by Aurora Rey
Emerson took a step toward her. “Does that mean you want to?”
What a loaded question. Darcy didn’t give herself the chance to think out her response, or the implications. “You know, I think it does.”
“Glad to hear it. And you won’t flip out if I check in with Liam on how his science project is going?”
“I didn’t flip out.”
Emerson raised a brow. “You kind of did.”
“Maybe a little. Either way, I won’t flip out. You’re friends. I can handle that. Although I’d probably feel more comfortable if you didn’t become best friends.”
“I can work with that.”
“Good. Now let’s go back inside before Lia starts to worry we’ve run away.”
They did and Darcy looked on as Emerson asked Liam questions, offered a couple of suggestions. They discussed the merits of pyramid diagrams versus flow charts to display taxonomy. She got lulled into their back and forth, only half paying attention to the specifics that seemed to excite them both.
“Hey, Mom?”
Now what? “Yes?”
“Is it lunch time yet?”
Darcy laughed. “It is. Mac and cheese?” He nodded excitedly. “Emerson, can I get you something?”
Emerson offered her a wink. “I’ll have what he’s having.”
Chapter Ten
Darcy had to give Emerson one thing at least, she didn’t waste time. She hadn’t waited twenty-four hours before reaching out. Her text had come at one in the morning, inviting Darcy and Liam to the Salt Pond Nature Center that afternoon after school. Darcy broached the subject with Liam over breakfast. His response was instant and enthusiastic. And so here they were, getting ready to go out as a threesome—an idea Darcy would have shunned just a couple of weeks ago.
She’d just have to find a way to maintain boundaries and manage expectations. A tedious task, but not an impossible one. Of course, the alternative was to stop seeing Emerson romantically. Part of her anxiety came from just how much she didn’t want to do that. So, boundaries would be the name of the game.
“Are you almost ready?” Liam had gone to his room after getting home.
“I’m ready.” He came into the kitchen wearing his backpack.
“What’s in the bag?”
“My camera, a notebook, pencils, and a draft of my science report in case I need to make any annotations.”
Darcy bit her lip to keep from laughing. “Right. Sounds like you’re ready, then.”
They went downstairs to wait just as Emerson pulled into the parking lot. Emerson got out of her car to greet them. No paint on her clothes this time, but she was dressed more casually than she had been for their dates. Even in jeans and a T-shirt, she looked good.
“Hi.” Emerson smiled at Darcy, but nothing more. She had every intention of playing by Darcy’s rules. Giving in to the urge to kiss her was not going to help her cause. “Hey, Liam. It’s good to see you again.”
“You, too. When Mom said you invited us to go to Salt Pond, I was so excited. Wasn’t I, Mom?”
Liam looked up at Darcy, who nodded. “I believe there was some jumping around.”
“When I heard you said yes, I jumped around a little myself.” That earned her a smile from Darcy and a giggle from Liam. “So, are we ready to go?”
“Ready.”
Emerson opened the back door and Liam climbed in. She then opened the passenger door for Darcy. When everyone was buckled in, Emerson backed out of the space and made the short drive to the visitor center.
When they arrived, Emerson let Liam take the lead. Instead of running around and touching everything like so many kids would, he methodically walked them from station to station, reading each sign and description aloud. Except for a few scientific words, he read smoothly and confidently—more so than she would have expected for someone his age. Both Darcy and Emerson asked questions. Liam answered a few himself, but noted they should ask an expert while they were there.
At the display about indigenous turtles, Liam took a small notebook out of his bag and started taking notes. Emerson thought she might fall over with the sheer cuteness of it, but she did her best to remain serious. One of her more vivid childhood memories was the frustration she felt when adults dismissed her or treated her like a little kid, especially if it was a subject she knew more about than they did.
They stood there for quite a while, discussing diet and reproductive cycles, habitat and predators. Liam compared the information to his own research on snapping turtles, pointing his finger back and forth as he talked about similarities and differences between the different species. Emerson nodded, throwing in a question here and there.
