by Mj Fields
“Stop smiling at me,” Emma said raising her eyebrow as she stepped off him.
He smirked as he watched her try to get herself together.
“Cut it out” she whispered. “I thought you were curious about my feelings Brody.”
“I was until I found your belly button,” he said and pulled her back down and kissed her.
“Oh no,” Emma said smiling. “No no no,” she told herself as she stood up.
“Emma, sit back down here,” he said and pulled her onto him.
“Brody as much fun as it is sitting here on…you, I need to go to sleep,” Emma kissed him and sat back and smiled.
“Are you sure Emma?” Brody said kissing her.
“Brain yes, body No,” she said breathlessly as she stood up. “How many people have you slept with?”
“Um, I am not sure?” Brody said confused.
“I have had sex with one person,” Emma said sitting next to him. Brody laughed uncomfortable. “And you don’t even have a number.”
“I’m sorry. I can tell you I have had sex with seven people in the seven years I have lived in the U.S.” Brody said shaking his head.
“And the…” she held her hands up counting, “Seven years before that?”
“Emma, they were very busy years,” Brody expressed his amusement while uncomfortably shaking his head.
“Did you use condoms?” Emma asked.
“Really are we having the sex talk Emma?” Brody responded tilting his head slightly to the side.
“Do you want to have sex with me Brody?” Emma inquired in a straightforward tone looking him in the eyes.
Brody gasped in shock from her curt statement and smiled, “Yes I do want to have sex with you.”
“Have you been tested for STD’s” Emma asked crossing her arms and raising her eyebrow.
Brody grabbed her with one arm around her waist and held the back of her head tightly to his face and kissed her and she melted, he pulled away leaving her panting.
“Do you want me Emma?” he whispered in her ear and kissed her neck.
“Uh hu, I want you…too, yes.” Emma breathed out.
He laid her down on the couch and kissed her as she lay there letting him and her head was spinning, “Oh please… not now.”
He kissed her mouth and sat up, “Okay Emma, I had sex with at least twenty women before moving here.”
“That’s a lot,” Emma whispered and sat up keeping her eyes closed.
“I was tested a year ago, free and clear. I will do it again if you need me to,” Brody said looking at her, “Emma open your eyes, do you need me to get tested?”
“Uh hu,” she said and opened her eyes.
“Have you been tested?” He laughed.
“Yes, every year since London was born, oh God I hope she didn’t wake up, what time is it?” Emma said reaching across him to grab her phone. “It is two in the morning?”
“Time flies” Brody said as he smiled.
“My daughter gets up every morning at six thirty, you won’t be laughing when I have her wake you up,” Emma said trying to make him nervous.
“Well then…. I am going to have a shower,” Brody said and kissed her gently as he whispered in her ear, “and jerk off.”
Emma tried to hide her smile, “Really? Can I watch?”
“Are you serious?” Brody asked trying to hide the excitement in his voice.
“No I think you can handle it,” Emma tried to stop smiling as she stood up “Pun intended,” she said and gently kissed his head.
“No one has ever told me no Emma,” Brody said quietly, “It’s going to make me try that much harder.”
“Get tested, good night music man,” Emma said as she walked into the bathroom.
When Emma finished she started to walk out and he pushed her gently into the bathroom, “I need to check something out, I am fairly sure I don’t need to be tested for this,” he said as he reached under her shirt and squeezed her breast gently as he kissed her.
“Nice,” he said and pulled her in to kiss him.
He held her against him and she felt her bra unsnap. In one swift move he lifted her shirt and bent down and took her breast in his mouth and took the other in his hand. She leaned against the counter and he lifted her up and sat her on it. His mouth was full and he sucked and tugged gently at her erect nipple as he used his fingers mimicking his movements on the other breast. Emma felt her body begin to burn.
“Oh God,” she moaned and he tugged harder, it was almost painful if not for the pleasure she felt.
“You have to stop,” she moaned as her hand rubbed his stomach. “Brody I need you to stop, because I don’t think…oh God…I don’t think I will be able to… please.”
He released her and kissed up her neck to her mouth.
He looked in her eyes, “You need to leave,” he laughed deeply through clenched teeth “before I tear the rest of your clothes off and take you in the shower.”
“Sorry,” Emma said.
He kissed her again, “Don’t be, get out,” his laugh dark and jaw clenched.
“Thank you,” Emma said and kissed him. “Good night,” she said as he pulled his shirt off looking into her eyes intensely.
He dropped his pants, and her eyes widened. Brody… commando, she thought and damn he was perfect. Wipe that stupid grin off your face Cheshire cat Emma thought.
“Emma, five, four, three, two…” he counted down pausing briefly between numbers and she grinned.
“Goodnight,” Emma said closing the door.
Chapter 5
“Mom, let’s make breakfast,” London said and Emma opened her eyes.
“What time is it?” Emma asked.
“Almost seven, I slept in,” London smiled.
London turned on music and she and Emma danced around the kitchen to Kids Bop, Payphone was playing as they fried eggs and made toast. London was singing and when the chorus started they both sang and danced.
