Page 33 of To Feel Like This Again
Lying naked in bed with his arm around me, I rest my head on his chest and listen as our heartbeats slow down… I want to hold on to this moment longer.
Two hours later, I drop him by his cousin. But before he gets out the car, he gives me one of those long, passionate kisses that melts everything inside me and gives me butterflies in my stomach. The same kiss that made me lift up my skirt for him in the car at the airport.
Chapter 20
Nicholas
Not long after Lisa leaves, Emily swings by to pick me up even though I had insisted I would take an Uber, in the event there were any overlaps.
Being nosy, Jordan comes out to meet her to see if she’s cute and he invites her to come inside for a drink and to meet his parents who are visiting for the weekend. High on his agenda is to make a good impression, because hot girls hang out with hot girls, and he could get an intro to a friend. Smart move. On my part, it’s always a great feeling when your boys (or cousins in this case) know you are fucking thebaddestchick… and she is thebaddest. On her part, she loved the idea of meeting my family. Of course she would… she’s a chick. They get off on that type of shit.
So, there is something in it for everyone.
To fuck with me, Jordan announces to his parents “Mom, Dad, this is Emily… Nick’s girlfriend.” Emily blushes while shaking their hands. God, she is pretty.
We stay for dinner at the request of my favourite aunt, who, when I was a child, bought gifts likeGrand Theft Autowhile my other aunts bought me books, one even bought me a geometry set. Who the fuck does that? Not a chance in this world I can say no to Auntie Jackie.
She likes Emily and wants tofassin my business. Fair play. Plus, she had opted for early-retirement and is already bored with taking care of her garden. I mean, how many times per day can you water daffodils — or whatever flowers grow well in Boston — till you get tired of that shit. So, I guess she needs a little drama to spice up her life. If only Auntie Jackie knows what’s really going on… that I am fucking a CEO she holds in the highest regard.
As Emily sits with my aunt on the couch, talking animatedly about the new season of Virgin River, I notice how comfortable she is around my family. I really like that. And when she catches me staring at her, she winks and smiles… she is so pretty.
When the conversation switches to pension, I join in, leaving Jordan and his dad to watch the Knicks on their own. It is so unbelievably stimulating to have an intelligent discussion around the major developments on the New York Stock Exchange, on the best cities to buy property, on the medium-term impact of artificial intelligence and so on.
I love that Emily is brilliant… just like Lisa.Wait, what am I doing?
Fully engaged, I want to keep the discussion going, but Auntie Jackie is getting tired. “This is really great, but your old aunty and uncle have to get ready for bed. We leave out first thing in the morning,” she says to us, using the armrest of the sofa and Emily as a crutch to help her stand.
She and Emily embrace. “This was amazing, I hope we get to do this again sometime soon.”
“Absolutely, sweetie. Next time he visits you, come and see us in Boston. I’ll make you the best homecooked food you’ll ever eat,” Auntie Jackie promises while holding Emily’s hand.
I can assure you, she will definitely keep that promise.
“I would love that. Let’s make it happen soon,” Emily replies, looking at me.
“Yes, listen to your beautiful girlfriend. And don’t mess this up, or I will spank you,” Auntie Jackie warns playfully.
“Yes, Nick. Don’t mess this up,” Emily repeats in amusement, wagging her finger at me.
“Bye, Mrs Reynolds,” she says, turning to face Auntie Jackie.
“Call me Auntie Jackie, sweetie,” and they hug again like they’ve known each other for years.
“Bye, Auntie Jackie,” Emily smiles, while still in the embrace as Auntie Jackie gives her a quick tight squeeze.
We go back to the penthouse. On the ride up in the lift, I pull away from her, pretending to respond to something urgent on my phone. In hindsight, it was a dumb move, because you can’t access Wi-Fi or data in the elevator.
Earlier today, Lisa’s reaction to my news meant she already knew Emily and I had had sex. My guess is she may have seen something on one of the many CCTV cameras. And if she has access to it, there is no reason for her to see me being overly affectionate with Emily. After exiting the elevator and while Emily opens the door, I stay glued to my phone until I step inside the apartment.
Emily goes straight to the kitchen, and I to the living room.
“Do you have any special requests?” she shouts, looking through the microwave door at the popcorn spinning inside and listening to it pop.
“No, I’m good with any movie. I’m just happy to be spending time with you,” I respond and hit the Netflix button on the remote.
“Okie... can we do romance?”
“Yup, sounds good babe.”
