by M. Ullrich
Emma sighed. Maybe the date idea was stupid. She just wanted a chance to see if there was more between them than a fake relationship driven by a paycheck. She felt a spark, but perhaps it was only one-sided. Emma wanted to dig deeper and see if Caroline was feeling the same connection. Going on a couple of dates now before they reintroduced themselves to the real world was ideal. If they made no sense as a couple, they could fly home and head back into their normal lives. No harm, no foul.
“A beautiful woman like you shouldn’t be buying flowers for herself,” an older man said from behind the small register.
Emma smiled politely. “I’m not. They’re for my date.”
He laughed like Emma was a true comedienne. “Men prefer food over flowers.”
“My date isn’t a man,” Emma said, throwing a twenty on the counter. “Have a nice day.” She walked away with smug look and swagger.
The simple flip-flops Emma wore hurt her feet by the time she got back. She kicked them off and waltzed into the room, placing her camera on the bed and the flowers on the nightstand. She didn’t spot Caroline right away, but a hint of movement on the balcony caught Emma’s eye.
“Are you decent out there?” Emma called out. She smiled knowingly.
“Why wouldn’t I be decent on the balcony?”
Emma stepped outside and leaned against the railing as she shrugged. “I’ve been naked on plenty of balconies.”
“Be that as it may, I will remain clothed during any and all outdoor moments.”
“That’s a shame,” Emma said. She stretched her arms over her head and then swung them back down. “Did you eat?”
“Yes.”
“Me too. Nothing great but a few snacks along the beach.”
“Did you get some good pictures?”
Emma bobbed her head from side to side. “One or two. How’s the date coming along?”
“I still don’t understand why I’m planning a date for you.”
Emma raised her index finger. “Because then I’ll be planning a date for you. I think it’ll be great for us to get swept up in the romance of this place.” She could tell by the hesitance in Caroline’s eyes that she’d need to be convinced. She picked up the flowers. “These are for you.”
Caroline looked utterly shocked. “Th-thank you.” She traced a few petals delicately but said no more.
“You’re welcome.” Emma really enjoyed leaving Caroline speechless. “Where are we heading tonight?”
“You’ll find out after you shower. I’ll take a quick one next, and we need to get dressed. Nothing too nice, but not super casual either.”
“Okay. I can do that. Anything else I should know?”
“You’ll want to bring your camera.”
An hour later, Emma paced at the foot of the bed. She had been dressed and ready for fifteen minutes, and she couldn’t hear a sound coming from the bathroom where Caroline had locked herself. Emma had enough time to catch up on messages, emails, and post a quick Twitter update and photo. She had run out of things to keep her occupied. Just as she was about to open a mindless phone game, the bathroom door opened.
Caroline was a vision. She must’ve stopped by a local shop for the flowing dress she was wearing. It was strapless and the pattern was akin to tie-dye, swirled with white, purples, and blues. Her barely tan skin looked incredibly soft against the cotton. She wore simple strappy sandals, and her hair was tucked behind her ears in her usual, impeccable style. Her lips were ruby red and her eye makeup a little more dramatic.
“You look…” Emma wanted to say so many things, but Caroline grew sheepish the moment she exited the bathroom. She kept her reaction in check to save Caroline from any further discomfort. “You look great. Can we go now?” She hoped her impatience would take the focus off of her blatant staring.
“You look nice, too.”
Emma looked down to her own royal blue tank and white linen pants. “I feel underdressed.”
“You’re perfect—your outfit, I mean.” Caroline coughed. “Let’s go.”
“Are you still not telling me where we’re going?”
“You’ll find out soon enough.”
Emma followed Caroline out of the resort to a waiting car. After a ten-minute drive, they came to a stop at a small shack with a line of people out front. Emma only looked away from the storefront for a moment as she caught Caroline tipping the driver.
“I’ll get the tip for the ride back.”
“I’m taking you out, remember? This is all my treat.”
“You don’t have to do that. I just meant we should do date activities.”
“Nope. This will be a full date experience.”
Emma nearly swooned.
“I hope you’re in the mood to eat,” Caroline said. “I don’t know why I said that. You’re always in the mood to eat.”
Emma grinned. “See that? You already know me so well.” She started for the line of people, only to have Caroline grab her hand and pull her over to the door. She looked at her with confusion. “But there’s a line.”
“I called ahead.” Caroline gave her name to the hostess, and they were seated immediately. “I may have mentioned something about my date writing travel reviews.”
“I guess I’ll have to include them in my review if they’re good.”
“It would be nice.”
“This is nice,” Emma said, looking around the small restaurant. The place screamed dive bar, but it had a uniquely homey feel and the smells inside could knock you off your feet. Music played softly and patrons laughed and chatted around them. “What made you pick this place?”
“They have the best Cuban sandwich in Miami.”
“But I thought you said…”
“If I’m planning a date for someone, it’s important to put their likes first.”
“I’d never want you to put yourself second.”