Here is my silly smiling girl, Emma thought.
Beiber’s Boyfriend played as London buttered her toast and Emma took her hands and twirled her. Next was Train’s Drive By, London knew it was one of Emma’s favorites and they danced and sang loudly laughing.
Brody walked up to London and twirled her as he sang. When the song ended London looked at him and curtsied. Brody, bowed and kissed her hand. Emma was smiling as she plated the food. London changed the song to Just The Way You Are. Emma smiled.
“Mom.” London said, “You’re not singing it to me.”
“I don’t do well in front of an audience,” Emma smiled. “But for you London…”
Emma started singing. Brody joined her and London laughed.
“Mom,” London said looking at her when the song finished, “I love you.”
“I love you more,” Emma said kissing her and twirling her around.
Lila came out, “Its Saturday and seven thirty in the morning.”
“Good morning Lila,” London said and jumped down and hugged her. “I made you breakfast.”
Lila smiled, “Well then seven thirty is perfect.”
Brody cleaned his plate and thanked London, “I have a few things to do this morning, I will see you ladies later?”
“Where are you going?” London asked.
“London that’s none of our concern,” Emma said scolding her softly.
“It’s fine Emma, I have a doctors appointment,” Brody smiled and briefly glanced up at Emma and raised his eyebrow.
“On a Saturday, you must be sick,” London said and jumped up to feel his head, Brody laughed. “No you’re not warm,” London giggled. “But my friends think you are hot.”
“London,” Emma said shocked.
“Emma she is fine, and apparently her friends have great taste,” he said and winked at London as he made his way to his room.
“Mom I am going to shower,” London said when they finished dishes.
“Okay,” Emma said and smiled remembering that
just six months ago she insisted on bubble baths and she had to help her wash her hair. Emma now only insisted on scrubbing her scalp three times a week.
Brody walked out and smiled at Emma, “Good morning,” he said and kissed her.
“Good morning,” Emma said trying not to look at him as she smiled looking down. He laughed, “You have a doctor appointment this morning?”
“Why do you sound shocked, you kind of insisted,” Brody smiled as he lifted her chin and kissed her gently.
“I am pretty bossy hu?” Emma smiled.
“You’re wonderful,” Brody said and kissed her again.
“Okay thank you,” she said trying to will her way out of his arms.
The shower turned off and he slowly kissed her again and let go.
“Emma I am leaving to go to England in three days,” Brody said and looked hurt.
Emma felt a lump in her throat and smiled, “To finish your album right?”
“I would love for you to come Emma,” Brody said. “I know you can’t but I want you to know that I want you and your daughter to come.”
“Thank you,” Emma said. “How long will you be gone?”
“Three weeks, and six days,” Brody answered softly.
“Okay then,” Emma smiled.
“Forged smile,” Brody said and stepped towards her to kiss her.
“Mom,” London yelled.
“Coming,” Emma said, “Good luck today.”
~
Emma helped London get ready and they had decided to go shopping. To Emma’s delight London was on a mission to pick out a disguise for Brody to wear at the play that night. They went and got Pedicures and ate lunch. London begged to ride the subway and Emma didn’t cave.
They returned to Lila’s at three in the afternoon, three hours before the play. Brody and Lila were looking at something online.
“Hello, are you excited about Wicked?” London asked and skipped up to Lila and Brody.
Brody smiled, “I need to talk to your Mom first okay? Emma may I have a moment,” he said as he walked towards the bedroom.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea, London is…” Emma started.
Brody smiled, “Trust me,” he said pulling her in to the room he was staying in, “sit please.”
“Okay,” Emma said and blushed.
He smiled and shook his head as he sat next to her and showed her a website with a picture of the four of them taking the carriage ride. Brody was sitting next to London and both were beaming.
“Well you both look great,” Emma said and took a deep breath.
“Does this upset you?” Brody asked. “Her privacy being violated, those scum taking pictures of her?” he said in an angry tone.
“I don’t like it, I bet she will,” Emma said and smiled as she shook her head.
“What about your divorce Emma?” Brody asked looking apologetically at her.
“I am not worried, he kind of sealed his own fate with that one, I hope anyway. I don’t know, are you alright with it?” Emma asked looking confused.
“I am never alright with my privacy being invaded,” Brody said. “I am not alright with hers being or yours being invaded either.”
“Alright but really what can we do about it?” Emma asked.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to go this evening Emma,” Brody said.
“Oh,” she said shocked.
“That upsets you?” Brody asked taking her hand gently in his.
“Well London kind of went crazy on a disguise today,” Emma laughed. “But she will understand I suppose.”
He smiled and shook his head. “She did?”
“Yes, it was actually kind of funny,” Emma smiled.
“Do you want to discuss this with her or maybe I could tell her my doctor wants me to stay in for a few days?” Brody asked.
“I don’t lie to her Brody. I answer her truthfully with age appropriate answers of course, hoping that will help her do the same in years to come,” Emma smiled.
“Alright then,” Brody said and stood up.
