moving on to say hello to the next-door neighbors.

  It was approximately seven and a half minutes later when she heard the distant chime of the doorbell and excused herself quickly into the house. Damn it, she was too late. Her younger brother, Danny, had already answered the door and stood staring wordlessly at Emory. In fairness, Sarah couldn’t blame him. Emory wore off-white denim Capris and a turquoise top that Sarah could have easily predicted brought out the vibrant blue in her eyes. As she entered the room, Emory turned and smiled (was that shyly?) in her direction.

  Sarah beamed back. “You found us.”

  “I did. Your directions were perfect. I only got lost three times, which is good for me.”

  Sarah turned to Danny who was still blatantly staring at Emory. She resisted the urge to pop him in the back of his head. “Danny, meet my friend Emory Owen. Emory, this is my pesky little brother, Danny.”

  “Daniel,” he amended, extending his hand. His voice was suspiciously an octave lower than she was used to. She turned to him curiously and elbowed him in the ribs. “Stop it. Come on, Emory. Let’s go outside and I can introduce you around.”

  “Maybe we can talk later, Emory,” Danny called after them.

  She smiled. “Definitely.”

  Sarah turned around and shot him one last “what’s gotten into you” glare before pulling Emory into the yard. Once on the vacant patio, they had a brief moment alone, several yards from the nearest guests. Someone had put on a CD, and Tejano music now blared throughout the yard louder than Sarah would have liked. She planned to fix that problem shortly. In the meantime, her interests were elsewhere. “I’m glad you’re here.”

  “Me too.” Emory was smiling.

  “Sorry about my stupid brother.”

  “Don’t be. He seems sweet. He also looks a lot like you, and that’s a big plus. You’re a sight for sore eyes, by the way. It’s been a long week.” Sarah couldn’t agree more and resisted the urge to touch Emory’s cheek. God, how she wanted to.

  “Maybe we could steal some time after this.”

  “That would—”

  “Sarah Rose, who is this nice person you have with you? Introduce your mother.”

  Sarah turned and found her mother standing five feet behind her, hands on her hips. She took a noticeable step away from Emory, who seemed to register the move behind her eyes. Sarah felt the guilt right away.

  “Mama, this is the friend I told you about, Emory Owen. She was also a recent client of ours. That’s where we met.”

  Emory stepped forward, instantly on. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Matamoros. Sarah speaks very highly of you, and I have nothing but rave reviews from the services Immaculate Home provided me.” Sarah smiled sweetly. If only her mother knew the extent of that statement.

  “Emory Owen! Of course.” Not missing a beat, she pulled Emory into a full-on embrace, probably gripping her tighter than Emory had ever been gripped. “Sarah’s told me all about what a wonderful experience she had working for you. I was so happy to hear that you two have grown to be good friends. And you know, Sarah’s phone has been ringing off the hook after that press release you sent out. She’ll have to tell you all about it. We’re so pleased you came to the party. Have you met Robert yet? He’s the birthday boy, you know, right over there. Oh, and, Sarah, introduce her to your cousin, Martin, next. He’s single, Emory, and very, very handsome.”

  Sarah suppressed an eye roll and instead smiled obediently. “Will do, Mama.”

  “Emory, can I get you a drink?”

  “Sure, um, maybe a glass of white?”

  Her mother frowned and turned to Sarah. “Do we still have that bottle your Aunt Mariana gave us?”

  “How about a beer, Em?” Sarah knew full well the bottle in question was covered in dust and well past its ten-dollar prime.

  “Yes! Of course. I would love a beer. Any kind you have.”

  Her mother smiled gregariously once again. “Miller Lite?”

  “Perfect.”

  “Coming right up!”

  As her mother scurried happily to the cooler, Emory closed her eyes and sighed. “Sorry. Strike one.”

  “We’re just more of a chips and beer kind of a family is all.”

  Emory lifted one shoulder. “I love chips and beer.”

  “Sure you do. Come on, I’ll introduce you to all the key players. Try to look somewhat attractive, okay?”