She kept her primary focus on Liam, but she stole glances at Darcy, who regarded them with what appeared to be a slightly bewildered amusement. Emerson might confess later that she’d done some homework before the outing so she could seem smart and, hopefully, get herself into Liam’s good graces. Now, though, it seemed to be working and that’s what mattered. Liam bubbled with excitement and talked to her like they were the oldest and dearest of friends.
They finished the circuit of displays and Emerson was able to snag the attention of the center’s guide. She joined the three of them and Liam displayed a level of awe little boys usually reserved for superheroes and professional athletes. Emerson learned some new things and it was clear that Liam did, too. His head bobbed up and down and he furiously scribbled in his notebook.
A group of about a dozen people walked in and the guide excused herself. Liam thanked her for her time, again overwhelming Emerson with how adorable he was. “Do you have enough to finish your project?” Darcy asked.
“More than enough. I wish I was going to summer school.”
Emerson glanced at Darcy, who shook her head. “Only my son would long for summer school.”
Emerson smiled. “I know the feeling. I hated summer. Not only was there no school, I was expected to play sports.”
Liam lifted his hands in exasperation. “Right?”
Darcy put her hands on her hips. “Hey, sports aren’t all bad.”
Liam sighed. “I know. I just wish I could go to science camp instead of soccer. Or chess.”
Emerson raised a brow. “You play chess?”
“I love chess. Do you?”
“I do. I’m pretty good, too.”
Liam’s eyes got big. “Do you want to come over and play?” He turned and looked at Darcy. “Mom, can Emerson come over?”
“She’s certainly welcome, but she might have other plans.”
Emerson shook her head. “No plans.”
Liam pumped his fists in the air. “Yes!”
They piled into Emerson’s car and headed back to Darcy and Liam’s. Their apartment was small, but homey. Bold, modern art adorned the walls, and every shelf in the bookcase was crammed with a mixture of books and framed photos of Liam at every age. An old cedar chest doubled as a coffee table in front of a nicely broken in red sofa. Emerson didn’t see any toys scattered about, but the stack of library books on the coffee table was definitely Liam’s. She could imagine him sitting on the sofa like a little grown-up, reading about insects and the solar system.
Liam pulled out his chess set and began arranging the pieces. Emerson looked at Darcy and tried to read the expression on her face. “You okay?”
Darcy nodded. “Yes. Sorry. In a bit of a daze.”
“I hope it’s okay that I accepted the invitation,” Emerson said quietly.
Darcy nodded again, this time with more emphasis. “Absolutely. I’m good. We’re good.”
“Good. Because I really do love chess.” Darcy seemed to relax. Emerson decided against making a joke about this not being the way she’d expected to see the inside of Darcy’s place. Emerson took a seat opposite Liam. Liam had given her white, so she made the first move. And they were off and running.
Darcy looked on with a mixture of awe and worry. Liam and Emerson hit it off like nobody’s business. In
addition to turtles, they talked about biology, ecology, and even a little astronomy. Liam went on and on about the documentary he’d watched on the solar system. And while many adults would have succumbed to boredom, Emerson never missed a beat. To Darcy’s amusement, it didn’t even look like she was trying. She seemed in her element and as engaged in the conversation as Liam did.
As the game progressed, it appeared they were evenly matched. Darcy wondered if Emerson was tailoring her skill level to Liam’s. She’d have to talk to Emerson the next time they were alone to make sure she knew Liam didn’t need to always win. When Liam won, Emerson asked for an opportunity to redeem herself. And before Darcy could intervene, the pieces were arranged and a new game started.
About halfway through the second game, Darcy glanced at the clock and realized it was after six. The afternoon had flown by. “You guys seem to have this under control. I’m going to start dinner.”
Liam glanced up, then turned to Emerson. “Would you like to stay for dinner?”
