Page 144 of Engulfing Emma

“It’s a strong emotion,” she says. “Maybe even stronger than love, I’m afraid.”

“It’s not,” Evie says. “There isn’t an emotion stronger than love. Love always wins in the end.”

I ruffle her hair. “You watch too many Disney movies.”

“Stop it,” she says, irritated that I messed up her hair. “And maybe I do watch them, but it’s how I know you will end up together, no matter how many other guys she dates.”

Evie immediately looks guilty about what she said. Enid scolds her. “Evie, you need to learn when to be discreet.”

“She’sdating?”

“She’s trying to get over you,” Evie says. “It won’t work, you know.”

She’s dating. After only two weeks. But when I think about it, I realize Emma and I were really only together for a couple of weeks ourselves.

“Evie,” Enid says. “Will you be a dear and get me some more iced tea?”

“Sure, Grandma.”

Enid watches Evie walk away. When she’s out of earshot, Enid turns to me. “My daughter loves you. I don’t say that lightly, having only loved one man in my life, so believe me when I tell you she’s only ever loved one in hers.”

I raise an eyebrow. “She told you this?”

“A mother knows.” She glances after her granddaughter. “We all know how smart Evie is. She thinks she understands love, but she doesn’t. Her mother is strong-willed. Always has been. That’s why a big part of me thinks that even though she loves you, she’s going to let fear and stubbornness stand in her way. It pains me to say this, but I think you need to find a way to move on.”

I stand here, confused as hell. “Enid, why would you tell me she loves me and in the next breath encourage me to find someone else?”

“Maybe because I don’t want to give you false hope. At the same time, however, I want to believe that love conquers all. What’s that saying? If you love someone, let them go and if they come back to you it was meant to be?”

I snort.

“All I’m saying is you can’t sit around and wait for her, because it might be in vain. Go live your life. Have fun. Date. You deserve happiness too, you know.”

“Here, Grandma,” Evie says. “Are you finished talking about all the love stuff you don’t think I’m old enough to hear?”

Enid and I laugh.

“I’ve got to get this one to school,” Enid says. “I promised Emma she’d only take half a day off.”

Evie gives me another hug. “Bye, Brett. See you in the window.”

~ ~ ~

Bonnie catches me holding a beer, pacing in front of the window after Leo goes to bed. She raises a scolding brow. “Again?”

“Stop judging me,” I say. “I can’t help it, knowing she’s right across the street.”

“Maybe you should think about finding another place to live.”

“I’m not going to let a woman drive me out of my house, Bonnie.”

“No, you’re just going to let her drive you crazy.”

“I’ll get over it sooner or later.”

She looks at me with gentle eyes. “So you’re just going to fall out of love with her?”

“Yes. No. I don’t know. But it’s only been a few weeks.”

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