Page 23 of He Doesn't Deserve You

“No, you’re fine. I’m not mad,” Emily replied, picking up her plate from the counter. She carried them over to the table and took a seat.

Roman joined her at the table and said, “I got your luggage,” his tone eager to please.

“Thank you,” Emily replied, taking a bite of her pizza.

“So, what did you guys do today?” he asked, trying to make conversation.

“Ava played in the sandbox. She had a little accident. I used the washer and dryer. I hope that was okay.” Emily said.

“Of course,” said Roman.

They got through dinner with a bit of small talk. Then Ava, putting down her half-eaten slice of pizza, announced, “I’m done. Can I go play?”

Emily picked up a napkin and wiped Ava’s hands and face. “Yes, you can play for a little while, then I’ll give you your bath.”

Emily waited until Ava climbed down from her chair and headedinto the living room. Once she was out of earshot, Emily asked Roman, “Did you see Gabriel today?”

“Yeah.”

“And?”

“He didn’t see anyone. Just work and home.”

Hoping to learn more about Roman’s friend, Emily shifted the conversation. “Tell me more about the owner of this place. What did you say his name was again, Travis?” she asked, fully aware that Roman had never mentioned his name and watching closely for his reaction.

Roman turned away quickly, bringing his plate to the trash can, but not before Emily caught the fleeting look of a deer in headlights on his face. “What do you want to know?” he asked, attempting to sound nonchalant.

“I don’t know. What does he do for a living? Does he live nearby?”

“He lives in the area. Only about twenty minutes from here. He’s a research scientist for Merck Laboratories. Why the sudden interest in him?”

Shrugging, Emily replied, “I don’t know, just curious. I’d love to meet him one day and thank him for letting me stay here.” With that, she left the kitchen. “I’m going to give Ava her bath now,” she added as she walked out.

After bathing Ava, Emily joined Roman in the living room, where he was watching TV. Ava was wearing one of Emily’s T-shirts, which hung to her ankles.

“I’m going shopping tomorrow,” Emily announced as she settled onto the couch. “Ava needs some clothes.”

Turning to face Emily, Roman said, “I can take care of that for you.”

“That’s okay,” Emily replied. “I want to get out. I’m tired of being cooped up in the house.”

Roman frowned. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, Em. What if someone recognizes you or Ava?”

“They won’t. I’ll wear a disguise if it will make you feel any better,” Emily insisted.

Seeing that he wasn’t going to change her mind, Roman sighed and said, “Okay, but let me watch Ava. That will lessen the chance of someone recognizing you.”

Emily nodded, “Okay.”

Ava came over to Emily and asked, “Can I watch cartoons?”

“Why don’t you play with your toys?” Emily suggested. “Roman is watching TV right now.”

Roman stood up and said, “That’s okay. She can watch them. I’m going to take a shower,” he walked away.

Emily picked up the remote and changed the channel. As she replaced the remote on the coffee table, she noticed Roman had left his phone behind. She watched as Roman went into the bedroom, grabbed a change of clothes, and then headed to the bathroom. She waited until she heard the shower running before grabbing his phone and entering his PIN. Quickly, she navigated to his contacts and sent a text to Travis.

“We need to talk. Meet me at Deli Delight at noon.”

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