“They did, indeed. Are you happy with the table arrangements?” the manager asked.
Emma smiled as she looked around once again. Small white birch trees were the centerpiece of each table with large, red and white floral balls hanging down from them. Also hanging from the branches were small votive candles in little clear candleholders. The candles, of course, were LED, but they would add a romantic feel to the entire ball room. Or at least that was what Emma had said when she suggested the decorations for the tables.
“The glassware is beautiful. I love how you added the cranberries and rosemary stems as well. Thank you for setting up an example for us to see,” Emma stated with a wide smile. “The plates are beautiful as well.”
“Thank you, ma’am. I’m glad everything is to your liking.”
Emma turned and faced me and my mother. “Joyce, does everything look okay to you? Harrison, what do you think?”
My mother clapped. “I think this is going to be the best charity dinner I’ve ever attended.”
I laughed. “You helped plan it, Mom.”
“I might have added a suggestion or two, but you and Emma did all the planning.”
The sound of someone calling Emma’s name had us all turning to see Pricilla walking through the Atlantic Ballroom. “Emma, Harrison! This is stunning. You have outdone yourself, and for your first time to boot! I think I should put you in charge of this event each year, Emma.”
Emma smiled. “Thank you, Pricilla, and although I enjoyed it, I think this will be my first and last year. It has taken up too much of my time.”
Everyone looked at Emma. “You don’t want to do it next year?” Pricilla asked.
Glancing my way briefly, Emma focused back on her boss. “It was fun, and I’m hoping it turns out to be a huge success, but this isn’t for me. I enjoy being among the books and kids.”
My mother took Emma’s hand. “Well, you did an amazing job, regardless of if you decide to help plan next year’s dinner or not.”
“This year’s hasn’t even happened yet, and we’re talking about next year?” I stated as all three women turned to look at me. Pricilla laughed. “Don’t look so scared, Harrision. Next year the duty will fall to another firefighter. Although, once everyone sees how amazing this is, I’m not sure you’ll be off the hook…either of you.”
“We really should be going, we all need to get ready for this evening,” my mother said.
“Right! Right!” Pricilla said as she started to ask the hotel manager a few questions as they made their way toward the exit.
Reaching for Emma’s arm, I pulled her to a stop. “Emma, why won’t you talk to me?”
She looked up at me. “What do you mean? I do talk to you. A lot.”
I exhaled in frustration, then gently pulled her toward a corner and lowered my voice. “Yeah, about this fucking dinner. I want to talk to you about us.”
She swallowed hard. “There is no us, Harrison. You don’t have to feel guilty about regretting that night. I haven’t even thought twice about it.”
Narrowing my eyes at her, I leaned in closer. “You’re a terrible liar.”
Jerking her arm free, she placed her hands on her hips. “What about you? You haven’t even been bringing Noel to story time. Joyce brings her.”
“That’s because you won’t talk to me.”
“So because of that, you’ll give up quality time with your daughter?”
“I take her to story time at the bookstore down the street from me.”
Emma instantly looked hurt.
“I see.”
Sighing, I shook my head. “You hardly even look at me when we have these fucking meetings. I didn’t want Noel to pick up on the awkwardness of things between us.”
“Awkwardness?”
“Yes, Emma. You never gave me a chance to talk to you. To explain why I felt so confused. You bolted, and I know why you took off. You were as scared and confused as I was.”