“I would, but we should ask your mom first. She might not have been expecting company.”
They both looked at Darcy and she was struck by how much Emerson was playing the role of Liam’s friend, not the woman who’d taken Darcy to dinner and kissed her senseless. It reassured her, but at the same time, made her wonder what other switches she could flip on and off at the drop of a hat. “We’d love you to stay, but only if you don’t have other plans. We’ve already taken up most of your day.”
Emerson grinned. “I’m having so much fun. I’d love to stay for dinner. Can I help?”
“You guys keep playing. I’m going to make burgers. Is that okay?”
Emerson said, “Sounds great,” just as Liam said, “Yum.”
Darcy got to work making kale chips—the sure-fire way to get Liam to eat leafy greens—and cheeseburgers. She puttered around the kitchen, stealing glances at Liam and Emerson, who went right back to their game. She couldn’t help but think of Shelly and the times the three of them spent together in this very same way. No, not quite the same. Shelly would have been at the table with Liam. But while he colored or drew, she’d be on her computer, answering email or surfing the web.
It probably wasn’t fair to compare the two. Liam had only been four at the time and not nearly as able to maintain a prolonged conversation. It hadn’t stopped Liam from worshiping her. And although Darcy thought they’d gotten along well at the time, it had never been like this. Watching the two of them convinced her that Emerson would happily be friends with Liam whether they were dating or not.
When Darcy announced dinner would be ready in five minutes, Emerson helped Liam clean up and set the table. Darcy pulled out rolls and condiments and piled everything on the table, along with a plate full of burgers and a bowl of kale chips.
Darcy watched Liam watch Emerson make her burger. Although he was a ketchup purist, he followed Emerson’s lead in adding a squirt of mustard to his bun. Darcy didn’t comment on the departure from his usual routine. They ate quietly at first, the kind of comfortable silence that comes from spending the day with people and then settling into a meal.
Emerson studied a piece of kale before putting it in her mouth. “Why have I never eaten kale chips?”
Liam helped himself to another serving from the bowl. “They’re so good, right?”
Emerson grinned. “So good. And I never eat enough vegetables.”
Darcy wasn’t surprised. “Salt, pepper, olive oil. That’s it. Bake them for about twenty minutes.”
Liam crunched another one. “Sometimes, after Mom cuts it up, I mix everything together.”
“Yeah? Do you like to cook?”
Liam shrugged. “It’s okay. I like baking more. Like Alex.”
Darcy laughed. “That’s only because you like eating dessert more than dinner.”
Emerson leaned over so she could elbow Liam lightly. “It’s hard to find fault with that logic. So, do you have much left to do on your science project?”
“I still need a visual.” He told her about wanting to do something cooler than a poster for his display, and not being allowed to bring in a live turtle.
To Darcy’s relief, Emerson nodded her agreement. “That’s probably for the best. What about a painting?”
“A painting?”
Emerson glanced at Darcy, her eyes offering an unspoken question. Darcy shrugged. Emerson smiled. “Yeah. I paint pictures. That’s my job, so I’m pretty good at it. If that’s what you wanted to do, I could help you.”
Darcy watched him mull over this option. “Could it be a big painting?”
“Depends on what you mean by big.” He stretched out his arms and Emerson nodded. “Definitely.”
Liam turned his attention to Darcy. “Mom, how cool would that be?”
“That’s a very generous offer. Emerson, are you sure you have the time to do that?”
“Sure. When’s it due?”
“In two weeks,” Liam replied.
“Definitely. We could do it Saturday if your mom is okay with it.”
“Can we, Mom?”
Darcy nodded. “Let us know what supplies to get.”
Emerson grinned. “I’ve got everything we need.”
“You don’t have to share your supplies on top of your time.”
“I really have everything, though. And I don’t mind. We’re going to have a blast.”
Liam lifted both hands in the air and offered his signature, “Yes!”
