“Yes to everything. We found the clues in his downtown penthouse.” I point to the box with my name on it calling to me from its place on the desk.
For some reason—maybe fear—I haven’t opened it since Sin and I checked into the hotel. Now that Emma’s here, I’m ready to see what might be inside it … I think. She knows my history, my mother, and me. No one on this planet can fill those shoes right now. She’s the closest thing to family I have.
“Creepy,” Emma says, enunciating each syllable. “What’s inside?”
“After we found the documents from the private eye, I haven’t dug deeper, but I need to. I think I was waiting for you.” I reach out and grab her hand. She presses my fingers together with a gentle squeeze and gives me a reassuring smile, one that says she’s here for me, and I thank God for this fact. “I had this sickening feeling when I looked at the contents earlier.”
“Because James is sick. And here I thought you found someone to help you get past what happened to your mother. I knew something crazy was up with him when he would never let you talk to me. At first, I thought you were just busy being in love. I should’ve listened to my gut. I’m so thankful you’re finally away from him. Do you worry he’ll try to get you back?” Emma’s eyes widen in concern and my stomach turns into a million knots.
As long as I live here in Rochester, I don’t know that I will ever stop worrying about him. But I can’t tell her about the legal documents and other women. Sin told me never to mention it to anyone. It’s all the leverage we have to keep James away from me while protecting Sin. If the truth leaked, we could both be targets once again. It’s a shield of protection and hopefully my freedom.
“I’ll go crazy if I focus on the what ifs. I need to figure out how to live my life on my own.” I try to sound convincing to her and myself.
“I’m here for you. You know that. Have you thought about where you’ll live?”
“I’m going to try to get my old job back at the restaurant. I made decent money. I have enough for a deposit on a small apartment too. It’s a start.” I muster up a smile and try to hide the uncertainty my plans have laced in them. I called my old landlord and moved my appointment to see him to tomorrow. He said he would keep the studio on hold until I see it. I want to be brave and face my future with my head held high, but the only solid anchor I have in my life will be heading back to New York City soon. I try to push this thought out of my mind, reminding myself I don’t need a man to find myself, even if that man gives me strength I didn’t know I had.
“My lease with Ashley is up in a couple months. I love her, but she snores so loud, I can hear her through my bedroom wall. Maybe we can move in together. God, I’d love that. What to do you say?” Emma’s enthusiasm is hard to refuse. I don’t recall a time I was able to stay no to her, even when I knew better.
“I think I have to sign up for at least six months, though.” Emma tilts her head at me and her eyes look like she’s scheming. Oh no. This look usually spells trouble, but I can only smile back at her.
“What are you thinking?” I warn while squinting my eyes.
“There’s so much I haven’t told you since … well, since January, really. My father sold his company, so he’s pretty much retired, and my parents are leaving this weekend for a two-month vacation. By themselves.” She rolls her eyes and I laugh. It looks as if she wanted to join them, and I can’t blame her. “You can live in their house while they’re gone. They love you, and definitely trust you more than me.” She gives me a little wink and I nod my head.
“True,” I tease back.
“Plus, you can water their plants. I was assigned to do that and I’ll probably forget. You’ll have a place and they’ll have living plants when they get back. Win. Win.” All I can do is shake my head and laugh. Being resourceful has always been her specialty.
“It would solve a few problems, mostly the cash flow. But your parents aren’t close to bus routes.” I knit my brow while imagining walking miles to the closest bus stop. Her neighborhood is nice and safe, but I’ll be beat after standing all day at the restaurant.
“What happened to your old car?” Oh, shit. How can I answer that when I’m not even sure myself?
“James felt it was unsafe for me. I think he disposed of it.” I shrug, trying to blow it off. No need to cry over it now. I should’ve asked him about my car months ago.
“Fucker.” Emma takes my hands in hers and looks me straight in the eye, determination written all over her face. It’s this fierce side of her I wish I had more of right now in my own life. “Well, my folks have two cars that will be gathering dust while they’re away. You can drive one of them.”
“What? You’re kidding me?” I’ve had enough of driving other people’s luxury vehicles.