Page 86 of A New Chapter

Chapter 39

Emma found Debbie in the pick-up area at the airport, just as planned. She stepped out of her sporty Audi two-seater and greeted Emma with a warm hug.

“It’s so good to see you,” Debbie said, and then she popped open the small trunk to stow Emma’s bag.

“You too. It’s been too long,” Emma said, instantly relaxing in Debbie’s presence.

Debbie and Phil had met in college and were part of a group of friends that had included Zack. Emma had always thought that Debbie and Phil made the perfect couple. He was energetic and spontaneous, while Debbie was calm and practical. They complimented each other beautifully.

“Thanks for leaving work early to pick me up,” Emma said.

“No problem at all. Phil would have come too, but he had a meeting this afternoon. He’ll be home for dinner though.”

Emma looked out the window for a time as the city of Charlotte gave way to the sprawling suburbs. Even though she was far away from Michigan, she couldn’t escape her thoughts of Zack. I wonder what he’s doing right now. Will he go out with Damian tonight or just stay in? Is he thinking about me too?

“Do you want to talk about it?” Debbie’s voice broke through, and Emma turned to face her.

“How much did Phil tell you?”

“He told me that you were pregnant with Zack’s child and needed to get away for a few days. I’d guess by the look on your face that there’s a lot more to the story though.”

Emma put her head in her hands. “I can’t believe I let this happen. I’m a grown woman for God’s sake. I should have known better.”

“Well, if it’s any consolation, I can understand why. A man like Zack Kostas could make any woman lose her head—any single woman, I should say.” Debbie gave her a broad smile, and Emma emitted a soft laugh.

“So Zack doesn’t know yet?”

“No. We had agreed at the beginning that it was too soon for us to have a serious relationship. You know, after our divorces. Plus, there’s Gracie to consider. She’s been through so much already, and neither of us want to hurt her. We’ve been taking things slow, and now this happened.”

Debbie sat silently for a moment as if she were weighing her words carefully. “Do you love him?”

Emma didn’t hesitate. “Yes,” she replied, and her heart flooded with emotion. This was the first time that she had acknowledged her feelings out loud, and it felt amazingly good! “I love Zack Kostas,” she affirmed.

“Well, then, I think you owe it to him to share your feelings. The only way you’re going to find out where he stands is by opening up to him like you just did with me.”

“You make it sound so easy,” Emma said, nerves fluttering in her stomach.

“Relationships are never easy,” Debbie replied as they pulled into her driveway. “But anything worth having is worth fighting for.”

Emma’s eyes welled up, and a tear escaped. Debbie pretended not to notice when Emma swiped it away.

“Come on in. Let’s get you something to eat and drink. You have to take extra good care of yourself now.”

Debbie extracted Emma’s bag from the trunk and led her directly into the kitchen of the cozy red-bricked bungalow. While Debbie bustled around preparing snacks, Emma checked her phone and found two text messages: one from Kelly and one from Zack.

Kelly: I know you had to have landed by now, yet you didn’t call me as instructed. Please call or text to let me know that you’re ok!!!

Zack: I know I asked you to call me this evening, but I’d rather not wait that long. Will you please call me as soon as you get to Phil’s house? I miss you.

Emma texted Kelly first. Sorry I didn’t call right away. I’m safely at Phil’s. Talk soon. Love you.

Debbie set out a tray of cheese and crackers and poured a glass of iced tea for each of them. “Zack?”

“He wants me to call him.”

Debbie smiled knowingly. “First, eat. Then call the man. Once he finds out that you’re pregnant, he’ll understand.”

Emma made a cheese and cracker sandwich and realized just how hungry she actually was. “I don’t think I should break the news over the phone. I’ll be back in two days, so I’ll tell him then.”