“What you have to prove to us has nothing to do with what you have to prove to her,” Wyatt said.
“I’m well aware,” I confirmed.
“Just like Grammy says, actions speak louder than words. You feel like you have something to prove, then do it.”
“Seeing is believing?” I said.
“Well…not exactly. But in your case, since you don't exactly have a clear record, yep.”
“I just wanted to make sure y'all would support it if it did happen, that you wouldn't work against me,” I stated, somewhat with a question.
“A year ago, you bet your ass I would have been opposed. Not that it would have mattered. Emma is as hardheaded as they come. I see you’re trying…and you have been. All I have ever wanted is for you to be a good man… like Wyatt. And all I have ever wanted for Emma is to be as happy as Wyatt makes me.”
“No way will Cash ever be like me,” Wyatt said irritated.
“I agree, Bro, but I’m not giving up until I am the man that Emma and now our baby deserves.” I meant it too. If I was half as good as Wyatt, I would take it.
We sat in silence, listening to Olivia talk back to her cartoon as if she was talking to a real person she was in a conversation with.
It wasn't lost on me that I enjoyed these moments with my brother and his family far better than any skirt chasing I ever did. I just was never sober and ready to admit to myself it was okay to be happy.
What a waste of my time, working like I did…money wasn’t everything… and I had learned that the hard way.
EMMA
Knocking on my office door distracted me from the pitch I had due at noon. The conference room would be packed by 11:45, waiting for me to close the deal on what would more than likely be the largest marketing plan of my business career.
I had never been afraid of a challenge and this was one I was determined to nail.
Once the baby came, I would be cutting back my hours, and I needed this to close the deal on my worth. I had provided my time and commitment to this company and hoped they would remember that rather than discarding me.
“Hello…” A knock and the door was opening.
Breigh.
I stood up to meet her and gave her a hug. “What are you doing here?”
“I figured you might want a pick-me-up.” She handed me a Starbucks, and a Danish.
“Decaf?”
“Yes, I knew you were only doing one cup of caff a day so yes, it is decaf. And I bought you two Danishes because I knew you will want one before the meeting and then one after since you won’t be leaving for lunch.”
I smiled. She did know me.
“Plus, I knew you probably haven’t slept a wink since seeing Cash.”
“Were you a fly on my wall?”
“No… but Wyatt was on with him for an hour after Kelleye Joe’s. Wyatt didn't say anything about it but just listened and told him to concentrate on himself. Then he brought over pizza last night and we visited with him.”
“Kinda funny he is having trouble concentrating on himself. That is all he did for probably most of his life and now he is having problems on it.”
“Shockingly he isn't having problems with the changes. He sees what he was and wants to make amends. He even brought up how he kissed me that night in front of Wyatt at dinner and apologized. I didn't know if I would be breaking up a fight or hiding under the table if one started.”
I laughed and almost spit out the Danish I had been enjoying immensely. I may have even moaned from the delight.
“I’m not going to keep you long… I know you have a busy day. I just wanted to tell you good luck and that I had fun with you at Kellye Joe’s. It was just like old times.” She smiled. “I hope we can do it again soon. You know I don't get out near as much as I would like to.”
“I don't think any of us do.” I had stopped going out a lot too.
“Wyatt said that Caleb is asking about you constantly. Have you talked to him? I know it is not a priority at all and it shouldn’t be, but I didn't know if you…”
“I have talked to him a few times. He is sweet but I don't think I could handle it. You know, almost too sweet.”
“I didn't know that was a such thing.”
I rolled my eyes. “You know how Wyatt is so sweet to you and it makes me almost want to gag? I couldn't handle that all the time. I mean it’s great for you two. You love it, he loves it, but I’m not that type of girl.”
“I know you aren't. Well, when you have time let him down nicely so he will stop asking Wyatt. He is getting annoyed with him.”
“I will.”
“I love you, girl. I’m going to get going. Virginia is watching Olivia for just a couple hours and I’ve got to get to the store.”
“Love you. I’ll call you tonight and let you know how it goes. Hopefully we can celebrate the account soon.”
“I’d love that,” Breigh said.
She walked toward the door and I to my desk. I was actually feeling a little better after a sweet breakfast, okay, second breakfast and some more coffee.
“And, Emma… for what it is worth, Cash is in love with you. He isn’t going anywhere; he is waiting for you. And y’all’s baby.”
The door shut and I sat down staring out the window. Why is everything so complicated when I needed it the least?
And why did I know in my heart that I was in love with him too. I had never stopped being…
25
CASH
CASH: Beautiful, thanks for
