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I wiped away a tear and smiled weakly at him. “Thanks. It means a lot to have someone to talk to. I don’t know how I would get through half the shit I do without you.”
We stood in silence for a moment, looking out at the city skyline. The sound of the party behind us was a distant hum, and I felt a sense of peace and comfort in the stillness of the night. His arm went around my shoulders and he pulled me against him.
“I’m always going to be here for you,” Luke said. “Always. It’s going to take a lot for you to ditch me.”
“Thank you.” I sighed.
“I just don’t know how to talk to him. We butt heads every time we do try and talk. He’s so volatile. I know he sees me as daddy’s little girl, but am I supposed to stay forever young? He wants me to be his little girl and his heir apparent at the same time. I don’t want to be either. I just want him to respect me and my decisions. There are plenty of other people in the organization who could take over. And, unless he’s hiding something from me, he’s not going anywhere anytime soon. I just don’t see why he can’t let me go and live my own life.”
ChapterThirteen
Luke
Ilistened as she poured her heart out, offering words of comfort and support. It was times like these when I was grateful for our friendship, and the trust we shared. As we stood there, the cool breeze blowing through our hair, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the moment. Despite the fancy party and the exclusive venue, all that mattered was being there for Emmy, and helping her through her struggles.
“I think you’ve done the right thing,” I said. “You left home. You put your foot down. You’re doing what you need to do to be happy. I’m always going to be here for you.”
I could see the pain in her eyes as she spoke, and it broke my heart. I knew how much her dreams meant to her, and it hurt me to see her being forced into something that she didn’t want to do. Her dad wasn’t bad, but he wasn’t always the most sensitive, understanding man. He was raised in a different generation. He had his own ideas about what children should do. He believed kids did what their parents demanded—forever.
She turned to face me. “I love him, I do, but I don’t know how I’m supposed to do this. I hate that I waited so long to move out. I hate that I didn’t get myself set up better. I’ve fucked around the last ten years instead of actually building a career.
“I just don’t understand why my dad can’t support my decision to pursue my dream career. He keeps insisting that I join the family business, but that’s just not what I want to do.”
“That’s tough,” I said. “Have you tried talking to him about why you’re passionate about writing?”
She sighed. “Yes, I’ve explained to him countless times how much it means to me, but he just doesn’t seem to get it. He keeps telling me that I’ll regret not joining the family business one day. He refuses to hear me when I say I don’t want to be involved with what he does. I like plausible deniability. I like not knowing what he really does. I know he runs a business. I know he owns property. That’s all I want to know.”
“Do you think there’s any way you could convince him to at least be open to the idea of you pursuing writing?”
“I doubt it.” She groaned. “He’s always been very traditional and set in his ways. But I don’t want to give up on my dreams just because he doesn’t approve. I can’t do it. I could not get out of bed every morning and feel good about myself. I would be miserable.”
“I completely understand,” I said and pushed a strand of hair away from her face. “Maybe you could try to show him how successful you can be. Write an amazing book or article and show him how good you are. You’re good. You have a flair for storytelling. Sit down and write your ass off. If he doesn’t believe it then, fuck him. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. I’ve got your back.”
She smiled softly. “I appreciate that. I think I’m worried I’m not good enough. Maybe he’s right.”
“He’s not right,” I said firmly.
“I just can’t believe he chose to do this today,” she muttered.
“I didn’t realize he hosted the party,” I said. “I would have warned you.”
“I didn’t know either,” she said. “I should have known he would find a way to be involved with Leo’s wedding. He does think of him as another honorary son, along with you.”
“I could try to talk to him,” I offered. “He might listen to me.”
“No.” She shook her head. “This is on me. I have to figure this shit out. If you fight this battle for me, I’m still not getting out from under his shadow. I have to do this.”
“Okay,” I nodded. “Just remember that this is your life and your career, not his. You have to do what makes you happy and fulfilled, even if it means going against his wishes. He might be mad for a while, but I have a feeling he’ll get over it. You’re his princess. He’s not about to abandon you. He’ll be mad and he’ll get over it.”
“Thank you for being such a great friend and supporting me through all of this.” She smiled up at me. “It means a lot to have someone who understands.”
I held her in my arms, and the smell of her perfume was intoxicating. I hated that she was upset after the argument with her father. The party was going on inside. We weren’t alone, but it was just the two of us on the terrace. All the feelings I had been trying to tamp down roared back to life.
As I looked into her eyes, I felt the intensity of the moment growing. The way she was looking at me made me feel like I was the only person in the world who mattered to her. Her eyes were red from crying, and I knew deep down that I needed to make her feel better.
Without a word, I leaned in and kissed her lightly on the lips. Maybe she was the one who’d leaned in. I didn’t do anything more than rest my lips against hers. I didn’t want to spook her. This was unchartered territory. I was going on instinct and not listening to the little voice in the back of my head telling me not to do it. Telling me this was a bad idea.
At first, she was hesitant, but then she opened her mouth and welcomed me in. Our tongues danced together, and I felt my body responding to hers. I had never felt this way before. It was Emmy, Emilia. She was the woman I had been fantasizing about for years. I had dreamed about this moment forever.
