Even Emma and I are doing better, but I have to say that I am really worried about her. About two days ago, she was complaining of headaches. Then today, she mentioned her eyes were bothering her. She didn’t elaborate, so I assume it had to do with the headache, but after seeing her this afternoon, it’s clear she doesn’t look good, and it scares me.
She’s sitting at the kitchen table. Ice and the Vitalis are all chatting, and she’s off by herself. I walk to the table and sit next to her. “Emma, are you okay?”
“I’m okay, Honey, just really tired.”
“You know, if you wanted to go lie down, everyone would understand.”
“I know, but this is a big deal for Caden. I’m fine. I’ll get my rest later.”
“Okay, but you tell me if you need anything.”
She smiles. “I will. That’s so sweet of you to worry about me.”
“Emma, you’ve always been like a sister to me. I know things got wonky when Ice was in jail and all, but that was me under the influence. I’m not snorting anymore and pray I don’t go back.”
“You don’t know how good it is for me to hear that.” She places her hand on my arm.
“I’m so sorry for all the grief I caused you.”
“Apology accepted.” I give her a hug, and she hugs me back, but it’s not a strong hug. She really is not feeling well.
“I assume Sainte has a lot to do with you wanting to stay clean.”
“Yes, in a way, but also you and Ice. I think the turning point for me was when I realized I had disappointed you both. Sainte has helped me see why I went back to the drugs, but I’m staying clean for me.”
“That’s what I like to hear. You will never succeed in something like this if you are doing it for all the wrong reasons. Doing it for you, for your well-being, that’s the right reason. Hell, it’s the only reason.” She winces.
“What?”
“Oh, nothing, he’s just been moving around a lot today.” She takes a deep breath. “My stomach feels like a punching bag from the inside.”
I kiss her on the forehead and get up to see if anyone needs refills on drinks or such. As I walk around the room, I notice Vince talking with Brianne.Well, isn’t this interesting.I stand there for a moment and watch. They actually look really good together. Both have similar dark hair and an olive complexion. Brianne must be of Italian or maybe Greek descent.
Lost in thought, I don’t notice Sainte is standing right behind me. He coils his arms around my midsection and clasps them in front of me.
Nuzzling my neck, he says, “Have I told you how proud I am of you?”
I shake my head.
“I haven’t?” He kisses my neck and behind my ear. He whispers, “Dinner was fantastic. Tonight has been perfect, and I’m so fuckin’ proud of you.”
I lean my head back on his shoulders. I so needed to hear that. “Thank you,” I whisper. We stand there a few minutes, watching everyone chatting and having a good time.
“What do you make of that?” Sainte asks and gestures toward Vince and Brianne.
“I think there might be some type of connection there.”
“Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.”
As the evening winds down, I’ve already shown everyone their rooms. I begin to clean up the kitchen and the empty bottles and such lying around. Brianne, Tara, and Ari come and offer to help, and we get everything cleaned in no time. Spike takes Tara and Brianne back to the clubhouse right after we finish. Once they leave, Ari and I clean up a couple counters remaining and then walk out to the dining room to find that everyone but Rebel and Sainte have gone to bed.
Ari walks toward Rebel. “Are we sleeping here tonight?”
“Naw, I think we should go back to the clubhouse. Let Sainte and Honey have the last room.”
What he says makes no sense to me, since Ari’s room is here and our rooms are back at the clubhouse.
I begin to protest, but Sainte gently stops me. Leaning over, he whispers in my ear, “I’ll explain later.”