  Emory couldn’t help a short burst of laughter as Sarah tugged her into the yard. She met several of Sarah’s aunts, uncles, and cousins, who were all very friendly and maybe even a little tipsy. Next, she met Robert and Cristina and their baby. Robert looked like a bulkier, he-man version of Danny with thinning hair. It was fascinating to meet so many people who resembled Sarah and Grace. As if on cue, Grace appeared out of nowhere and threw her arms around Emory’s waist. She looked down at her affectionately. “Hiya, kiddo. How’s your life?”

  “Great. How’s your life?”

  “Can’t complain. Ready for school?”

  “I can’t wait. Only two more days. We did all of our shopping this week. Mindy and I are in the same class this year.”

  “Well, that’s a plus. And George?”

  Immediately blushing, Grace tugged on Emory’s arm, prompting her to lean down so she could whisper in her ear. “He asked me to go to SeaWorld with his family. I haven’t asked Mom yet. I wanted to get your advice. I’ll tell you about it later.”

  “Deal,” she whispered and nodded, taking the situation as seriously as Grace seemed to be. With that, Grace scampered away to play freeze tag with her rather boisterous group of cousins.

  Sarah surveyed the action from a few feet away. “Why do you get all the juicy information?”

  “Because you’re the mom and are thereby deemed ineligible.” Sarah frowned and Emory laughed. “Cheer up, Charlie. I’ll tell you everything she said if you want me to.”

  Sarah was thoughtful. “No. As long as it’s not life threatening or morally threatening, I can handle not knowing every little detail of her life the second it comes off the presses. I want her to know that she can trust you.”

  “Well, it’s neither of those two things, rest assured. Now, when do I get to meet your dad?”

  And here we go. “How about now? Come on. He’s on grill duty, his favorite pastime in all of life. He’s going to love you, by the way.” Sarah knew this was a big introduction. Her father was the most important man in her life, and she needed for him to see how wonderful Emory was.

  There was a spring in her step that took a shuddering leave of absence the moment she took in the scene ahead. Carmen and Roman stood next to the grill laughing. Alongside them, complete with her smiling father’s arm on his shoulder, stood James. Sarah froze, and her mind scrambled to piece together the probable series of events.

  “Surprise,” her mother whispered in her ear from behind. Sarah’s fears were confirmed. Unable to form a complete sentence, she felt herself ushered by her mother over to the group, Emory lagging somewhere behind.

  “Hey there, beautiful,” James leaned in and kissed her cheek.

  She was still in somewhat of a state of shock and answered evenly. “Hi.”

  “I hope you don’t mind me popping in on you. Your father invited me when I stopped by the job site earlier this week.”

  “I told him to!” Her mother grinned like the cat that swallowed the canary. “I knew you’d be thrilled to see James, and this gives him a chance to meet the rest of the family.”

  James wrapped his arm around her mother’s shoulders. “Well, then it’s you I have to thank, Mrs. Matamoros.”

  “Call me, Yolanda,” her mother answered dreamily.

  Sarah couldn’t believe this was happening, but was determined to keep a cool h
ead. “You’re always welcome, James. It’s nice to see you.” She looked to Carmen, whose eyes widened as if to say “I had no Godforsaken idea this was going to happen. Please don’t kill me.” She offered a tiny helpless shrug to punctuate.

  Deciding to stay the course, Sarah pressed forward. “Papa, I wanted to introduce you to someone. This is my friend, Emory Owen. Emory’s the CEO of her own company and went to Stanford.” A few bonus points couldn’t hurt, right?

  Roberto Matamoros turned to Emory and extended his hand warmly. “Are you the artist Graciela was telling me about?”

  Emory smiled and took his hand. “I suppose so, though I don’t actually paint anymore.”

  “My granddaughter thinks the world of you. Welcome to our home.” He patted her hand and bowed his head. But his attention shifted back to James and Roman, the men clearly taking precedent with him in this moment. “So, James, do you have any other big projects lined up?”

  “Several actually. It’s hard to juggle them all, but if I want to make partner someday, I have to burn the midnight oil.”

  “The corporate world can be cutthroat, that’s for sure,” Emory interjected.

