Page 33 of Emma
Emma shrugged. The only reason she was so nonchalant when it came to Vanessa’s question was because she knew her marriage and her life with Vanessa were unbreakable. “She can be pretty ugly when she wants to be. God knows what will come out of her mouth. Depends if she’s drunk or not.”
Memories of her childhood sat firm in Emma’s mind. The smell of stale wine lingering in the air, the sound of raised voices echoing down the hallway, the empty fridge that somehowalwayshad room for more alcohol. It had been the reason Emma left the second she legally could. When alcohol came before feeding your own child, there wasn’t much room left for love.
“I’m sure she’ll have an opinion about us being together.” Emma snorted. Even though it had been a long time since they’d come face to face, Emma knew her mum far better than anyone could possibly imagine. “She never did know when to shut up and mind her own business.”
Vanessa stepped closer and settled her hand on the small of Emma’s back. “Don’t you worry aboutanythingshe says about me. I can hold my own.”
Emma opened her mouth to respond, but the creak of the door interrupted her.
Jane Carlton.
She was older, naturally, but she somehow appeared healthier. Her blonde hair was held back neatly in a braid,her skin was clear, and she seemed relaxed. Emma blinked repeatedly, caught off guard by just how well Jane looked.Do what you came here to do and leave. “Got a minute to talk?”
“Y-yes. Come in.” Jane stepped aside, offering a smile that Emma had never seen from her before. It seemed genuine and warm. Emma hesitated before stepping inside, holding on tightly to Vanessa’s hand.
“I didn’t think you’d actually turn up here. It was quite a shock when you called earlier.”
“Not as big as the shock I got earlier this week!” Emma turned in the narrow hallway, the scent of floral air freshener throwing her off. This wasn’t the kind of environment she was used to being in with her mum. She should have been swaying before her, not standing there looking put together and happy. “You look…well.”
Jane lowered her gaze to the wood flooring beneath their feet, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. “Yes. It’s amazing what getting sober can do for you.”
Emma didn’t know how to react to that. It was good, of course it was good, but it also made the silence over the years even harder to take. Jane had been working on herself. Just not enough to pick up the phone. “Lovely. Good for you.”
“Would you like to go through to the kitchen?” Jane motioned down the hallway. “Maybe we could have a cup of tea while you tell me what this is all about.”
Emma turned to Vanessa, who offered a small nod. Silent reassurance. “This is Vanessa, by the way. My wife.”
“I know.” Jane’s eyes remained on Vanessa for a moment, her smile bright. Again, Emma didn’t know how to deal with that. She’d expected some remark, something insulting, but it never came. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“It’s nice to meet you, too,” Vanessa replied politely, the way she always did. Even with people who didn’t deserve it. Emmasometimes wondered how her wife managed to hold herself that way. Emma sure as hell couldn’t do it. Not here.
“How could you possibly know who she is? You haven’t once made contact with me in what? I don’t even remember how long it’s been.”
“I came across a picture of you on your wedding day on social media,” Jane said as she casually walked into the kitchen. “The less said about that, the better.”
Emma frowned. What the hell was that supposed to mean? “Excuse me?”
“I’ve looked you up on social media once or twice. I know you won’t like that, but I did it to remind myself of just how well you’re doing in life.”
Emma glanced sideways at Vanessa and lowered her voice as she said, “Remind me to block her name onallmy accounts when we get home.”
Vanessa turned to her and cupped Emma’s cheek. “Just deal with what’s going on here. Forget about social media and blocking people for the time being. This is where you should concentrate your attention. The here and now.”
Emma leaned into Vanessa’s touch, her eyes closing as she smiled. “God, I love you.” Her hand pressed gently over Vanessa’s, holding it to her face. “You always speak so much sense.”
“The benefit of having seventeen years on you.” Vanessa winked, that sexy, bright-white smile appearing for just a second before it faded away again. “Now, sit down and talk.”
“Fine. But only because you asked me to.” Emma rolled her eyes playfully. Vanessa always had the ability to calm her in any situation, and right now, she was thankful for it. It made all of this feel less harrowing.
Her smile lingered as she turned her attention back to her mum. Jane was watching them. Not callously, just…quietly. Asthough she was taking everything in now that she had a clear mind.
“So, got something you need to tell me?”
Jane frowned. “In regards to what?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Having another kid and destroying her fucking childhood, too?”
“Emma.” Vanessa’s hand settled on Emma’s shoulder. “Do this amicably. That way, nothing can be thrown back at you. You’re far better than this.”