Caroline’s smile was small and delicate. The candlelight highlighted her beauty. “I’m not. If I can give you something so simple that makes you happy, I get to enjoy it, too.”
Emma was floored. Even though a sandwich seemed so insignificant, she couldn’t believe Caroline’s selflessness. When Emma opened her mouth to express just that, Caroline stopped her.
“Just don’t put it near me or make me look at it.”
“I will eat it outside if you ask me to.”
Caroline laughed. “No, that won’t be necessary.”
They ordered once their waitress approached. As they waited for their meals, they talked about the ambience and how Miami had treated them so far. Once their food was delivered, they only stopped talking to chew. Emma couldn’t get over how easily their conversation flowed, and how openly Caroline was talking about personal matters. Caroline admitted to enjoying time away from home and how moving back from Connecticut was a shock to her system. She had gone from living her own life to being chained to her family once more.
“Why is that?” Emma said. She wiped her face with her napkin and pushed away her empty plate. She’d have to agree, the Cuban served to her was the best she ever had. “Did they miss you that much?”
“They need help around the house.”
“But they were fine for years while you lived in Connecticut.” Emma grabbed a chip from the basket on the table and loaded it with guacamole. She was already full, but she wanted to end on a flavorful note.
“I think,” Caroline said with obvious hesitation, “they’re getting older, and it’s harder for them to care for Kyle.”
“Kyle’s your brother, right?”
Caroline nodded. “I’m surprised you remembered.”
“If you had asked me to guess, I would’ve said Tyler. I used context clues,” Emma said with just a hint of shame. “Why do your parents care for him? If you don’t mind me asking.”
Caroline folded her napkin three times and placed it beside her empty plate. She opened her mouth but closed it just as quickly and shook her head. “I don’t like to talk about it.”
Caroline parted her lips slightly and her eyes took on a look of wonder. “I’ve been judged a lot because of my family’s history. I was the crazy kid’s sister in school, and they would whisper I could be just like him. It didn’t get easier as I got older. Ann and any other serious girlfriend I had would always be a little hesitant if I invited them to have dinner with my family. Holidays were always hard.”
“I’m so sorry.”
Caroline pulled her hand away. “It is what it is.” And just like that, she was closed off again.
Emma wasn’t willing to give up, but she wanted to let Caroline be in control. “They don’t have key lime pie, so I’m done. Are you too full for dessert?”
“I think I might be,” Caroline said as she sat back and patted her stomach. “We should go anyway. The sun is going to set.”
Emma was intrigued. “Are you taking me to watch the sunset?”
“No.”
“Then why does it matter that the sun is setting?”
“Because what we’re about to do is best done in the dark.”
* * *
Emma followed Caroline up a dark walkway. Their car had dropped them off in an empty parking lot where weeds had begun creeping up from the cracks in the asphalt. A large structure, possibly a building, stood in front of them. Emma could barely make out the faded words on the concrete wall. The night was young and nocturnal creatures had just come to life, their voices filling the humid air. Emma could hear the rush of cars in the distance.
“I know I said I asked about your family because I want to know more about you,” Emma said. She swatted at something that landed on her bare arm. “Maybe I was asking the wrong questions. Are you a murderer?”
Caroline shushed her.
“That’s not a no. Are you luring me to my death? Oh my God, is this what you do? You use your air of mystery to get ridiculously attractive women to drop their defenses and fall for you and then you murder them.” Emma laughed nervously—not because she was actually afraid of Caroline, but because of what she’d just admitted.
Caroline stopped in her tracks and turned to Emma slowly. “Did you just…”
Emma froze. She looked at Caroline with wide, frightened eyes. She started to shake her head, elaborate denial at the ready on the tip of her tongue.
“You just referred to yourself as ‘ridiculously attractive.’” Caroline stifled her laughter, but her body shook regardless. “Good to know I wasn’t imagining your lack of modesty.”
Emma let out a long breath and then laughed along. “I also pride myself on how honest I am.” She followed as Caroline continued along the path and turned a corner. Emma gasped when she took in the sight before her. Rows of stadium seating faced the water like a stage, with concrete steps and a partial covering overhead. It looked old, but a portion of the rickety seats had been replaced. The original parts of the stadium were still covered in graffiti. Faded art sat next to vibrant new pieces. Emma was amazed.
“Dammit,” Caroline said in a harsh whisper.
“What? This place is amazing.” Emma started to climb the stairs.
“I didn’t know they had started to renovate it. When I found this stadium online, it was like one giant piece of art. Now it just looks like a construction zone.”
Emma spun around and looked at Caroline, the fading daylight reflected on the water behind her. “Are you kidding? I love it here. I just wish we could see it during the day.”
“That’s the other thing.” Caroline climbed the steps to meet Emma. “The stadium isn’t exactly open to the public.”
Emma didn’t hide her surprise and excitement. “You’re breaking the rules for our date?”
Caroline looked shy. “It’s a must-see in Miami, and I know how much you love photography.” She spread her arms wide. “This seems like the kind of place you’d like. I know it’s a little dark, but you should be okay with the moon and your flash.”