  “I do okay.” James turned to her.

  “I’m sure you do.”

  James eyed Emory and Emory eyed James until finally Sarah couldn’t take it anymore. Clearly picking up on the tension, Carmen swooped in and saved the day. “Emory, we haven’t met yet. I’m Carmen, Sarah’s best friend and, might I add, closest confidant,” she said, emphasizing the words. “She tells me everything. I’m thrilled to finally meet you.”

  Emory beamed. “Thank you. I’ve been anxious to meet you too. Sarah tells me that you two have quite a history.”

  “You can’t even imagine.”

  “Sarah,” her mother interrupted. “Why don’t you introduce James to your brothers, and maybe later he can meet Grace.” She shot her a not so subtle wink, which Sarah refused to return. Sarah looked apologetically at Emory, who stared back at her blankly. Feeling caught and unsure how to proceed, she begrudgingly gave in to the pressure.

  “Sure. Follow me, James.” She walked James across the yard, and when they were out of earshot, tugged on his sleeve bringing them to a halt. Yes, they were in the middle of the yard, and yes, people were watching them, Emory included, but she had to figure out this situation and quick. “James, I just need to be clear. I’m seeing someone else. I thought you understood that.”

  “I do and I respect it entirely, but it doesn’t mean I’ve completely given up on you forever. We’re still friends, right?”

  Sarah softened. “Yes, but that’s all it can be. I just want to be sure we’re on the same page.”

  “We are, beautiful.”

  She closed her eyes momentarily in frustration. “See, right there, that’s what I’m talking about.”

  “The fact that I called you beautiful?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m sorry. If it makes you uncomfortable, it will never happen again.”

  “I appreciate that.”

  “Unless you want it to.”

  “James.”

  Over the next ten minutes, she introduced him to all the same people she’d introduced Emory to. There seemed to be a markedly different reaction to James. At the mention of his name, her friends and loved ones lit up, a sign that they’d been prepped by her mother well in advance about who he was and his potential place in Sarah’s life. In response, he was universally given the careful attention she’d hoped they’d show Emory. It was disheartening and entirely counterproductive to what she’d hoped to accomplish that day.

  Leaving James to continue his in-depth discussion on drafting techniques with Robert, Sarah located Emory across the yard, who much to her horror was standing with her mother and cousin Martin, the creepy funeral director. Realizing that her mother was already in matchmaker mode and a rescue mission was now necessary, she wasted no time. Sliding up next to Emory, she briefly squeezed her hand. She needed to explain things, and now was as good a time as any. “Can I borrow you for a sec?”

  Emory turned to her with immense amounts of gratitude in her eyes. “Sure. Excuse me, Martin. Maybe we can finish the uh, embalming story later.”

  Sarah led Emory back into the house and down the short hallway. “Where are we going?” Emory asked.

  “Shhh.” She quickly pulled Emory into the small hallway bathroom, closed the door, and locked it. As she turned around, Emory offered a plastic smile and it didn’t escape Sarah that she stood about as far away as the tiny bathroom would allow.

  “Let me explain.”

  “There’s no need. I know you didn’t invite him.”

  Sarah closed the distance between them and tucked a strand of hair behind Emory’s ear. “All the same, I’m sorry.”

  “I know.” But Emory didn’t seem convinced.

  “It bothers you. I can tell.”

  Emory stared past Sarah at a stack of decorative hand towels. “It’s just been a while since I’ve had to hide who I was. I don’t like how it feels. Your parents are very excited about the prospect of you and James, and I get to watch that play out. It’s…less than fun.”

  “I know, trust me, I know. I guess I just wanted to finesse this for them a little bit. Parcel out information slowly. I know my family, and it will be better if I can ease them into the idea of you and me.” She let her hands drop from Emory’s shoulders where they’d rested. “I’m sorry. I feel like I’m screwing this whole thing up.”

  Emory tilted her head and met Sarah’s eyes. It was clear she was softening. “Sarah, look at me.”

  She did.

