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"Yes, do that. And don't let anyone else know where you're going, besides your parents. No need getting the information leaked somehow."
"Okay, Emma, thank you." Connie whispers. "I'll see you Thursday."
"Take care, Connie. Remember to breathe."
The line goes dead and my mind floods with panic. All I can do is hope the police do their job and keep Dan away from her.
* * *
"Keep up the good work, Anne."I lead my patient out as she waves goodbye. Another long day over; my bed is calling my name.
I pack up my files and straighten up my desk. My stomach growls. Leftover Chinese from last night sits in my fridge and I hurry out to my car, my mouth watering at the thought.
The car beeps when I hit the fob to unlock the doors. I slide in, tossing my bags next to me. I turn the key over and the engine roars to life. The sleek black Honda Civic is my baby. A present to myself after my business started.
The ride home is quick, less than ten minutes. Momentarily blinded, my driveway fills with bright light from the motion sensor. I spot my mother's car and my stomach sinks. What is she doing here?
I park my car next to hers and look over to see my mother and sister waving at me, their fake smiles plastered on like paint. Here we go, I'll never hear the end of my date with Curt.
The car door opens and I hop out, pulling my bags with me. Out of the corner of my eye, I see them exit their car. "Emma!" My mother calls.
She hurries towards me, Melissa hot on her heels.
"I wasn't expecting to see you tonight." I walk to the door of my small Cape; a cute and cozy New England style home I purchased a couple of years ago. I love its charm, the appeal pulled me in as soon as I had walked through the door.
"You won't answer our calls or messages, Emma." My mother says sternly.
The door unlocks and I kick it open with my foot. The living room fills with soft light when I hit the switch. My bags fall to the floor with a thud. "I've had a few busy days. Where's dad tonight? Go bug him."
My father makes himself scarce more and more these days. Their marriage has been through the ringer, as my mom doesn't make things easy. Sure, my dad follows all her house rules, but her nagging and bad attitude is tiresome. And I can imagine after several years, he'd want to throw in the towel. She's too much, when is she going to realize that?
They follow me into the kitchen, helping themselves to a seat at my kitchen table. The house features a big eat in kitchen with a breakfast bar along the far right wall, complete with bar stools. My table sits on the adjacent wall, with the rest of the kitchen filled with cabinets and counter space. The fridge is nestled in along with my stove and dishwasher. It's big and functional, decorated in warm golds and hues of blue, matching the light oak colored cabinets.
I fill the kettle with water under the faucet before I set it on the stove.
"Tea anyone?" I ask. My Chinese leftovers will have to wait.
"Please." My mother answers and Melissa agrees. I pull out three mugs from the cabinet, the tea bags sitting beside them.
I lean against the counter, my arms crossing in front of me. Honestly, I'm not in the mood for their shenanigans tonight. The air thickens; tension fills the room.
"When are you seeing Curt next?" Melissa asks, breaking the silence.
I narrow my eyes at her. She's infuriating. "I don't know."
The kettle whistles and I turn the heat off. Steam billows from the top as I pour the boiling water into the mugs. I breathe in the sweet smell of the lavender chamomile tea.
"You guys didn't set something up?" Melissa's fake kind voice washes over me and I cringe. I bite my lip in an attempt not to roll my eyes. Placing their mugs in front of them, I grab mine and sit down.
I blow on my tea before taking a tentative sip. "No. I don't think I will be either."
"What? Why not?" My mother snaps. Disappointment flashes all over her face and I look away. You can't force love; why does she need to get upset over it?
I shrug. "There was no connection, no spark."
"What have I always told you, Em? There isn't necessarily going to be a spark in the beginning. Instant love doesn't exist. You know this. You have to nurture love for it to grow."
"I know, Mom. But, he didn't take my profession seriously and that's a big problem."
