“I will. I have no intentions of letting her go.”
“Good because you have a lot to face. The biggest problem will be her mother. While I have no problem with Emma dating someone who isn’t rich, her mother has always been about the money.” “I’ve noticed,” I grumbled.
“You’re going to have a hell of a fight on your hands when she finds out about you two. I’ll back you up, but there isn’t much I can do since I’m not around that often.”
“I know we’ll have to face her eventually. I’m just hoping it’s later rather than sooner.”
“You seem like a good kid, Jesse. I hope things work out.”
“Me, too.”
“What are you two talking about?” Emma asked from the doorway.
“I was just explaining to Jesse about my days in a biker gang before I joined the band...and all the ways I’ve killed men.”
Emma rolled her eyes. “He’s lying. Daddy wouldn’t hurt a fly.” “That’s what you think,” he said as he grinned.
“Jesse, if you don’t mind, I’m going to steal Emma away for the day. I have a show tonight at Royal Albert Hall, so I want to spend a few hours with her by ourselves.”
“Of course. I’ll just hang out here or walk around outside for a while.”
“Are you sure?” Emma asked. “I hate to leave you after you came all this way with me.”
“I’m a big boy. I can entertain myself for a few hours. Go have fun.
Bond. Tell your dad how awesome I am.”
They both laughed as they walked to the door.
“Just call my cell if you need anything!” Emma said over her shoulder. “I will.”
I sat on the couch for a few minutes, debating on what to do. I could stay here and sleep for a few hours, or I could go out and explore the streets of London. The chances of me ever visiting London again were slim to none, so I decided to explore.
After eating the food I had ordered from room service, I got dressed and walked downstairs. The doorman held the door open to let me pass. Once I was on the streets, I started wandering.
I had no destination in mind. I just wanted to explore. I walked down Carlos Place until I hit Grosvenor Square. There was some kind of park there—Grosvenor Square Gardens according to the sign—and I wandered into it. Santa Monica had nothing on the scenery here. While I loved the ocean, there was just something about the landscape here that drew me in. I was amazed at just how large the trees were that surrounded me as I walked down the stone path. It was incredible to see trees this big right in the middle of London.
I finally made it back to the street and continued to explore. I had a thing for architecture, and I couldn’t help but be amazed by the obvious age of some of the buildings here. I hoped that Emma and I would have time to explore part of London together before we had to leave.
I continued to wander through the street until I found myself back at The Connaught. I glanced down at my phone to realize that I’d be walking for hours.
I made my way back up to the room and turned on the television to wait for Emma to get back. She didn’t disappoint me. After only an hour or so, I heard her key unlocking the door.
“Hey, did you have fun?” I asked as I watched her put her key card on the dresser.
She started pulling off her shoes. “I had a blast. Dad and I went to this cute little cafe to eat, and then we spent the rest of the day going to places he likes to visit every time he comes to London. I wish you could have come with us.”
“I’m glad you had fun. And I didn’t need to go. You and your dad needed some time alone together.”
“True, but I still missed you.” She walked over to the bed and kissed me.
“I missed you, too.”
“So, what did you do all day? Please tell me that you didn’t hide out in our room, or I’m going to feel even worse.”
“I didn’t. I went out and explored. It was kind of cool actually. Thank you for bringing me along.”
“Of course. I wouldn’t want anyone else with me.”
“I’m glad to hear it. I’m going to go shower and head to bed. I’m exhausted.”
“Me, too,” Emma said before she yawned.
I grabbed a pair of shorts and walked into the bathroom to shower. After a quick shower, I went back into the bedroom to see Emma had passed out on the bed. I smiled as I watched her roll over in her sleep. She looked so peaceful. I hated to wake her up, but she was lying across the bed, and there was no way I could go to sleep. I picked her up gently, hoping that she wouldn’t wake up.
“What are you doing?” she mumbled.
“Shh, I’m just moving you. Go back to sleep.”
“Okay.”
I laid her down and settled next to her. As soon as we were both under the covers, she curled up against me and rested her head on my chest.
“Night, Emma,” I whispered, and I kissed her hair.
“Love you, Jesse,” she mumbled in her sleep.
I squeezed my eyes shut. Jesus, she loves me. I stared down at her sleeping figure as I thought about her words, thinking that I loved her, too. I just didn’t think I’d ever be able to say it.