Page 43 of The Emma Special

“Some books be like that. Marty and Clark’s baby almost died… so that was… intense.” Nevermind that wasn’t the book they were currently reading. “Quit interrogating me!”

His smile dripped Southern charm. “Maybe if you stopped looking so guilty.” He slapped a hand on the desk. “I’ll see you later.”

Emma straightened her back and gave him a quick salute. “See you later, alligator."

“After while, crocodile,” James said as he slipped into the hallway.

As soon as he was out of sight, she let out a deep breath. Wow. Talk about emotional whiplash. She’d gone from one extreme to the other, and now she was melting from the tension.

“Emma.”

She lifted her head, jolting back to her rigid posture. “Yes?”

“Thanks for your work today. I appreciate it. And the frogs were a nice touch. I hope none of them were harmed when things were being thrown around.”

Pressing her lips together, she stretched a grin. “Mm-hm.”

Then he was gone again, leaving her wrung out and unsettled.

Chapter 13

Emma Is Already Having Fun

The warm smell of coffee hit Emma like a euphoria of caffeine as she and Katie stepped into Brews and Books. If only she could roll around in those freshly ground beans. The other patrons might not appreciate that. Besides, the blisters on her feet rubbed against the tennis shoes she’d changed into in the car, and with her limp today, she already resembled a mountain troll.

She had a long talk with Katie about the torture shoes she’d let her borrow. The pointy heels should be categorized as a weapon, not footwear. It was time to stop believing heels were ever a good idea for a full day at work. Princess parties, yes. Nine hours on set? Yeah, no, for sure.

Jenny looked up from the drink she was making to shout a quick, “Welcome to Brews and Books!”

“Hi, Jenny.” Katie waved toward the counter.

Emma patted her purse. “Drinks on me today. Go warm our seats.”

Katie slung an arm around Emma and smacked a kiss on her cheek. “Payday hits differently now, doesn’t it? Just a small coffee for me, please. Add creamer until it’s the color of coffee flavored ice cream.”

Jenny placed two cheery yellow mugs on the counter before Emma had received her change. “The others are already back there.”

Emma was the one who’d called the meeting, and she was still late! “Thanks. You’re the best.”

With drinks in hand, she headed toward the back of the building. Laughter led the way, urging her to pick up the pace while balancing the mugs of coffee.

The other three girls were in their usual spots, but when Emma came into view they all clapped and cheered. Uh-oh. What had she done now?

Allison picked up her planner with a grin. “Don’t look so scared, Em. We’re celebrating. You know what this week is, right?”

Emma chewed her bottom lip trying to think of anything she’d missed. Nobody’s birthday was this month. “You passed your test, of course.”

Allison nodded. “And…?”

Emma offered Katie her mug and eased into the seat next to Summer on the weathered couch. “And…” She shrugged. “My brain is mush! What did I miss? I thought I called this emergency meeting.”

Summer snickered. “Yes, and we need to hear all about it. Just tell her, Allison, she won’t even think it’s about her.”

“What about me?”

“Oh, good grief. Emma! Katie told us about your appointment with the orthopedic specialist. That’s wonderful.”

“Oh! That. Yeah, and not a day too soon. Insurance kicks in this week, and I’ve had that appointment booked for a while.”