Always (Bold As Love 4)
“Live a little, Jake. Has Emily whipped you that badly?”
“I’m not whipped. I’m responsible.”
Eve rolls her eyes and shrugs. My phone vibrates in my jean pocket, and I retrieve it. The phone seems tiny in my hand, even though it’s an iPhone. The screen is lit to tell me that Emily has texted me.
Good night.
Remembering that it is later in her time zone than mine, I reply aptly. Boy, I miss her already. As sudden as a spring storm, I am exhausted. I quickly wrap things up with Eve and return to my room to rest.
5
Emily
When I wake up, I stretch long and hard, trying to get the kinks out before I roll out of bed. I would be lying if I said that I'm not excited about today. I’m finally meeting Conrad's little boy, Logan. Drake is riding with me for the hour long trip.
Finally, we have arrived. Conrad and his spitting image son are sitting on the front porch swing. What a sight. Conrad stands as I walk up the porch and over to him. It’s so good to see him. Giving him a big hug, relief courses through me.
“How have you been?” he asks, taking a long look at me.
“Good. You?”
“Great. Logan, these are my friends Emily and Drake.”
“Hey!” he exclaims.
Crouching down to become eye level with the three year old, I hold out my hand, which he promptly shakes.
“Wow! You are a strong little boy.”
“Like Daddy,” he says proudly, looking up at his father with a smile.
“Go show Drake your room,” Conrad gently orders. Drake and Logan disappear inside. Conrad holds out his arm for me to sit on the porch swing, which I do, and Conrad sits down beside me.
“He’s adorable.”
“Thanks,” Conrad replies with pride clearly written on his face. “How are things with you and Jake?”
“Better.”
Conrad quirks an eyebrow, and I go into detail about the past year. He pats my knee and says, “I’m glad y’all are doing better.”
“Thanks. This trip has me worried though. It sometimes feels like I'm having separation anxiety.”
“Em, a little anxiety isn't too bad. It's probably somewhat good for you, but you're going to have to get used to not being with him every day or every night.”
“True.” I don't want to think about it anymore. “Enough about me. What about you? How have things been with you?”
“One more year of college left, so great. It’s always a struggle with Logan, but I love it.”
“What about with the ladies?” I smile at my question.
Conrad looks away before focusing on me again, trying not to grin. “I’ve met someone.”
“Really? Tell me about her!”
“Patience. You’ll meet her later today. Let’s go check on the kids.”
Nerves course through me at meeting Conrad’s friend. “Are you happy with her?”