My imagination was genuinely running wild.
***
Jake and I were heading to meet Erica. The entire ride was busy as he had back to back calls, and not to mention, a dozen bodyguards were following us too.
Will it always be this way? Will we ever have privacy?
I was taken out of my thoughts, as Jake softly held my hand, "it will get better, Emma. I assure you".
He wrapped his arms around me, and I just looked at him in shock.
Did he just read my mind?
This was the untold beauty of our relationship. We truly understood each other. I didn't have to say a lot to him; he was attentive and accepted me the way I was.
When we arrived, I was astonished to see Erica's residence. These guys were all super-rich. She had an extravagant bungalow too, outside the massive gate, a brown board with stylish italics read "Murial's".
I gulped in anxiety. I wasn't feeling as confident now. Jake rubbed his hand on my back, gesturing me to calm down. I looked in his blue eyes and immediately felt better. I held his hand, and we both entered her house.
Erica welcomed us at the main door.
"I am so glad you guys came." She greeted both Jake and me with a friendly side hug.
"Thanks for inviting us, Erica," I replied politely.
"Of course! The pleasure is all mine. And what's up with the security Jake? Is the President visiting as well?" She mocked him, and we all let out a laugh.
We all went inside and got seated. Erica was behaving like the perfect host. She started getting our drinks served, which was soon followed by sumptuous food.
"The food was incredible. Did you really cook all this Erica?" Jake asked.
"Yes, not a lot of people know this, but I am a great cook." She gave a small bow while boasting her talent.
"No doubts about that. You are an amazing cook." I joined their conversation, praising her genuine efforts. The food was delicious.
"Thanks, Emma, and I have one last dish specially made for you."
"Really?"
"Yes, this is my way of apologizing to you, I baked you a cheesecake. I saw you have one in Norway. I hope you would like it."
"Wow, you are very observant, Erica. It happens to be one of my favorite desserts."
"Great. Allow me then." She left enthusiastically to the kitchen, and within minutes, she was back with a cheesecake in her hand. We all dived in together. It was terrific.
All through the day today, I was impressed by Erica and her gestures. She was very warm and had put in a lot of effort to make a massive spread of lunch. I felt it would be unfair to continue to judge her, especially when she was trying hard to make amends.
"I love the necklace you are wearing, Emma." Erica's sudden compliment got me out of my thoughts.
"Thank You. It's a gift from Jake". I smiled warmly at him while softly rubbing the necklace with my fingers.
"You have great taste Jacob Richmond. You sure know how to keep your girl happy." She teased him again.
"That's true. Anything for my love." Jake pulled me closer to him, his arm tightly wrapped around my waist.
"Ahem... Erica, I didn't know you had guests over. I wouldn't have come unannounced." We suddenly were taken aback, as we saw a serious-looking man enter the premises, it was Erica's dad Ben Murial.
"Dad! What a pleasant surprise. When did you return from your meeting?" Erica went running to hug her father.
"I just got back today, I am only here for a couple of days and will be flying out for two more weeks. I thought I should use this opportunity to spend time with my lovely daughter."
"Of course, dad. I invited Jake over for lunch, along with his girlfriend. Her name is Emma." Erica pointed towards our direction, while Mr. Murial gave us an acknowledging nod.
"I am sorry to hear about your apartment Jacob. All the security outside makes total sense." Mr. Murial directed his concerns to Jake in a serious tone.
"Your apartment? What happened Jake?" Erica chimed in.
"Nothing serious. It's all under control now." Jake tried to diffuse the unwelcomed attention he was getting. He didn't seem comfortable discussing his security issues with the Murials.
"Of course, it is a serious matter son. They set your home on fire, Windsons have crossed a line here."
"How do you know all this? Specially about Windons?" Jake was as shocked as we all were at Mr. Murial's knowledge of the situation.
"I have my sources. Nothing in this industry is a secret. In fact, why don't you join me in my study, I have some intel that could be helpful to you in your lawsuit against them."
Jake gave me a tender look, and as I nodded, he felt assured and left with Mr. Murial, leaving Erica and me behind.
"I had no clue all this happened. This is serious shit. Where is Jake living these days?" Erica muttered with genuine concern in her tone.
"We are staying at his family home," I replied spontaneously and immediately regretted giving out an essential detail in a rush.
"We?" She asked with a raised eyebrow. As expected, she didn't let it slip.
"Yes, I sort of moved in with him after the accident." I was getting nervous at her interrogatory tone. I know she loved Jake too. A five-year-old could see through her.
"Wow. That's huge. I am glad Jake have you by his side, especially in such difficult times." Erica's calm response came as a surprise.
"I know. I felt the need to be close to him too." I nodded in agreement.
"Emma, I don't want to play hide and seek with you, you are a pretty smart girl to understand anyway." Erica started in a serious tone,
