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“Yes, they did. Is there a particular reason you’re asking me all these questions?”
“No, there’s no reason. I just want to make sure that you’re taking care of yourself,” I lie. The truth is, ever since Serena told me about her diagnosis, I have worried about Sophie suffering a similar fate.
“OK… That’s strange…It’s too late to try and dissect what’s going on here, but you better believe we will be revisiting this later on.” I’m dreading that comment when she asks, “Anyway, how is work?”
“Work is fine.”
“Really? Are you being nice to Emma?” she asks
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
I can feel her roll her eyes at me as she says, “There is a reason your number is saved as ‘The Grump’ on Mom’s phone. I’ve asked Emma and she hasn’t told me anything. She keeps giving me generic answers.”
I kind of like that Emma has kept our animosity off of Sophie’s mind. That’s the last thing she needs to worry about right now. “Sophie, there’s nothing to tell. I have been nothing but charming to your friend.”
Sophie actually guffaws. “Yeah, Dad. I’ll believe that when I see it.”
“That’s really offensive.”
“Mhmmm… Anyway, Daddy, I have an early morning tomorrow so I will talk to you some other time?”
“Of course. Go to bed. We’ll talk later. Good night.”
“Good night.” She makes kissy sounds over the phone and then the line goes dead.
Why did she have to bring up Emma? Now I’m thinking about everything Oliver said. He has managed to convince me that it wouldn’t be such a big deal for me to ask Emma out. I don’t know whether I’m going to do it or not. If I do, will she say yes?
This and similar questions play in my mind as I drift off into nothingness.
Chapter Seven
Emma
Argh… I’ve been feeling so out of sorts lately. Yeah, my personal life is a mess, but that’s not it.
I’ve been so busy with work that I’ve been neglecting myself. When I first got to Boston, it was extremely important to me to make a mark at work. So, everything else became secondary to the job. Now that I have been here for a while and have kind of settled in, it’s time to readjust.
I really should buy a gym membership and eat more of a balanced diet. I should also start journaling again to improve my mental health.
However, it’s late at night and most of these changes will have to wait until tomorrow. What I can start with is a healthy dinner. I have barely had anything to eat all day, so that’s a good idea.
I’m already in bed in my pajamas with my hair up in a messy bun. I throw the covers off and, with my phone in my hand, head to my kitchen.
As I go, I notice how sparse my apartment is. I’m renting a place on Boylston Street. Although it’s a pretty modern and beautifulapartment, I still have yet to decorate. All that’s here are the basics and it’s not much to look at.
I walk up to my fridge and pull the door open. When I look inside, I am underwhelmed with what’s available. A bottle of lemon juice, a bag of lettuce, and a half-eaten loaf of bread.
I wake up my phone screen to check the time and it’s just past ten o’clock. I have a sudden burst of energy and decide to go grocery shopping.
Sophie told me about this 24-hour organic grocery store across town calledApple Fiber. Now is as good a time as any to check it out.
I don’t even bother changing out of my pajamas. I mean, who am I going to run into at this time of night at the grocery store? I grab my car keys and purse off my counter and headed out.
As I step out into the night, the chill in the air alerts me to the fact that summer is probably on its way out. The realization doesn’t break my stride. I walk over to my cream-colored Camry that I bought used when I got into town.
Once in my car, I program the grocery store into my GPS and take off.
As I drive my mind wanders over to Glen. I wonder how it’s possible that I can be so attracted to someone and want to wring their neck at the same time. How is it possible for one person to be so incredibly grumpy and bossy? I have never met anyone that intense in my entire life.
