Page 48

“Will you come to see it?” asked Gemma. “I’ll try to arrange a time for you to go through the house with me. I’m hoping you’ll help me decorate it.”

“Yes, of course,” said Emmie. “I’d be honored to do so. Just let me know when.”

During the last week of March, Gemma called. “Hi, Mom. Will you come this weekend to see the house? I’ve arranged with the real estate agent to let us go through the interior to make a list of things that need to be done.”

“Sure, I’ll be delighted to do that. It’ll be fun to work with you on the decorating. I’ll arrive Saturday morning and stay until Sunday afternoon,” said Emmie. “That will give me time to draw up some ideas which we can work on together.”

She ended the call and left Tanner a message saying she wouldn’t be available for dinner after all.

Excited at the prospect of getting out of the house for the weekend, Emmie looked up some paint colors to show Gemma. The sale of the house wouldn’t go through for almost three weeks. That would give them time to choose fresh paint for the walls in the small house.

###

When Emmie arrived in Newton, she went to Tony and Gemma’s apartment and left her things there. Then, she headed to the restaurant. Romero’s was a big deal in the small town. Emmie stared at the award-winning banner, “Welcome to the Best Food in Town”, hung above the front door of the two-story brick building.

She walked inside and was greeted by Nettie, Tony’s mother. “Emmie, we’re grateful you could join us. There’s a large private group here for lunch, but I’ve saved you a seat at the family table. We’re overbooked for dinner, but we’ll work it out. We always do.”

On her way to the family table, Emmie glanced into the private room where the sound of laughter filled the air. She loved that the restaurant always seemed a joyful place to be.

She said hi to Tony’s sister, Sophia, and sat beside her. “It’s busy. You look tired. Are you all right?”

“I just needed a few minutes to sit. I’ve been on my feet all morning, helping with the prep. My family doesn’t know, but I’m pregnant. Sam and I are delighted, of course, but I don’t want my mother and grandmother to find out just yet. After having two boys, I want to be able to do things without their constant rules.”

“I understand. My daughter, Lauren, and her husband, Rick, have just had their first child, a boy named Clark.”

“That’s superb,” said Sophia. “I love my boys, but I’m hoping for a girl. We’ll see.”

Gemma came over to the table. “Hi, Mom. I’m glad to see you. There was a gentleman here who said he knew you. He asked how you were, and I told him you were fine, dating a lawyer, and doing well.”

Could it be … Emmie’s heart pounded with excitement; then she filled with worry. “Where is he?”

“He’s gone. He was hosting the private group. He tipped very well. His name was Ted something.”

Emmie clapped a hand to her mouth. “Omigod! You told him I’m dating a lawyer?”

Gemma’s brow wrinkled with concern. “Yes, why? Did I say something wrong?”

“I just wish I could’ve spoken to him. You say he’s gone?”

“Yes, he just left,” said Gemma. “He may still be in the parking lot.”

“Excuse me,” said Emmie. She hurried away and raced outside even though she had no idea what kind of car Ted would drive.

She scoured the lot for the sight of him. When she realized he was nowhere to be found, she couldn’t help the tears that filled her eyes. Knowing she might have been able to speak to Ted, might have let him know that he still filled her thoughts, her disappointment was crushing.

Though she’d begun to tell herself their friendship was a delightful Christmas story, she was forced to admit to herself how much she really cared about him. Ted, on the other hand, had gone on with his life with little thought of her.

Not wanting to upset Gemma, she stayed outside until she could control her emotions. She was tempted to call him, then decided that if he really wanted to see her, he could have called her weeks ago. This was another reality that she’d have to face.

###

Inside, the restaurant remained busy. Even so, Gemma was able to get away long enough to take Emmie to the house together with the real estate agent to see the interior.

The house was on a quiet residential street. Families were evident by the number of toys in the yards and on front porches.

Emmie studied the house where Gemma parked. As the photo had shown her, it was a cute little Cape Cod with a sizeable front porch. The gray clapboards looked freshly painted, along with the white trim on the front windows and the red front door.

The real estate agent, an older woman, was waiting and got out of her car to greet them.