Chapter Seventeen
Emerson finished getting ready and got on the road to Wellfleet a good half hour before she needed to. She took Will’s advice about arriving early to heart. Maybe she’d even be able to help with setup. When she got to the park, she found Darcy and Liam already there, along with an older couple she assumed were Darcy’s parents. Dark green plastic tablecloths and a few bunches of balloons announced there was a party. Liam ran around while the adults arranged things on the picnic tables. It reminded Emerson of her birthday parties growing up. While many of her friends had parties that involved laser tag or bowling, her parents had insisted on keeping things simple. Although she’d been annoyed by the lack of coolness at the time, she appreciated it now.
“How’s my favorite nine-year-old?” she asked by way of a greeting.
Liam looked up and flashed her a grin. “Actually, I won’t be nine until eleven forty-two tonight.”
“Fair enough. How’s the birthday boy, then? The man of the hour, the prince of the park.”
“Incorrigible, if you keep that up.” A smile accompanied Darcy’s reply.
Emerson didn’t want to admit that she felt relief, but she did. Having Darcy be slightly standoffish for the last few days had taken a toll. “Liam’s far too good natured for that. Hi.”
“Hi.” Darcy turned from the table and gestured at her parents. “Mom, Dad, this is Emerson. Emerson, my parents, James and Gloria.”
Emerson walked over to shake their hands. “Pleasure to meet you.” They returned the greeting, then Emerson asked, “What can I do to help?”
Darcy looked around, as though confirming everything was exactly as it should be. “Nothing, really. I think we’re good to go.”
James made a face. “We forgot to get ice.”
Darcy frowned. “Do we really need it?”
“I’m on it,” Emerson said. And before Darcy could argue, she started backing away. “Two bags? Three?”
Darcy’s face softened. “Two would be great. Thanks.”
Emerson jogged to her car, then drove to the closest gas station. By the time she returned, several other children and their families had arrived, as well as Alex and Lia. She helped dump the ice into a bowl, arrange the drink table—trying to be helpful, but not part-of-the-family helpful. She met some of Liam’s friends and chatted with other parents. She introduced herself as a friend because she wasn’t sure if she could call herself more than that. A few people knew her as the one who helped Liam with his turtle painting.
When pizza arrived, she stood in a circle with the adults, talking about the arrival of summer and the masses of people that came with it. As a year-round resident, she identified with the mixture of anticipation and dread that the high season brought. After pizza, there were a few games, which Darcy ran with absolute efficiency, then presents. Everyone gathered around Liam, who despite being shy on occasion, seemed perfectly happy to be the center of attention.
Emerson took advantage of the focus on Liam to study Darcy. Emerson had the feeling she was back in Liam’s good graces. Darcy remained more reticent. She seemed, not angry, but detached. Emerson wanted to press it, but hesitated. She’d rather her actions speak for themselves anyway.
Telling herself that didn’t mitigate the tightness in her chest as she studied Darcy’s face. There was something especially beautiful about her when she smiled in that open, carefree way. She’d smiled at Emerson that way when they spent the night together, as well as the next morning. Emerson hadn’t been on the receiving end of it since. She wondered if that was a temporary situation, or a permanent one. She refused to accept that a single instance of running late would cost her so dearly. Emerson shook her head, pulling her attention back to the moment and to Liam, who’d just started to tear into his first gift.
Darcy stole a quick glance at Emerson, who seemed to be looking at her, but not. Through her, maybe. Given her coolness toward Emerson, Darcy was a little surprised that she showed up. Not that Darcy was testing her, but it counted for something that she came, that she seemed to take her promise to make things up to Liam seriously. She also appreciated that Emerson’s attention was focused on Liam and not her, since that’s who she’d really let down. Maybe it wasn’t a lost cause after all.
Liam opened each of his presents, reading the cards aloud and exclaiming his excitement about each one. Darcy smiled as she looked at the pile of things he’d already unwrapped—books, a terrarium, and a couple of Lego sets. Not a single action figure in the mix. His friends, or at least their parents, seemed to know him well.
He got to the small box Emerson had brought. Darcy thought maybe Emerson would go with art supplies. Maybe it was a gift certificate to the art store, which would be nice even if a little impersonal for a kid’s gift. Liam opened the lid and squinted at the contents, clearly reading something. His eyes got big and he looked up, right at Emerson. “A whale watch?”
Emerson nodded. “On the Dolphin Fleet.”
