Page 16 of Decoding Emma

“Not bad.This entire project is proving to be a challenge, but now I understand why.It might take some extra adjustment.”

I stopped walking and gently caught Emma’s hand and turned her to face me.“You’re a badass wizard.Between you and me, wewillmake it work.”

We arrived at the pub, and I grabbed the door and pulled it open for her.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

After being out in the waning sunlight, it still took a minute for my eyes to adjust to the dim interior of the pub.I glanced at Emma.Her gaze darted around the room.

I didn’t blame her.The first time a group of us came here, we were surprised by the décor.Long glossy wooden bar with barstools, leather booths, and rustic tables.

“Hey, Asher, over here,” a voice called.

I turned my head to see Marcus waving at me.“This way.”Cupping Emma’s elbow, I guided her over to the table where Marcus and Cassie sat.

“Emma, great to see you again.”Marcus stood and held out a chair for her.

“Good to see you.”Emma sat down.“Cassie.”

“I’m so glad you came tonight,” Cassie said.“I hate being the only woman.”

“I didn’t realize anyone else would be here,” Emma said, glancing at me.

“My bad.”I hadn’t told her for a reason.I wanted her to learn to relax around at least the department heads and my friends.For reasons I wasn’t quite ready to delve too deeply into, this was important to me.

“Who else will be here?”she asked.

I could already see Emma retreating behind her wall.“It depends on what the others have going on.”

“Josh and Dean are going to the Mariners game,” Marcus said.

“Miles?”I asked.

“Not sure.He said a late issue came up in HR, and he might not make it.”

Emma’s shoulders relaxed, and I sat back in my chair.

“Here’s your beer.”The waitress set glasses in front of Marcus and Cassie.“What can I get for you two?”

“On tap beer is fine,” Emma said.“Light or amber over dark or stout.

“Same.”I was surprised she ordered a beer.Was it because that’s what the others had ordered?

“How are you settling in, Emma?”Cassie asked.

“Pretty good.”She rubbed her forehead and settled back in her chair.“Expansion and integration at the levels we’re working on are a challenge, but we’ll get there.Except the boss here might have just derailed my week’s work.”

I stiffened.“Now wait a second…”

“I’m semi-kidding,” Emma said quickly.

“Only semi?”Cassie prompted.

“Yeah, what I’m using is much more functional.”A smile played around Emma’s lips.

Little tease, but it did make me happy.“We’ll discuss it more.”

“Did seeing R&D help?”Marcus asked, changing the subject.