Page 69 of Caught in the Middle

“Is that a no then?”

“I mean, it’s just,” Emma started then sighed. “I really like him. A lot.” She realized how true that was as she was saying it. “We have a lot in common and he makes me feel things I’ve never felt before.”

Lauren was beaming at her, hanging on every word.

Emma bit her lip as she chewed on her next words. It wasn’t that she was scared to say them, especially since someone who thought she was dating would expect a girlfriend to say something of the sort, but it made her nervous to acknowledge it out loud.

“But no, I don’t love him. I’m still getting to know him and I’m enjoying that. However, I think the more time we spend together the bigger risk I take of feeling like he could be the one. And I have no doubt I’d fall in love with him.”

Lauren’s smile was wide and true. “I don’t think that’s a bad risk to take.”

Emma smiled too. If only it were that easy. As far as she saw it, they’d been together long enough and handled the long-distance aspect fine so far. When instead, Emma hadn’t been in a long-distance relationship before and wasn’t sure if she wanted one. Nor did this turn of events leave them with much time together to decide what would come next. But that was something they could discuss while they were still here, if they both wanted to.

And last night was definitely a turn of events. She yawned as if remembering how many times they’d had sex and how late they were up triggered the exhaustion she’d felt this morning. However, that didn’t stop her from trailing her finger down Cam’s chest and whispering for him to meet her in the shower before she had to meet up with Lauren.

“If anyone’s worth the risk, I think it would be Cam,” Emma admitted.

Lauren let out what could only be described as an excited squeal before she reached across the table, taking Emma’s hands into her own and giving them a big squeeze. “I’m so happy for you,” she said.

They returned to their almost devoured food, Emma unable to stop smiling at that. Who would’ve thought she’d start falling for the man who should have ran from her hotel door but instead decided to invite her to dinner? A small chuckle escaped her.

“Thanks for letting me do this,” Emma ended up saying at the same time as Lauren said, “I’ve been wanting to talk to you.”

They both stopped and looked at each other. “Oh, sorry, you go first,” Emma said.

“No, no. You go,” Lauren insisted.

“I just wanted to say thanks for trusting me to take your photos. I always have fun doing this kind of stuff, especially with you because it’s nice getting to hang out.”

“I agree, and I hope you’re joking though. I’m so thankful you were willing to do it, and I hope you know I’m still willing to pay. I know others pay big money to hire you on.”

Emma looked appalled as she waved her hand in the air to dismiss that notion. “I would never take your money. Besides, you bought snacks.” She gave her a wink. “We’re even.”

Lauren laughed and shook her head. “Well, I really am thankful. I know your schedule stays full and you’ve built a name for yourself, so to not forget me means a lot.”

“Please,” she practically shouted. “You’ve built just as big of a name for yourself, too.” Emma raised her cup. “Here’s to us going out there and carving a place for ourselves in this world.”

Lauren followed suit, gently tapping their coffees together as they shared a smile.

“What were you saying though? You wanted to talk to me?” Emma asked. She noticed Lauren’s smile falter.

The woman set her drink down after taking a sip and moved her hands to her lap as she sat up straight. “Well,” she began. “I know we’ve not talked as much lately, and I guess I was hoping to clear the air or address anything if we needed to.” She looked up to Emma, her face contorting into an uncomfortableness. “I don’t know. I was just hoping to see if we’re all good because I don’t like the idea of there being any tension between us.”

Emma took a moment. She knew Lauren was referencing her and Asher’s relationship and the women’s less-than-usual communication these past six months. However, she was slightly surprised that she felt the need to bring it up after how much fun they’d been having this week. Then again, she had been dreading coming here, so it wasn’t an entirely misplaced idea to bring it up.

“I’ll be frank,” Emma said, her tone light, yet she still saw Lauren tense. “I know we’ve not seen each other since you came to visit me in North Carolina.” Which was after she and Asher had broken up and Lauren insisted on coming to drag her out of the apartment for something besides work and grocery shopping. She hadn’t been moping about, but from an outsider’s perspective, it probably had looked that way.

“I know,” Lauren said quietly.

“But the lack of usual communication has been a mix of a busy schedule on my end and just not knowing how or wanting to bring up yours and Asher’s relationship.” She went on before Lauren could say anything. “It’s not because I care or am bothered by it, but I was shocked at first. At the same time, I could probably understand not knowing how to tell me you two started dating either. I don’t know. It’s messy and complicated, but at the same time, it’s not, because I’m happy for the two of you if you’re happy. I wasn’t ready to be around everyone, or at least you two, because I had this irrational fear that everyone might treat me differently or something.” The word outsider came to her mind. She hadn’t wanted to feel that way.

Lauren took a drink of her coffee again, a nervous habit that Emma knew she had.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you before posting that picture.”

Emma smiled and shook her head. “Thanks, but it’s all water under the bridge. I’m sorry I didn’t reach out to you about it either.” She let out a laugh. “I don’t know what I was so worried about, honestly. This has been the best week ever.”

Lauren gave her a radiant smile, her nerves having seemed to leave her. “It really has been. I was so nervous to come at first,” she admitted. “But when Lulu said you decided to come after all, I thought it had to be a sign that you weren’t bothered or mad or anything. Besides, I just couldn’t imagine missing a family vacation.”

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