Page 116 of That One Night
“Yeah, but the screen distorts things. Like the way it makes Tom Cruise look like he’s tall.” She slid her arm through Emery’s, leading her to the living room where Hendrix had put down the box he’d been carrying. There were six more in his truck, waiting to be unloaded. And it felt bittersweet, because the summer was coming to an end and school was right over the horizon.
She loved her students. She loved teaching. But she hated that she and Hendrix were going to be apart during the week.
He’d made it clear he was happy to do the long-distance thing for as long as she needed him to. She’d drive home to see him on the weekends, and when she couldn’t, he’d drive here to see her.
And in the meantime she’d look for a school that was closer, and talk to her principal about finding a replacement here for her. It made sense for her to move back home where he was, along with her mom and his family. But for now she was so grateful that Maisie was letting her stay in her guest bedroom, so that she had the flexibility to move home at anytime.
“I’ll go grab the next box,” Hendrix told Emery. Tonight, he’d stay with her and tomorrow he’d leave early, because there was way too much to do on the farm. “You stay here and catch up.”
“Wait!” Maisie said, walking toward him, a mischevious expression on her face. “I need to hug you first.”
Before Hendrix could say anything else, she threw her arms around him. Over his shoulder, her eyes met Emery’s. “It’s like hugging a steel column,” Maisie mock-whispered, before she looked up at Hendrix, grinning. “Do you have any friends you can introduce me to?”
“There’s always Frank,” Hendrix said deadpan.
Emery bit down a smile. There was something so damn sweet about her boyfriend and best friend getting along. For one, theywere going to be seeing a lot of each other over the next few months – whenever Hendrix came to stay.
But also because they were two of the most important people in the world to her. And she needed them in her life.
Maisie released Hendrix, her face turning suddenly serious. “Thank you,” she said.
“You’re welcome. I’m available for steel hugs anytime.”
She pushed his chest, then winced, like it hurt her hand. “I mean for bringing my friend back. For making her happy. For completing her list.”
His eyes locked with Emery’s. She smiled softly at him, feeling the familiar warmth wash through her. This mandidcomplete her. In every way.
“Yeah, well she completed my list, too,” he said gruffly.
“You didn’t have a list,” Emery pointed out.
“Not one I knew about,” he said, still staring at her. “But it was there, waiting for you to come into my life.”
“Okay, now you two are getting sickly sweet.” Maisie shook her head, though she was still smiling. Like she was delighted for her friend. “Go get some more boxes, Only Farms. I’ll have my camera ready.”
“She’s joking, right?” he asked Emery.
“I think so.” She shrugged.
When he walked out of the apartment, heading down to his truck, Maisie turned to Emery, her mouth open with excitement.
“Oh my God, Em, he’s perfect.” She grabbed Emery’s hands, squeezing them with delight. “And he’s so in love with you. He can’t stop looking at you. I’m jealous and ecstatic all at the same time. I’m so happy for you both, but I’m so sad I only get you for a little while longer.”
“I promise you can come visit anytime you like once I’ve moved back home,” Emery told her. “And we have the long summers too.”
“Thank God.” She tipped her head to the side. “If I come and see you, will you introduce me to Frank? I bet he’s hot.”
Emery couldn’t help it, she burst into laughter.
“What’s so funny?” Maisie asked her.
“Frank’s a goat. Hendrix’s goat. The flirtiest little sex-driven animal you’ll ever meet.”
“A goat?” Maisie frowned. “Why that little…”
“I’m ready for my close up,” Hendrix said, walking into the living room with another box in his arms.
“I got a bone to pick with you,” Maisie told him. “I know who Frank is. And I’m not happy about it.