Emma smiled at him, “Can I kiss you? I mean…sorry that was stupid, this is obviously a bad idea, I mean quit while you’re ahead….”
“Are you done Emma?” Brody scowled and she shook her head yes, “would you like to know what the doctor said?”
“Sure, what did he say?” Emma asked as her face started to turn red.
“All the test results came back and I am healthy. Blood work was rushed so I should know in a couple days,” Brody said looking in her eyes and she knew he was trying to figure something out.
“Oh, a few days?” Emma asked.
“Yes, why?” Brody asked.
“Well I will be home and you will be in England right?” Emma asked.
“Oh so we have to wait until everything comes back?” Brody asked confused.
“Well yes,” Emma smiled and looked away.
“So no condoms?” Brody asked.
“I am allergic to latex,” Emma said looking down.
“Good to know,” Brody said.
“Are you monogomis? I mean…” Emma started and and he interrupted.
“Emma do you want me to be?” Brody asked trying not to laugh.
“No I want you to have sex with lots of other people while you…you know what this is irresponsible. Let’s just forget it” Emma said and stood up.
“Emma,” he said grabbing her hand and pulling her onto him, “I haven’t had sex in months. I am very choosey now and I am choosing you, I trust you.”
“How do you trust me? How am I supposed to trust you?” Emma said standing back up.
“Have I given you reason not to?” Brody asked seriously.
“You didn’t tell me about your past,” Brody looked hurt, “I am sorry, but you should know the only person I did this with was Troy. I made him wait two years. I knew him very well. I am not trying to hurt you. I’m just not like that. I already feel like, I don’t know a week is really too soon.”
He looked down and didn’t say anything.
“Okay this is a bad idea, I’m sorry.” Emma stood up and walked out.
She walked into the living room, “Hey London we need to chat,” Emma said looking at her smiling.
Brody walked out and looked at Lila, his eyes wide and confused.
“Ok some silly person took pictures last night, see right here?” Emma said showing her. “I am sorry. Does it upset you?”
“No it’s kind of cool,” London said and smiled.
“Ok so it bothers me and it bothers Brody that someone would invade your privacy. He isn’t going with us tonight,” Emma said.
“But we got him all this stuff mom, it was going to be fun,” London said looking upset.
“Sorry London, maybe I could wear it?” Emma smiled and hugged her.
“Does he know it’s not his fault Mom?” London whispered.
“I don’t think so London but we are not going to cause a scene, it will be fine,” Emma said and hugged her closer and closed her eyes.
“I need to use the bathroom,” she whispered and stood up and walked away.
“You alright London?” Lila asked.
“I am fine,” London said and smiled just like her Mom did when she was upset and Brody noticed.
“Sorry London,” Brody said.
“It’s not your fault, it’s those people who took the pictures, not your fault,” London repeated. “But why is my Mom upset?”
“I don’t know,” Brody said looking down.
“Are you sorry about that?” London asked and looked at him raising her eyebrows.
“Well if I upset her I am very sorry about that,” Brody said softly.
London smiled at him, “She will be fine, she always is.”
London’s eyes looked into his for a while. He didn’t turn away and they both ended up smiling. When her mother came out she looked at her and smiled.
“We should bake cookies,” Emma said and smiled at Lond
on as she grabbed her hand and pulled her into the kitchen.
Lila looked at Brody and he looked at her and shook his head.
“What’s going on?” Lila asked quietly.
“She isn’t ready Lila, and I am,” Brody said sadly.
“Emma will never think she is ready. They have been separated for over a year. She hasn’t dated or hooked up or done anything that wasn’t well planned, perfectly and precisely,” Lila smiled.
“I get that, she just wants to know things Lila, things that I have put behind me and am not ready to bring back. Is it not enough that I care for her? I went and got tested for disease today Lila what is that about?” Brody said shaking his head as Lila tried not to laugh.
London skipped in the room, “Do you need anything at the store, Mom and I have to get a few things,” she said waving the list.
“I need a lot of things at the store, how about we go together and let your mother start getting ready to bake,” Lila asked and walked in the kitchen and told Emma they would be right back.
~
When they left Brody walked into the kitchen and hugged Emma from behind.
“Brody please don’t,” Emma said softly and tried to turn around.
“Please just stay,” he said holding her firmly. “So my past is not something I enjoy talking about, at all. However you are important to me so I will let you know a few things. My mother died when I was twelve. I was withdrawn, my father was not home very much at all. My brother moved out and my father’s much younger girlfriend moved in. I left and lived with my Aunt and Uncle for a couple years and then started singing and partying and having lots of sex. I am not proud of who I was then or the amount of sexual partners I had. I hooked up with a very wild partner and we partied hard. She died and I moved here,” Brody said and she could hear him trying to breathe calmly. “I understand that sex is different for you than it has been for me, young, dumb, and recklace. All physical,” he said and she heard the smile in his voice, “You as a sign of love or something special.”
“We went from your life to sex awfully fast,” Emma said softly.
“Emma yesterday and last night, I thought that meant you wanted me as badly as I want you, and today you are ready to walk. I am confused,” Brody said still holding her.
