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“Parmesan,” I said.
“Yeah, that,” Sarah said. “It’s so good.”
“I’m glad you like it,” Emily said.
The four of us ate in silence for most of dinner. The kids were too busy eating as fast as they could to speak, and I was afraid of what I might say to Emily. My feelings were still just as strong as ever. Writing them down did nothing to assuage my discomfort.
Still, Emily’s eyes continued to flicker to mine, and I knew she wanted to talk. Finally, I came up with something safe to discuss, something I knew wouldn’t get me excited.
“So,” I said. “Tell me about your boyfriend.”
“My boyfriend?” Emily asked with a frown.
“You have a boyfriend?” Sarah asked with interest. “I wish I had a boyfriend.”
“I don’t have a boyfriend.” Emily laughed.
“You don’t?” I asked, surprised.
“No.” She frowned. “Why would you think that?”
“That guy at the pizza place,” I said. “When we saw you, you were with someone.”
“Oh.” Emily rolled her eyes. “Him.”
“He’s your boyfriend?” Sarah asked with excitement.
“No,” Emily said firmly. “That’s just Tanner. We’ve known each other since high school. He’s always a
sking me out, but I’ve never said yes.”
“Why not?” Tommy asked. “Is he not nice?”
“He’s nice enough,” Emily said with a nod. “But just as a friend. Nothing more.”
My heart skipped a beat at her words. Suddenly, all the blood rushed to my pelvis, and I had to take a few cleansing breaths before I could speak again.
“I’m sorry to just assume,” I said.
“That’s okay,” Emily said. “Tanner can be pretty persistent. He’s harmless and sweet but not at all my type. We’ve never been anything more than just friends. I think he knows that too. He just enjoys teasing me by asking me out all the time.”
“You shouldn’t tease people,” Sarah said wisely.
“No,” Emily said. “You’re right. You shouldn’t tease people.”
Emily glanced at me, and I looked away. My heart was still beating rapidly as her words sunk in. For days now, I’d been telling myself she had a boyfriend. The fact that she was off limits made it easier for me to resist her. Now, I wasn’t sure how I was going to control myself around her.
When we finished dinner, Emily took the kids upstairs to give them baths before bed. I cleaned the dishes, moving slowly so I would stay busy for a long time. My mind was still focused on Emily and what she said at dinner. Everything seemed more confusing now, more uncertain.
About an hour later, I finally finished the dishes just in time for Emily to come quietly down the stairs. She stopped in front of me, staring at me silently.
“Are they asleep?” I asked.
“Yes,” she said. “They went down easy tonight. Can I help with the dishes?”
“All done,” I said. “You’re off the hook for the night.”
“Oh, well, thank you,” she said and smiled up at me.
