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Pulling my phone from my pocket, I quickly type out the words.
Me: I need a favor.
She responds in less than a minute.
Emilia: Which is?
Me: Sean’s birthday’s in a couple of days. He’s been asking for a dog, and I plan to get one for him. I already made an appointment with a breeder on a farmhouse just out of town. I was wondering if you’d like to come with me?
Emilia: As your assistant?
I can practically hear the hesitation in the words.
Me: Not necessarily. As my friend. We agreed we were friends, right?
Emilia: Sure… But a drive out of town, alone, sounds like a bad idea.
I think about just how many things I could do to her that she would consider a bad idea. My lips curl into a smirk.
Me: Scared?
Emilia: Absolutely not. I just don’t trust you.
She really shouldn’t.
I rub a hand over my jaw before I reply.
Me: Don’t worry, I won’t do anything. I promise. Not unless you want me to.
Emilia: I don’t want you to do anything.
Me: I’ll behave, angel.
It takes a minute before her reply comes.
Emilia: Fine. But I’m only going because of Sean. I’m sure he’ll love a cute little golden retriever. Or a Labrador.
I smile reading the words.
Me: We’ll leave after work.
Emilia: Okay.
I feel lighter as I step into my car. Emilia tends to have that effect on me. It’s amazing how insignificant my problems feel when I’m around her. I just wish she’d let me in so I can help her the way she does me.
“The guests have already arrived in the back gardens, sir,” Karl informs me after I’ve granted him leave to enter the room.
It’s Sean’s birthday today. The whole house has been abuzz all morning, preparing for my father’s party. Sean already spent the morning opening his presents, one of which included a small pup—a golden retriever he’s decided to name Lion. When I asked him why, he said it was because he wanted the dog to grow up to be big and strong. Strong enough to protect him even when his parents aren’t there.
He was happy. Happier than I’ve seen him in a while. He might be a quiet, reserved kid, but I know he’s been a little lonely. Especially without his mother. I hate that I can’t protect him from emotions like that. I want to shield him from every bad thing in the world.
I just don’t think that’s possible.
“Where’s Sean?” I ask, patting down on the front of my hair to ensure it’s not wild or messy.
Karl hesitates. “I’m not sure, sir. His nanny is searching for him. Your father brought him to meet the guests earlier but he ran off when none of us were watching.”
“I see,” I murmur, not in the least bit surprised. “I’m sure he’ll turn up. He probably just got overwhelmed.”