Page 37 of No Such Thing as Serendipity
“It was.”
I tilted my head. “Was?”
“Some of the girls want to go hiking, and I thought it would be fun.”
“And I have no vote.”
Emma patted me on the arm. “You’re catching on quick.”
We said our goodbyes to the few remaining around the fire. I thought I detected a look of disappointment from Noelle, but maybe it was wishful thinking.
Silence filled the villa when we entered. Everyone must have retired already. A warm glow came from a single table lamp in the common area. With a makeover, this space could be impressive. As it was, the worn furniture, scuffed hardwood floors, soot-stained fireplace, and out-of-date fixtures dampened the allure. Only the warm honey-colored wood walls seemed well-preserved.
“Too bad this place is so rundown,” I said.
“What about this?” Emma approached the south side of the room and spread her arms toward the twenty-foot ceilings. The entire wall was a bank of windows, except for the glass double doors that led to the porch. “The entire room is bathed in sunlight during the day.”
“Which makes it easier to see the blemishes.”
Emma’s face fell. “Why can’t you find the beauty in things?”
Ouch.Was I already exasperating Emma?
I plopped down on the well-worn sofa, expecting a cloud of dust, but none came. “I’m sorry. I’m not trying to ruin your time, Em.” I ran both hands over my face and through my hair. When had I lost my spark? I’d always been more driven than Emma, but when had I become this?
“We used to have fun together,” Emma said.
Theused towasn’t lost on me. “And I want to again.” I meant it, but I didn’t know how to make it happen anymore.
Emma sat beside me and patted my leg. “I’ve seen sparks of it. Stop being so serious. Let it come back.”
Her hand still rested on my leg, so I put my hand on top of hers. “I want to.”I’ve missed it.I should have said it aloud, but I already felt exposed. “Ya know, it’s only day one.”
Emma smiled. “You’re right. It took time for you to get this way, so it’s gonna take a while to uncoil you.” She chuckled. “And remove that stick from your ass.”
“Hey.” I glowered. “I’ll have you know it’s a branch. When I do something, I go big.”
“Ha. Amateur. I would’ve been impressed if you’d said a tree trunk.”
I laughed, and it felt good.
“Oh, and one more thing,” Emma said.
I studied her face and noted the gleam in her eye. I lifted my arms over my head and feigned a yawn. “Ah, it’s getting late. I suppose we should turn in.”
“Nice try.”
I shrugged.
“Noelle and Dana are off limits.” She wagged her finger at me. “It’s something else you’re not allowed to choose.”
“Seriously?” I groaned. “I have needs, you know?”
“You’ll survive.” She stood from the couch. “Now it’s time for bed.”
“But you don’t know them,” I whined.
“And neither do you.” Emma turned and left the room.
