Page 82 of Sebastian

“You’re coming?”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Addie lunged forward and melted in Emma’s arms. “Thanks, Emma.”

“Alright kiddo, how about you put your headphones on and pick a movie to watch on your tablet. I’m going to order some food tonight, so you can show Emma your dance after dinner,” Nat called from the kitchen.

“Okay, Mommy.”

Addie plopped down with her tablet and headphones in front of their bookshelf, almost immediately lost in her princess movie.

“That’ll give us at least an hour of talking time,” she said as she handed Emma a glass of wine that was filled all the way to the brim.

“Nat!” she laughed. “Are you trying to get me drunk?”

“You know it,” Natalie winked. “You deserve to just unwind after the last few weeks. How are you holding up?”

Emma took a long sip of the drink, enjoying the way it almost immediately helped her relax.

“I honestly just want this whole mess to be over with. I’m ready for all the women in Clarence County with brown hair and hazel eyes to be safe again.”

“It’s so wild to think that all those women were targeted because they looked like you.”

“I don’t know how to ever get over that, honestly. I feel so guilty.”

“No, Em. I didn’t mean for it to come out that way. It’s not your fault. Have you thought about talking to someone?”

“I have Sebastian. Although, we’re not really seeing eye to eye at the moment about things.”

“I mean, have you talked to a professional? A therapist, maybe? Or a counselor? I don’t know. From what you’ve shared about your past, and everything that’s happened now, it might be a good idea.” Natalie took a sip of her wine. “I know I’m not allowed to know everything that’s going on, but I gathered that the meeting yesterday didn’t go too well for you both.”

“You’re probably right about needing to see a professional, Nat. I just want to see that the guys are successful in their take down. Then I can deal with the whole shit-show going on in my mind.”

Emma’s phone buzzed.

“You need to get that?” Natalie asked.

Looking at the screen, she saw Daisy’s name flashing.

“It’s Daisy. You don’t mind, do you?”

“Not at all. I’ll order our dinner while you chat.”

“Thanks, Nat.” Emma smiled and quickly accepted the call. “Hey, Daisy.”

“Em! Are you okay? I went by the hotel because I forgot to invite you out to the farm for dinner when we were together earlier, but you’re not there and then I saw all the guys eating at Sal’s on my way to storm Sebastian’s apartment. What’s going on? Why aren’t you with one of them?”

“It’s okay. I’m fine, I promise. I’m at Natalie’s. Just having a girl’s night with her and Addie.”

“I thought you were always going to have one of the guys with you, for protection?” Her voice was filled with concern, and Emma couldn’t help but feel a little guilty.

“Gage was going to stay, but they installed a security system here at Natalie’s when she first moved in and he knows it’s top of the line. He even came in with me and looked everything over before he left. Besides, if anything were to happen, all the guys would get a notification and come running. I promise I’m okay.”

“She said she’s at Natalie’s and she’s okay…” Daisy said away from the phone.

“Who are you talking to?” Emma asked.

“Just the Sheriff of Clarence County, who was about to launch a full scale search for you.”

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