Page 45 of Family Bonds- Emma & Warren

“As I pointed out, there is the helicopter,” she said.

“Which you hardly ever take because you can’t stand it.”

“It’s not that,” she argued. “I just never need to be in that kind of a rush.”

But she hated traffic too so this was going to be a huge inconvenience to make work.

“You always do what you want when you want,” her mother said. “We’ve long since given up trying to give advice.”

“You always give advice,” she said.

“You know what I mean. Do me a favor and go in with an open mind.”

“I have one of the biggest open minds in the family,” she said, indignant.

“When it comes to writing, of course you do. But not with your personal life. Try to apply it to that.”

“I’ll try,” she said.

“I hear some passive aggression there,” her mother said. “Emma, it’s your life, but don’t be selfish about things either. Just because you can mold your characters the way you want doesn’t mean everyone in life falls your way.”

Her shoulders dropped. She’d heard that before.

“Warren and I have to work things out. He’s back home and had some obligations this week and I want to finish this book. At least the draft. Then I’ll find out when Connor wants me in California. I’m not putting my life on hold for a man that I’ve been on a few dates with.”

And a lot of steamy kisses, but nothing else.

Though they’d talked about sex briefly, he’d made no move.

She could appreciate it on one hand, but the other hand wanted to reach out and slip it into his pants.

“Let me know your plans about California, and I’ll make sure I’m able to go.”

“Thanks, Mom, you’re the best.”

“Don’t you forget it,” her mother said.

“Gee. I wonder where I get my cockiness from.”

“Brat,” her mother said and hung up on her before she could say another word.

14

FOLLOWING ORDERS

“Warren,” Stacy said to him the following Sunday. “Thank you for the flowers.”

“Hey,” he said. “It’s not every day my baby sister finishes law school.”

“I know,” Stacy said. “I’m so excited. I can’t wait to walk the stage and get my diploma. It’s only the start. I need to study for the bar.”

“Take your time,” he said. “Don’t rush just yet on where you want to land.”

“I’m not sure if I’m going to take it in New York or Massachusetts. I’ve had a few firms reach out to me and some classmates.”

“That’s wonderful,” he said.

“I don’t want to not make money,” she said.