Page 90 of Beautiful Harmony

Emma gritted her teeth when Martha stopped at their table. She stared at Emma’s birthmark as she said, “What can I get you tonight?”

“I’ll have the bacon burger and fries,” Emma said.

Martha nodded, peeling her gaze from Emma’s birthmark with what looked like real effort to turn to Phoebe and Lucas. The older woman gave Lucas a girlish grin that, under normal circumstances, would have amused the hell out of Emma. “Hi, Lucas. You having your usual tonight?”

“Yes, please, Martha,” Lucas said.

She nodded, a small frown crossing her face when Lucas said nothing else. She waited for another beat before looking at Phoebe. “And for you?”

“I’ll have the spinach salad with grilled chicken,” Phoebe said.

Martha walked away with a final look at Lucas. Phoebe sipped at her water. “The burgers at Nan’s are delicious, but I think eating well and maintaining a healthy weight is important. It’s why I go to the gym every day. I just joined the new gym that opened up over on Creston Street. I’m happy to get you a guest pass, Emma.”

“No, thanks,” Emma said.

“Are you sure?” Phoebe said. “They have personal trainers and a weight loss program that I’ve heard is excellent at helping you lose those extra pounds.”

“Sounds super fun, but I’ll pass,” Emma says.

“There’s no shame in admitting you need help with diet and exercise,” Phoebe said. “It wouldn’t hurt to talk to one of the trainers about improving your body. Lucas, don’t you think Emma should consider it?”

“I think Emma’s body is perfect just the way it is,” Lucas said.

Phoebe’s tinkling little laugh set Emma’s teeth on edge. “You really are so sweet, Lucas.” She put her hand on Lucas’s bicep and squeezed lightly. “I can tell you go to the gym often. Maybe we should set up a gym date.”

“I use Stark’s private gym, and it’s for Stark employees only,” Lucas said.

“What a shame.” Phoebe paused for about three seconds before squeezing Lucas’s arm again. “So, Lucas, did you know I have an aunt who lives in Willington?”

As Phoebe chattered on and on and Lucas listened politely, Emma leaned back in the booth. She was getting a headache, and her urge to leave was nearly impossible to ignore. It would be a long fucking dinner.

CHAPTER23

“Ithink it’s so cute how you and Lucas have dinner together every Wednesday night,” Phoebe said.

Emma stared silently at Phoebe. Lucas had excused himself to use the restroom, and she and Phoebe had been sitting in tense silence since he left. Throughout the evening, Emma’s temper had frayed to the point where she didn’t trust herself to say anything to Phoebe.

“Lucas is such a nice guy, don’t you think?” Phoebe said. “I will admit it’s a little strange how much time he spends with you, considering how little you have in common.”

Emma’s temper broke.

“Do me a favour and stop with the bullshit, would you, Phoebe?” Emma asked. “I don’t have the energy to listen to the insults you think you’re being so cleverly subtle about. I prefer the version of Phoebe that just straight-up insults me.”

“Fine,” Phoebe said icily. “If you’re looking for hard truths, how about this one? Everyone in town knows you have a crush on Lucas. It’s pathetic that you think someone who looks like Lucas would be interested in you.”

“Shut up,” Emma said, but even she could hear how broken she sounded. Her stomach was a giant knot, and trying to breathe made her chest hurt. She clutched at her purse, her cheeks red hot and her hands ice cold as Phoebe gave her a pitying look.

“You’re the laughingstock of the town, you know. Poor lonely Emma. You reek of desperation whenever you’re around Lucas. It’s so sad to see.”

Her burger sitting like a hot rock in her stomach, Emma fumbled open her purse. She wanted to tell Phoebe to fuck off. She wanted to pretend like what she said didn’t matter one fucking bit. But she couldn’t get the words out, not when she knew what Phoebe told her was true. She was the laughingstock of the town… but even worse, Lucas probably was too.

Her heart cracked in her chest at the thought. She needed to get out of the diner before she started screaming at Phoebe or, worse, crying. She yanked some cash from her wallet and threw it on the table before sliding out of the booth.

“Emma?” Lucas had returned, but when he reached for her hand, she stumbled back, holding up her hands.

“What’s wrong?” Lucas asked.

“Nothing. I have to go.”

---