“Awesome!” Liam jumped up and down, literally. “Thank you!”
Darcy swallowed, stealing another glance at Emerson. Those tours weren’t cheap, and she figured Emerson must have purchased at least two tickets. And, even more than art supplies, it was a gift so quintessentially Liam. Add to that, Emerson wasn’t even looking her way to see if it had made an impression. How was she supposed to keep Emerson at arm’s length when she went and did something like that?
For the rest of the time Liam opened presents, Darcy felt her mind divided between the happenings of the party and thinking about Emerson. Fortunately, cake came next and required her full attention. Of course, it didn’t help that Alex had tried out her new edible image printer to put a replica of Liam’s painting on his cake. Emerson, it seemed, had worked her way into much more of their lives than Darcy had bargained for.
Not ready to think about what that might mean, Darcy focused on lighting the candles and singing, then doling out slices of cake to everyone. The party wound down and guests dispersed. Alex and Lia hung back to box up the leftover cake and offer help packing the car. Emerson lingered, too, picking up trash and chatting up Darcy’s mom about her job as an emergency dispatcher. When Alex and Lia said their good-byes, Darcy realized Emerson was the only non-family member remaining. She made her way over to her and said, “I think we’re good.”
Emerson’s smile was easy and warm. “Good. I know you had help loading. Would you like a hand unloading back at your place?”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I’m happy to. I just don’t want to interfere with anything.”
Darcy interpreted her words as code for not wanting to go where she wasn’t wanted. She sighed. “That would be really nice.”
“Excellent. I’ll follow you there.”
She and Liam carried the last load of things to her car and they made the short drive home. Liam was unusually quiet. Clearly, he’d reached his maximum threshold of fun. When she pulled into her usual spot in front of the building, she realized he’d fallen asleep. She sat for a moment looking at his face, enjoying the reminder that, even with another birthday under his belt, he remained her little boy.
Emerson pulled in next to her and got out of her car. She peered into the back seat and smiled. “Big day, huh?”
“Apparently. I imagine he’ll stir as we come and go.”
They carried gifts and leftover party supplies up the stairs to her apartment. After four trips, the car was empty except for Liam. “Do you want me to carry him?” Emerson offered.
“He’s a little big for that,” Darcy said. She shook his arm and he half woke, just enough to get out of the car and be led upstairs. She let him flop into bed still dressed, pulling off his shoes and pulling the covers over him. When she emerged, she found Emerson standing in the kitchen, looking unsure of what to do with herself.
“Is there anything else I can do?” Her tone was hopeful and Darcy got the feeling she was talking about more than helping her pick up from the party.
“I think you’ve done plenty. That was an incredibly generous gift you gave Liam.”
Emerson smiled, but shrugged. “Will works there now. I got the friends and family discount.”
“Still.”
“Besides, I’m hoping I get to go, too.”
“You got him three passes?”
“One for him, one for you, and one for a guest of his choosing.”
Darcy shook her head. Emerson had played her cards well. Assuming, that is, her plan was to make Liam completely forget about her missing his show. In a subtle, not overbearing way, of course. “That’s really thoughtful. We’ve never done a whale watch before.”
Emerson grinned. “Me either. Truth be told, if Liam wants to invite one of his friends, and you wouldn’t mind having me along, I’d happily get another ticket.”
“I have a feeling you won’t have to do that.” Although her tone was teasing, Darcy knew it was true. Liam didn’t hold a grudge.
Emerson made a face Darcy couldn’t decipher. “I hope you don’t think I’m trying to buy his affections. I’d bought his gift before the other night.”
Did she think that? Did it matter? Either way, Emerson had gone out of her way to show Liam that she cared about him. She crossed the room and put a hand on Emerson’s arm. “I hope you know he’d forgive you without fancy gifts.”
Emerson nodded and Darcy thought for a second she might be a little choked up. “Thanks.”
Wanting to lighten the mood, Darcy gave her arm a squeeze. “So, what’s on your agenda for the evening?”
Emerson chuckled. “Nothing.”
“Come on. Saturday night, gorgeous weather. Things will be bumping in town.”
“I guess I’ve never been one for nightlife.”
“Really?” Darcy had pegged Emerson, not as a wild child necessarily, but as someone who enjoyed going out, meeting people. Hooking up.
“Really. I was the awkward, shy one when I was younger. I’m mostly over that, but I’m still an introvert at heart. The idea of a bar or club full of people is not my idea of fun.”
