Page 83 of A New Chapter

“He invited me to come down to North Carolina for Christmas.”

“Hmm. You’re going to tell him no, right? Because we’re spending Christmas together.”

Emma chuckled at the slight panic in Zack’s voice. “I’ll call him tomorrow and tell him. But about my parents…”

“I know what you’re going to say, and it’s no problem. You know that Alex will be thrilled to set two more places at the table.”

“I don’t know, Zack. I understand why they invited me and Kelly, but my parents too? Are you sure?”

“Emma, you were there at Thanksgiving, remember? You saw the joy on my mom’s face when you said, ‘Pass the stuffing.’”

Emma broke out in a full belly laugh that made her stomach hurt even more. “Ok, ok, I get it. I’ll ask my parents when they get here.”

“Whew, I’m glad that’s settled.”

“Speaking of getting settled, I need to get some sleep. I have to work all day tomorrow, and then I have a date with this hot Greek guy that I know.”

“Hmm. What does this guy look like?”

“Let’s see. He’s tall and muscular, and he’s got these really gorgeous light gray eyes.”

“Sounds dreamy. What else do you like about him?”

“Well, he’s caring and generous, and he has a great sense of humor. Not to mention…”

“That he’s great in the sack?”

Emma giggled again. “I was going to say that he’s a wonderful father.”

“So, he’s not great in the sack?”

“Goodnight, Zack.”

“Seriously? You’re going to leave me hanging like that?”

“Alright, fine. He’s great in the sack. Correction, he’s phenomenal in the sack. How’s that?”

“Aah… now I can sleep good.”

“Glad to help out.”

“Em?”

“Umm-hmm?”

“You’re phenomenal too, and I don’t just mean in the sack.”

“Thanks, Zack.”

“I’m not going to say goodbye. I’m just going to say, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Tears welled up in Emma’s eyes, and she tried to blink them away. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said right before the first tear fell.