Page 42 of Hooked on Emerson
“Coming right up.” She swept away, leaving a trail of floral perfume in her wake.
Ava laughed softly, wrapping her hands around her coffee mug. “I think she likes you.”
“Just being friendly,” Emerson said, a slight flush coloring his neck. “Small town hospitality.”
“If you say so.” Her eyes sparkled with teasing warmth, the most relaxed he’d seen her since before the storm. “Though I can’t blame her. You are handsome.”
The compliment caught him off guard, especially after the careful distance she’d maintained. “Thank you,” he said simply, not sure how else to respond.
Dot returned with their pie, the portions generous and steaming, vanilla ice cream already melting at the edges. “Enjoy, lovebirds,” she said with another wink before bustling off to greet new customers.
“Lovebirds,” Ava repeated softly, her eyes on her pie rather than Emerson. “She assumes we’re together.”
“People usually do,” Emerson replied, trying to keep his tone light. “Since Nattie’s photos, especially. Mrs. Connelly’s not the only matchmaker in town.”
A small smile played at the corners of Ava’s mouth. “Does it bother you? People assuming?”
“No,” he said honestly. “Does it bother you?”
She considered the question, fork poised above her pie. “Not as much as it maybe should. Given everything.”
The admission hung between them, neither quite sure what to do with it. Finally, Emerson took a bite of his pie, the sweet-tart flavor of apples and cinnamon filling his mouth. “This is good,” he said, changing the subject to safer ground. “Worth the drive alone.”
Ava followed his lead, sampling her own dessert with appreciative noises. “Definitely worth it. Though I think the bookstore was my favorite part, finding that piece of my mom.”
“That’s what was on your list, right? Finding that bookshop she loved?”
“Yes. And now I understand why she loved it so much.” She took another bite, closing her eyes briefly in enjoyment. “It felt like somewhere time doesn’t quite reach. Like you could stay for hours and emerge to find only minutes had passed. Or vice versa.”
Emerson nodded, understanding exactly what she meant. “Places like that are rare.”
They finished their pie before continuing the drive back home. It was quieter than the journey out, but it was a peaceful quiet, filled with the satisfaction of a day well spent, of items checked off a list, of memories made together regardless of what came next.
As the familiar outlines of their town appeared on the horizon, Ava spoke again, her voice thoughtful. “Just one item left on my list now.”
“Figure out what you want,” Emerson said, remembering.
“Yes.” She looked out the window, watching Millfield grow closer. “The hardest one.”
“You’ll know,” he said with more confidence than he felt. “When it’s time to decide, you’ll know what’s right for you.”
She turned to look at him, vulnerability in her eyes. “How can you be so sure?”
“Because I know you,” he said simply. “Even in the short time we’ve known each other, I’ve seen how you face things. Head on, even when it’s difficult.”
The words seemed to settle something in her. She nodded, a small smile touching her lips before she turned back to the window. They drove the rest of the way in silence, the day’s shared experiences playing on repeat in his mind.
When he pulled up in front of her house, the sun was setting, painting the sky in shades of pink and gold that reflected in her windows. Ava gathered her books and backpack, then hesitated, one hand on the door handle.
“Thank you,” she said with a smile, turning to face him fully.
“It was my pleasure,” Emerson replied, meaning it completely despite the ache in his chest from the uncertainties of what came next.
She nodded, her eyes holding his for a long moment. There was so much he wanted to say, so much he wanted to ask. But he remained silent, letting her set the pace, respecting the space she seemed to need.
“Goodnight, Emerson,” she said finally, her voice soft in the gathering dusk.
“Goodnight, Ava.”