Darcy smirked. “Even if it’s a bar full of beautiful women?”
Emerson looked almost offended. “Not my scene. At all.”
Great. Now she felt bad. “I didn’t mean to imply anything by that.”
Emerson smiled, the same easy, genuine smile that had piqued Darcy’s interest in the first place. “No offense taken. I just think it’s funny you’d think I’m into that. Have we ever gone to a club?”
She’d stuck her foot in it now. “I figured that had to do with having an eight-year-old in tow more than half the time we spent together.”
It was Emerson’s turn to smirk. “Nine.”
“Nine. God, how did that happen?”
“I hear that’s a common sentiment in parenting. Honestly, though. The time you and I spend together, and the time I spend with you and Liam, is what I love. New experiences and little adventures, relaxing and playing games. I’d take that stuff any day of the week.”
Darcy had assumed, not that Emerson was faking it when they spent time together, but that she did so because it was part of the deal. She almost laughed. Not only had she been selling Emerson short, she’d inflated her own importance in the relationship. “Fair enough. I’m sorry I assumed otherwise.”
Emerson waved a hand. “It’s all good.”
“Would you like a drink?”
Emerson studied Darcy, searching her face for meaning. She didn’t want to read too much into the invitation, but it was hard not to see it as an olive branch. And she wasn’t about to pass it up. “Definitely.”
Darcy turned to the fridge. “I have a few beers, I think, and a bottle of chardonnay.”
“A beer would be great.”
Darcy busied herself opening the beer for Emerson, then pouring a glass of wine for herself. They stood in the kitchen for a moment. “Shall we sit?”
Emerson chuckled. This felt a million times more awkward than their first date. She couldn’t decide if it had to do with them making up or Liam sleeping a room away. “Do you and Liam have big summer plans?”
“Liam has a couple of camps. He’ll spend extra time with his grandparents, too. I have more flexibility at the café with all the summer help, but I still need to get in my hours.”
“I’m happy to chip in here and there. I have work, too, but tend to do a lot of it at night.”
“Thanks.”
Darcy didn’t sound negative, but noncommittal. That was okay. Emerson had established herself as good with Liam, but not as someone Darcy could count on. They’d get there. “And you told me Liam spends a couple of weeks with his dad, right?”
Darcy nodded. “Yes. That will be in July.”
Emerson couldn’t help but wonder what Darcy would be like with Liam gone for two whole weeks. Would she be a worrier, always checking in? Or would she embrace the time to herself, be carefree? Emerson hoped she’d get the chance to know. “And he likes going?”
“Absolutely. I think he enjoys being around men. It’s weird to say, especially since they’re gay and Liam hasn’t shown any leanings in that direction, but it speaks to a different part of him.”
“That makes sense.”
“Or maybe it’s because there are no rules.”
Emerson laughed. She liked that Darcy didn’t seem too bothered by the lack of structure. It made her feel better about her own presence in Liam’s life. “I can see the appeal there.”
“I won’t say they completely spoil him, but it’s close. Fortunately, he’s good natured enough that he doesn’t come home acting like a total monster.”
Emerson tried to imagine Liam having a tantrum. She couldn’t. At least not the kind of behavior she thought of as a tantrum—screaming and kicking and throwing things. Of course, that had never been her nature either. She’d been more of a silent, mopey type when things didn’t go her way. “That’s good.”
“Yeah.”
They sat on opposite ends of the sofa. Awkwardness hung between them. “So, do we need to talk about what happened?”
Darcy took a deep breath. “No.”
“Are you sure? I feel like it’s still hanging out there.”
“It was. I’d be lying if I said otherwise. But today was a good day. Clearly, Liam is over it. That’s what matters.”
If only it could be that easy. “Liam definitely matters, but you do, too. I get the feeling you’re tougher than he is.”
“That’s how it should be, right? I have to be.”
The weight of her words settled into Emerson’s stomach. Romantic connection aside, Darcy’s opinion of her mattered. More importantly, being that person—the good, reliable person—mattered. Emerson wanted to be that for both of them. She didn’t know what that meant, now or for the future, but she needed Darcy to believe it. “I don’t want you to have to be.”
Darcy shook her head. “It’s not a bad thing. Protecting your children, looking out for them even when they aren’t looking out for themselves, is part of being a parent.”
“That’s just it. I want to be one of the people who looks out for Liam, and for you.”
Darcy raised a brow. “I don’t need protecting.”
Everything had been going well. How was she making such a mess of it now? “That’s not what I meant.”
