Page 63 of The Emma Special

“Even if she got stuck there because she didn’t listen to your advice?”

“I’d have no friends left if that was my filter.”

“I promise it’s not entirely my fault. These heels rolled up in a big white van and tricked me into getting in the back. I took one look and swoop! I was a goner.”

“We need to talk about this habit of getting into vehicles with strangers.”

She was about to quip that if it ended with his arms around her, she wouldn’t complain. Too much… even if it was true.

It humbled her to know how much she needed him for every step. She couldn’t keep using people as crutches. It was one thing to accept help across the yard, but she had to find a way to support herself before she burdened her friends with her ever-growing list of shortcomings.

He had no way of knowing the money he’d offered her this evening only poured salt in the wound. She’d have some money, but she was nowhere close to being able to afford a consultation with a specialist about her knee. If only she’d been able to keep her scheduled appointment and set up a proper treatment plan.

Not thinking of that right now. She was working tonight, for whatever that was worth.

“Hi.” Lottie came up beside her, holding Kenna. “I’m Lottie. You must be Emma?”

“Nice to meet you, Lottie.”

“We didn’t know James was bringing a girl.”

James laughed, and she felt it rumble all the way through her. “If I don’t, Mom will.”

“You’re right on that account.” Lottie smiled good-naturedly as she put down a squirming Kenna. “She’s just trying to help you out. Where’d you two meet?”

Emma drew in a breath to answer, but James cut in first.

“Emma and I actually met in high school. I ran the spotlight for her theater performances for a whole semester. We reconnected when she started working for the firm.”

Interesting. She and James hadn’t exactly connected in high school, but James’s version made for a better story if they were trying to sell a relationship to his family.

“That’s nice.” Lottie smiled then excused herself to run off after a toddling Kenna.

James gave Emma’s side a gentle squeeze. “You doing okay so far?”

“I guess so. No one has asked me to leave yet.”

“And no one will,” James confirmed.

Well, would’ya look at that? James was staring into her eyes again, and she didn’t want to blink.

The back door opened, and Harrison stuck his head out. “Would y’all please come eat? I’m starving.”

Emma chuckled as he slammed the door. “You’re nothing like either of your brothers.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment. I can also promise our next date will be free of all family drama.”

Next date? Maybe if she played the part of infatuated girlfriend well enough, she might turn the role into a full-time gig.

Chapter 18

Emma Cannot

Maybe Emma hadn’t overdressed for dinner. A silky red dress seemed fitting for a prime rib dinner—catered, no less.

It wasn’t a family dinner like she’d ever known. This was a three-course plated event with service staff. Hey, if things didn’t work out with James, maybe she could get a job as a waitress for the Moore family. She knew how to carry plates and curtsy. She could even get behind the all-black uniform if it meant she could afford to continue living.

Kenna squirmed as Lottie strapped her into the high chair at the end of the table. Her pudgy cheeks were blooming deep red as she resisted.