Page 83 of Sebastian

Emma laughed. “I love that you both care so much about me, but I promise, I’m fine. Why didn’t you go up to the guys and ask?”

“We’re sitting outside of Sal’s right now in case you didn’t answer. But I’m team Emma until the end of times, so even though I don’t like the idea of you putting yourself in danger, if Seb can’t get his head out of his ass, then I don’t want to talk to him unless it’s life or death.”

“Have I ever told you that you are the best friend a girl could ask for?”

“Maybe a time or two.”

“Well, I’m about to say it again.”

“Yes, okay Hank, I’ll tell her,” again, her voice was slightly distanced from the phone. “My very bossy husband would like me to tell you that we are happy you’re okay, but I need to hang up so we can go home and get to bed, seeing as how we’re not having you over for dinner tonight.”

“Bed, huh?”

Daisy laughed. “You know these pregnancy hormones are no joke, and I have to take advantage of having a handsome husband when I can.”

“Girl, go get some. I’m happy for you guys.”

“Oh, you know I will. But seriously, Em, if something comes up and you don’t want to call the guys, just let us know. We can be there whenever.”

“I probably don’t say this enough, Daisy, but I love you and Hank.”

“We love you too. Oh!” Em heard Daisy gasp.

“What?”

“The baby just kicked me, hard. I think they’re trying to say they love you too.”

Emma forced the emotion searing in her throat down. “I love that little cupcake so much. See you guys later.”

“Bye, Em.”

* * *

“Her teacher tried to say it was going to be all unexcused absences, but I don’t even care. She’s about to be seven, and I want to take her on this trip so badly. What’s missing two weeks of school at that age even going to do to her? Certainly not a lifetime of damage!”

Emma was loving this night. Her friendship with Natalie had been such a bright spot in the darkness that recently overshadowed her life.

“Yeah, that sounds crazy to me. What are you guys going to do when you’re in Florida? I’ve always wanted to see a manatee in person.”

“Yes! It’s on my bucket list too. Addie and I have been reading about them at night. Oh, but speaking of water…” Natalie jumped up from her seat. “That wine went right through me! Bathroom’s calling.”

Emma laughed and grabbed her cell as her friend ran towards the bathroom.

No new messages. Nothing from Sebastian, even after she’d reached out. He was probably just trying to come up with the best strategy to convince her not to help with Marco. Well, the joke was on him, because nothing was going to stop her. The doorbell chimed, pulling her from her thoughts.

“Oh shoot, Em, can you grab that for me? It’ll be the delivery guy! I’ll disarm the security system from my phone,” Natalie yelled from the bathroom and Emma laughed.

“Sure thing, babe. But you might want to hurry because those dumplings will be gone in the next two minutes.” Emma walked to the front door, watched the red light turn green on the security panel and grabbed the handle. “Hey, thanks for the speedy del—” her breath caught in her throat and nausea rolled through her stomach as she braced against the door.

What should she do? She needed to scream. She needed to run. She needed to slam the door in his face. Natalie and Addie needed to be protected.

DO SOMETHING EMMA!

“Imogene.”

“M-Marco. Get the fuck out of here, right now.”

She threw her weight behind the door, trying to slam it in his face, but his foot stomped into place in the opening. Pushing through the door, Emma stood between Marco and Nat and Addie. She wouldn’t let him harm them.

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