“Look, I’m not upset with you anymore. Can’t we just drop it?”
It was so tempting to take the easy out. There was no reason to drag this out. “I’m not trying to start an argument. I just…I know you don’t think of me as someone you can count on.”
Darcy closed her eyes. “It’s not you.”
“It is, at least in part. And I know that’s at least partially my fault.”
Darcy opened her eyes and looked at Emerson. “You don’t owe us anything.”
That stung. It surprised her just how much. “I like being part of your life, and Liam’s. I want that feeling to be mutual.”
Darcy seemed to relent, at least some. “We like you, too.”
“But you’re determined to keep me,” Emerson pointed back and forth between them, “us, in a box.”
“That’s not fair. Boundaries are not the same thing as a box.”
Emerson didn’t want to start a fight, but she needed to get her point across, explain herself. “Call them whatever you want. But I’m telling you, with whatever credibility I have with you, that I’m not going anywhere.”
“It’s not that I don’t believe—”
Emerson lifted a hand. “You don’t need to believe me right now. I just want to know you’ll give me the chance to stick around.”
Darcy sat silently for a long moment. Emerson thought she might ask her to leave. Eventually, she nodded. “Okay.”
“Okay?”
“Okay, I’m not going to drive you away with a stick. And I’m not going to ask you to prove anything. I’m going to be open-minded.”
Emerson grinned. “See? That wasn’t so hard, was it?”
Another raised brow. “Piece of cake. But I’m still not ready to tell Liam that you and I are an item.”
“I completely understand. I hope that means you and I are still an item.”
Darcy smiled. “Item might be a strong word.”
“Thing?”
“That’s even worse.”
“Possibility? Experiment? Dalliance?”
“Oh, I like dalliance.”
Emerson raised a brow. “So, you’ll continue to dally with me?”
“I suppose. At the moment, however, it’s my bedtime.”
“Is that an invitation?”
“No.”
She didn’t expect Darcy to say yes, but the banter was good. Banter meant they were in a good place. “Can’t blame a girl for trying.”
“I’ll walk you out, at least.” Darcy stood and Emerson followed. Darcy took the empty beer bottle and placed it in the sink with her wineglass. She opened the door and Emerson stepped across the threshold to the outside. Darcy fiddled with the lock for a moment, then stepped out to join her. “I wouldn’t say no to a kiss.”
Emerson smiled. Apart from Liam’s excitement when he opened his gift, that was the best thing she’d heard all day. “In that case, may I give you a kiss?”
Instead of answering, Darcy stepped toward her. She slid a hand between Emerson’s arm and her side, right above her waist. Emerson bent her head slightly, closing the remaining distance between them. She brushed her lips lightly over Darcy’s, soaking in the familiar taste of Darcy’s mouth and the fragrance of her hair.
Emerson planned to keep the kiss brief, show that she had restraint. She didn’t want to press her luck. But Darcy’s tongue slid across her bottom lip, inviting more. Emerson eased a hand into Darcy’s hair, tilted her head slightly to give herself better access to Darcy’s mouth. Darcy opened for her and Emerson slipped her tongue inside. Darcy sucked it gently. Emerson heard a groan, then realized she’d been the one to make it. Darcy pulled away and offered a seductive smile and the most alluring bedroom eyes Emerson had ever seen. “That’s so not fair.”
Darcy lifted a shoulder and blinked with a facade of innocence.
“When can I see you again?”
“Liam has a birthday sleepover Friday.”
Emerson resisted the urge to groan again, this time in frustration. Six days. She wouldn’t get to see Darcy, or put her hands on her, for six excruciating days. “Does that mean I might get a sleepover, too?”
“I think that could be arranged.”
Emerson could have stood there all night, flirting and kissing and torturing herself about how badly she wanted to drag Darcy to bed. Darcy had an early morning, though, and she wanted to be respectful of that. After all, that was the responsible thing to do. “I’ll look forward to it. In the meantime, I shouldn’t keep you.”
If Darcy was surprised that Emerson was excusing herself, she didn’t let on. “I’ll text you.”
“I’ll look forward to that, too.” Emerson leaned in and gave Darcy the light kiss she’d initially had in mind. “Good night.”
Darcy smiled. “Night.”
Darcy opened the door and went inside. Emerson walked toward the stairs, but turned before starting down them. Darcy hovered in the doorway, watching her. Emerson offered a wave and another smile. The smile stayed the entire drive home.