“If I didn’t know any better,” Emma said, licking her lips, “I’d say you’re trying to get me to put out.” She glanced at Caroline’s lips. “But I know you’re not,” she said. “Come on, I want to see the view from the top.” She grabbed Caroline’s hand and pulled her along.
Once they made it to the top row of seats, Emma couldn’t contain her awe. The marina lights bounced off the water, the sky still hinting orange and blue. This view had to be Emma’s new favorite. She looked at Caroline with an open smile, and was struck again by the views surrounding her. Caroline looked peaceful. Her lips were turned up ever so slightly into a soft smile. Her dark eyes darted around, like she was trying to see everything all at once. Her skin glowed in the moonlight. Emma needed to walk away before she did something she’d either regret or that could ruin the moment.
“I’m going to take a few pictures. You should sit and enjoy the view.” Emma rushed off and readied her camera. She wanted to take advantage of the surrounding shadows before night fell. She took pictures of the water, some graffiti, and of the impressive structure itself. When Emma turned back to check on Caroline, she noticed how far she had wandered. Emma used the zoom of her camera to catch a candid glimpse of Caroline.
A shadow partially obstructed Caroline’s face but her eyes and lips were visible enough to tell a story. Emma pressed the shutter button, capturing that expression and moment. She rejoined Caroline later, once the sun had fully disappeared, and they had nothing but darkness with them.
Caroline pointed to Emma’s camera. “Was all the stair climbing worth it?”
Emma thought of the picture she had taken of Caroline. “Absolutely.” Emma took a seat beside Caroline, the squeak loud in the still air.
“Your pants may get dirty.”
“I can buy new pants.” Emma let her head fall back and closed her eyes. She took a deep breath of salty air. “This is so nice. You really nailed it with this date. I don’t think any idea I come up with will compete.”
“You’re probably right.”
Emma turned her head and opened one eye to catch Caroline smiling at the sky. “You’re cocky.”
“We’re getting key lime pie next so, yeah, I’m feeling pretty confident.” Caroline looked at Emma with sparkling eyes and a playfulness that warmed Emma’s chest.
Emma held Caroline’s jaw softly with her hand. She leaned in slowly and touched her lips to Caroline’s. Before the kiss could turn into anything more than a chaste meeting of lips, Emma pulled back and returned her gaze to the skies above them.
They didn’t mention the kiss, and there wasn’t a hint of awkwardness between them for the rest of the night. Emma ordered two slices of pie for herself and Caroline made fun of her for it. They arrived back at the hotel close to midnight and fell into bed together. Emma kept a safe distance between their bodies as they drifted off into a peaceful sleep. Emma wore a smile the whole time.
Chapter Nineteen
Caroline heard the landline ringing and ringing and ringing. Why wouldn’t anyone answer it? She remembered the last time the landline rang. Her grandmother had been in a car accident. That had happened a week after Kyle was committed. Kyle.
She stood in the center of her childhood living room, a game show playing on their tube television. Their floral couch took up most of the room. Caroline recognized the sweater she was wearing, the one her mother forced her to wear for her fourth-grade class picture.
The phone rang again.
Caroline rushed to the kitchen, wanting to answer the phone before her father got mad. He bel
ieved everyone else was responsible for answering the phone. She picked up the heavy plastic receiver and held it to her ear.
“Hello?” Nothing but silence. She strained to hear anything in the background. “Hello?” she said again. Loud static filled her ear and she jerked the phone away. She hung up and went back to looking around the immaculate kitchen, with a cake under a glass dome on the counter. Caroline couldn’t remember the last time her mother baked a cake.
Suddenly very hungry, Caroline lifted the heavy glass and reached out with her free hand. She just wanted a taste of the icing. She knew she shouldn’t, but the temptation was so great. If she left a mark she could fix it. If mom didn’t know—
The phone rang again.
Caroline dropped the glass and watched it shatter on the floor. She looked at the phone and back to the floor, which was suddenly clean. The glass dome was back on the cake. Caroline shook her head and rubbed her temples, trying to make sense of what was going on. The insistent ring of the phone made it hard for her to focus.
She picked up the receiver again. “Who is this, and why do you keep calling?”
“Caroline?” Her mother’s voice sounded low and distant. “Caroline?”
“Mom? What’s wrong?”
“Caroline?”
She pressed the phone harder against her ear. “Mom, it’s me,” she said loudly.
“Kyle.”
“Kyle’s not here. I thought he was with you.”
“Kyle.”
Caroline’s heart started to pound with familiar fear. Kyle had gone missing again. “Where are you? Where’s dad?”
Caroline’s mother started to cry. “It’s your fault they’re gone.”
The line went dead.
Caroline sat straight up in bed and gulped heaving breaths. She was covered in sweat as she looked around the dark room, panicked. Nothing was familiar. She felt around the sheets and jumped when she hit a soft body. Reality came rushing back. She was in Florida for work and sleeping beside Emma. Emma.
