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“Yeah. That was good.”
Emma slips around me, moving to start collecting our dishes.
“I got this,” I tell her. “Why don’t you go ahead.”
“Okay. I’m not going to argue with you.” She stifles a yawn. “I’m exhausted.”
“I’ll see you in there.” I drop a kiss to her forehead, every cell in my body restraining myself from giving her the goodnight kiss I really want. To pick up where we were before her mom walked in.
I watch Emma exit the kitchen, then I start to put the dishes in the dishwasher and tidy up. I linger there, giving Emma enough time to get ready for bed, crawl beneath the sheets and fall asleep. It’s necessary because my resolve to keep things platonic between us has already started to waver. While I still have the desire to protect Emma, to push forward with this charade so she can keep her business’s reputation intact, and nail the interview with the bridal magazine editor, there’s something else starting to wriggle its way out from under that obligation.
Something I don’t dare put a name to.
* * *
Besides Chad, I haven’t made much of an effort to have friends. My priorities have always been Sophie and school. While I’ve gotten to know the guys from the revue and a few peers at law school, the time constraints that doing both put on my life, as well as keeping up with Sophie, made it difficult for me to spend time with friends. I never went out with the guys from the revue because I had reading and case file studies to prep for class the next day. It was nearly impossible to meet up with classmates for study groups or social events the law school put on because I had to work at the revue in the evenings.
I didn’t mind at the time because I knew what I was working toward. But playing tennis with Barrett, Carl and Hunter has made me realize that spending time with guy friends is something I want to put more energy into. It’s another aspect of my life that being here with Emma has highlighted as lacking.
And it appears I’m not a horrible tennis player.
We’re playing doubles, Carl and Barrett versus me and Hunter.
I volley the ball back across the net to Carl. He shuffles his feet to reach for the wide shot, but his racquet comes up empty, ending the third set.
Carl places his hands on his knees and huffs out a breath. “I thought you didn’t play.” He directs his comment toward me.
Barrett smirks. “Yeah, when did you say you last played?”
“High school gym class,” I say, answering honestly even though I doubt it’s what the guys want to hear.
Hunter claps me on the shoulder. “Clearly a natural athlete.” Then to Barrett and Carl, “Don’t be sore losers.”
We gather at the sideline for a break. We’re all wearing the requisite white polos and shorts of the NYC Racquet Club. I’m used to wearing coordinating outfits at the revue, but the wealth and status this club exudes makes this experience completely different. These guys are only a few years older than me, but their careers are light years ahead of mine. Barrett and Hunter are CEOs of major companies. Carl has nearly a decade of experience in corporate law.
And their lifestyle? The guys don’t flaunt their wealth, it’s just a fact. From the way they dress to the lavish parties they attend, their membership at this club, it all seems to be a natural part of their lives. Something that has always been there. These are the kind of guys that Emma associates with. The kind of guy she’s used to dating. Like Alec, her ex.
“Last night is catching up with me.” Carl drops onto the bench and wraps his towel around his neck, then reaches for his water.
“How did things work out with Natasha?” Carl asks Hunter.
“She’s nice.”
“But?” Barrett prods.
“She wants more than I am able to give,” Hunter responds. “With the Las Vegas project on the horizon, I have nothing to give a relationship.”
“When do you ever?” Carl says. “Watch out, man, because someday, a woman is going to knock you back on your heels. Have you desperate to see her more. That’s when you know it’s all over for you.”
“Is that how it happened for you, Griffin?” Barrett asks. “With Emma?”
The question is a way for Barrett to engage me in the conversation, but I can also tell he’s protective over his cousin. He’s been welcoming, but not overly so. I can appreciate his wariness and don’t fault him for it. Emma says he takes a while to warm up to people. I’ve only got two more weeks in New York, so the chances of us being best buddies before I leave are not great. But I can appreciate his efforts in trying to get to know me.
“Yeah. It was something like that.”
“And now you’ve moved across the country and are living with your in-laws. The things we do for love.” Carl chuckles.
“Are you and Emma looking to buy or rent?” Barrett asks. “Hunter’s company has a new development in Gramercy. I’m sure he’d get you a first look before it hits the market.”