So much for boundaries. Darcy might not be crazy about the idea, but she thought back to the drawing Liam did for his science homework not that long ago. If he had a penchant for art, she wanted to encourage it. Besides, her other option would probably be helping him construct some massively messy diorama. Maybe this would turn out well for everyone. “Thank you. I—we—appreciate it.”
Emerson waved a hand. “It’s my pleasure.”
When they’d finished eating, Emerson insisted on helping Liam with the dishes. Emerson got ready to go and, without being prompted, Liam thanked her for spending the day with them. Darcy echoed the sentiment.
Emerson walked to the door. “Thanks for dinner. And for showing me a tolerable way to eat kale.”
Liam giggled. Darcy chuckled, then said, “You’re welcome.”
Emerson left and Darcy nudged Liam toward the bathroom for a shower. She let him pick out a movie and they curled up on the sofa together. Since it was one she’d already seen four times, she picked up her phone. She spent a few minutes looking at email and Facebook, then gave into the urge to text Emerson.
You were great with Liam today. Thank you.
A moment later, her phone pinged. I meant what I said. I had a great time. Confession: I love science projects.
The fact that Darcy believed her made it even funnier. Your secret is safe with me.
Thank you for blurring your lines for me.
Blurring the lines. That was one way of putting it. Emerson was probably teasing her, but at least she got it. On top of that, Emerson seemed to take her role as Liam’s friend—and hers—to heart. It didn’t feel like she was just playing along. If you’re not careful, Liam will decide you’re best friends. You don’t want the first time you stay over to be in a sleeping bag on his floor.
I wouldn’t mind the sleeping bag or the floor, but it would be hard with you right next door.
And just like that, they switched from talking about Liam to flirtation. Fortunately, the movie ended and Liam decided to read in bed. Darcy took her phone into her room and settled under the covers. Emerson made it all seem so easy. Darcy shook her head. She needed to keep her guard up because, if she’d learned anything, easy usually led to trouble.
Chapter Eleven
The week flew by. Emerson had a meeting with the owner of the gallery where her show was going to be and two commissions to finish. She put in late hours, which made for late mornings. On Wednesday, she managed to stop by the café, but Jeff was out sick and Darcy had been
too busy for more than a passing conversation. It had been a delightfully flirtatious conversation, but still. At least she had plans to get together with Liam to do his painting.
When her alarm went off at eight, Emerson rolled over and groaned. Knowing she had to get up so early, she should have gone to bed earlier. But she didn’t. She’d been working and, as it so often did, time got away from her and the next thing she knew, it was two in the morning. Will had been sound asleep for hours—neither the light nor Emerson’s movement around the apartment had stirred her.
A glance at the futon revealed Will was not only up, but long gone. Emerson thought she’d heard the door close, but she didn’t know what time. And even though she’d insisted Will didn’t need to clear out, Will was adamant she had things to do with her day. Apparently, for morning people, things to do started before eight a.m.
Emerson stumbled out of bed and started a pot of coffee before getting in the shower. Between setting the water temperature to cold and downing her first cup, she felt semi-human. She poured a second and got to work preparing for her day with Liam.
Emerson set up the second easel next to hers. She placed matching pads of watercolor paper on them, then checked that paints and brushes were ready to go. Her plan was to paint one step ahead of him so he could watch and then mimic the way she layered the colors and textures. If it went well, he could use the painting in the final presentation for his science project. If it didn’t, hopefully they’d have fun in the meantime. She’d never attempted to teach anyone painting before, but that was okay. She hoped.
When Darcy and Liam arrived, Emerson tried to hide the fact that she’d gotten herself nervous with anticipation. Darcy was already dressed for work. Liam wore shorts and a tank top, a testament to how warm the last few days had been. She ushered them in, enjoying Liam’s fascination with the fact that everything—work space, kitchen, living room, bedroom—was in one big room.
“The bathroom is separate,” she assured him.
“Oh.” He seemed genuinely disappointed, a fact that made Emerson smile.
