Read Online The Rise of Emery James by Shae Scott - Free Book Online Page B

burrowing deeper into my lap and I smile. "Maybe I'll just call you Journey."

 
    Cole
     
     
    I NEVER SHOULD HAVE left things like that with Emery. It was such a big conversation to have before I up and left town for two days. I keep thinking about her, worrying that I did some kind of damage to our evolving relationship. Sometimes I forget that we've been apart for so long. It can be too easy to take certain liberties with her without thinking of how they will affect her.
    Last night my worry and curiosity got the best of me and the questions just started tumbling out of my mouth before I could think better of it. I think I'd feel better if I could be there to check on her tonight. It's one of the first times that I haven't been there to check on her and I can't help but feel like I'm letting her down in some way. I can't help but want to take care of her.
    I miss her.
    I send her a text asking her how her day has been and I make lame conversation, just so I can keep it going. But I can tell she’s distracted so I say goodnight and promise to see her tomorrow.
    I just need to see her face.
    I need to see that we’re okay.
     

     
    I SKIP OUT EARLY the next day and head over to Emery's. Yes, I might be a little out of control. But ask me if I care.
    There are quite a few branches down in the yard from last night's storm. I'll have to pick those up for her, but it will have to wait until I see her. I still need to settle this uneasy thrumming in my heart.
    She opens the door and gives me a quiet smile. She's beautiful. She doesn't even have to try. Her hair is up in a messy bun and she's wearing those yoga pants that she loves, but she's still stunning. The nervous thrumming turns to a deep thump as I stare at her. It takes me a minute to notice that she's holding a tiny orange kitten.
    "Who is your friend?" I ask as she pushes the screen door open so I can come in.
    She smiles down at the bright eyed ball of fur and it's the first smile that I've seen her give that lights up her entire face. "He showed up last night during the storm. I think I'm going to keep him." I reach out and pet the little guy on the head. He's cute and completely content there in her arms. I don't think he'd go anywhere even if she tried to get rid of him.
    "I like him," I say.
    "Me too. How was the trip?" she asks as I follow her into the living room. I smile at the addition of a cat bed and the scattering of toys on the floor. Apparently she didn't waste any time in getting that little guy all set up in his new home.
    "It was good. Long. But I think we'll get the green light and it will be a big project. Henry is really excited about it." I take a seat on the couch as Emery folds herself cross-legged in the corner, the kitten instantly snuggling into her lap with a big yawn. Yeah, he has it made.
    "That's good. I talked to Dad earlier and he seemed pretty happy. Sounds like a lot of work though."
    I nod, "We're ready for it."
    She seems more relaxed around me today. I'm glad. It eases the guilt I had for pushing her so hard and then leaving her all alone. Maybe it's the cat.
    "So does this cat have a name?" I ask curiously.
    She gives me a shy smile, almost like she doesn't want to tell me. "I've been calling him Journey," she admits.
    Journey. Hell, that's kind of perfect.
    "I like it."
    "It fits him," she agrees.
    “Better than any name I’d come up with. I found a stray cat in college once…I called him Tequila,” I wink at her. She laughs and the sound fills the air with instant happiness. It makes my heart full to hear it.
    “That’s amazing,” she says, still laughing. I can’t help but stare at her, her eyes shining in a way I haven’t seen nearly enough.
    "You care if I hang out for a bit?" I ask.
    Instead of answering me, she hands me the remote.
     

     
    EASY DOES IT. Baby steps. This has become my new motto. Sometimes it's really hard not to push her to get the answers I want. But I'm learning to practice patience. It's not