  “So it’s not the easiest of days. Let’s just try and get through it. The fact that James is here just caught me off guard and complicated an already touchy situation for me. But I’d rather not focus on that. I’d rather focus on you, which is all I tend to do lately anyway.”

  Sarah let the comment settle and took a step in. She slid her hands onto Emory’s hips and rubbed her abdomen with her thumbs. “In that case, I should probably confess that I’ve wanted to kiss you ever since you walked in the door.”

  A shy smile crept across Emory’s face. “You have?”

  “Mhmm. You have the most kissable mouth I’ve ever seen.” Sarah placed a hand behind Emory’s head and guided her in. The kiss was just as electric as Sarah knew it would be, hungry and fast with no buildup required. Easing Emory’s body up against the door, Sarah melded against it, moaning quietly into Emory’s mouth as their tongues danced. In a stroke of fantastic timing, there was a knock on the door. Damn it all.

  They froze.

  Sarah pulled her mouth away and listened. Please God, let them leave.

  “Hello in there? Everything okay?” Oh no, it was her elderly aunt Sofia. Sarah felt like a deer in front of an eighteen-wheeler as Emory tried unsuccessfully to suppress a laugh. She placed a much-needed hand over Emory’s mouth but couldn’t help smiling herself as she leaned into Emory’s ear. “That’s my great-aunt Sofia. She’s eighty-nine years old. We’re going to have to make a break for it, but I think we can take her. Follow my lead.” Emory nodded wordlessly and followed Sarah out of the bathroom. As they emerged, Aunt Sofia’s eyes drifted suspiciously from one of them to the other.

  “Sara, is everything okay? You were inside of the bathroom for a long time.”

  “My friend was just helping me…with a problem.”

  “Are you all right, mija? Should I get your mama?”

  “I’m fine. I just needed Emory’s uh, expertise for a minute. She was able to help a lot.” Emory smiled and nodded emphatically. They made their way silently through the living room and then exploded into laughter once they landed outside.

  Her mother smiled along with them. “What’s so funny, you two?”

  Sarah deadpanned. “Long story.”

  “Well, you’re just in time for dinner. Sarah, I have a seat for you down here with me, and, Emory, Martin has saved a seat for you next to
him.” She offered her second conspiratorial wink of the afternoon, this time at Emory.

  Sarah looked down the long table and the expanse of distance between her predetermined seat and Emory’s. And then there was the fact that her chair was coincidentally next to James’s. Just perfect. “Mama, I think Emory and I would rather sit—”

  “It’s fine, Sarah, really,” Emory interjected, feeling the need to smooth things over. It wasn’t entirely fine, but she didn’t want to make waves on her first meeting with Sarah’s family. She could hold her own against Martin and his grisly tales from the crypt for an hour or so. Luckily, Carmen was seated across the table from her, which might give her some reprieve.

  Unfortunately, dinner was nonetheless excruciating. She watched from afar as James flirted mercilessly with Sarah while her parents made over him like he was their long-lost son. By the end of it all, she was mentally exhausted and ready to make a quick exit. She thanked Mr. and Mrs. Matamoros, wished Robert a happy birthday, offered Sarah’s shoulder a squeeze, and headed for the door.

  She needed to get out of there.

  She needed to find her head.

  And she needed to figure just what exactly she’d gotten herself into. So she was acting like a coward, and retreating when things got rough. She was actually okay with that. As she turned the knob, she was stopped by the sound of a small voice. “Emory, wait.”

  She turned and Grace appeared, breathless. “Are you coming over later? Mom said you might.”

  Emory hesitated. She wasn’t in the best of moods, and maybe a night on her own would help her decompress a little. “I don’t think so, Grace. Maybe another night.”

  Sarah appeared in the entryway and wrapped her arms around Grace from behind. “Please?” she chimed in. It was clear from her clouded expression that the events of the day had taken their toll on her as well. “We can eat raw cookie dough out of the tube.” Sarah’s eyes held hope.

  Emory stared at them and felt her resolve crumble as it often did when she was sucked into their vortex. How could she resist such an odd and wonderful offer? “Well, only if there’s raw cookie dough,” she said quietly.