A couple of Byron's security agents went on ahead to check out the hotel on the day of the meeting. They found nothing at all suspicious about the premises, and so Emily and Byron arrived at the appointed time.They sat down at a small table. The security agents were still around in case anything went wrong, but Emily still felt a little jittery.It was already seven, but no one had shown up."Maybe it's Quinn Faines!" Emily suggested."Yeah, you wish, naughty kid," Byron said, "Still planning to run away with him?""If I was, I wouldn't tell you," she replied.At five past seven, the bar was still mostly empty, and no one came to greet them."Maybe it's a practical joke, and they just stood us up," Byron said after another couple of minutes had passed.Just as he said it, his eyes alighted on a man who had entered the bar and was heading straight towards them.He was a good-looking man, possibly in his sixties. His hair and stylish goatee were both grey, but his skin looked h
"I'm really sorry about all of this," Emily said, "especially my part in it.""You don't have to be, really," Byron said. His driving became less rough, although Emily could tell he was tense. "My dad is the one who decided to come back after these years, uninvited. I just don't want to relive the old trauma...""Then don't," Emily said. "I know it's easy for me to say, but try not look back at the past."Byron laughed with a touch of bitterness. "You're right. I'm sure my father will just bring some new troubles into my life, so I can focus on present trauma instead.""You're such a sweet ray of sunshine! How about we get some pizza?""Sure!" Byron agreed at once. He often enjoyed caviar wrapped in the finest crepes prepared by his personal chef or making his own gourmet creations such as eggplant lasagna or sauteed scallops. But once in a while he craved fast food burgers or a good old fashioned pepperoni pizza from some humble family restaurant. It might have been temporary ins
"It's my birthday, and I want to die," Byron groaned as he struggled out of bed in the morning.Emily was horrified for a moment. "Don't say that!""Oh, sorry, I don't mean literally," he corrected, "I promised I would tell you if I ever felt suicidal again.""And you haven't?" she asked tensely."Not yet. I just don't want to celebrate growing older."Emily got up too and searched her dresser for some clothes fit for the occasion. She wanted nothing too dressy, but something casual yet fun. She chose a flouncy yellow blouse with a white skirt. "We don't have to celebrate much," she said. "Maybe just have a nice dinner, watch a movie."But their plans were derailed when the doorbell rang that afternoon and Sylvia showed up with a big strawberry cake. Emily regretted not making an escape plan since Byron clearly didn't want his birthday to be a big deal, but now it was too late. Byron was very sweet, though."Thanks for coming over, mom," he said, "and for giving birth to me
Much to Emily's surprise, Teddy actually made it to the fashion show on her invitation. It was the show of another designer, a friend of hers, so Emily could relax and sit in the audience. Although she was still not sure whether she was doing the right thing by encouraging the reunion, she was glad of the chance to talk to Teddy and get to know him more. When she spotted him at the entrance to the fashion show, he was blending in with a fashionable shirt and faux leather trousers. "I'm glad we could do this," he said, "though I don't want you to get in trouble for supporting Team Teddy. Not a very popular choice right now.""It'll be fine," Emily said. "Byron knows I'm trying to help him. I've had to fight him on certain issues before... But he was upset about you coming to his birthday.""I didn't mean to upset him," Teddy said. "I wish I could take a more gradual approach, but I don't have much time. I can't be away from my work too long."They entered the bustling lobby an
Byron tried to steel his heart against the inevitable pain that spending time with his father would bring. But no matter how he tried, he knew there was no way to avoid the suffering. It was kind of like putting his hand deliberately into a fire, knowing it would scroch him.Maybe Emily was right, and it was a good thing to be vulnerable. The feelings of nostalgic affection he had for his father couldn't exist without the pain of abandonment. The memories were too intertwined. He had to accept the good and the bad as an inevitable part of life.They walked on the beach together, and in some ways it felt as if his dad had never left. They used to have deep talks like this back in the old days, ranging from tractors to the meaning of life.It was a misty day, with just enough sun filtering through the pale grey clouds. "The last time I saw you," Byron said, "when you got mom to loan you that money... Why did you disappear again for so many years? We never heard from you.""I though
The panic attack at the fashion show was a disappointment. Emily had been secretly hoping she was over them. But now she knew a good technique to overcome them, thanks to Teddy. She also knew Ruby was still around in the fashion world.Ruby had not shown her cards yet, but Emily was sure there was some kind of trouble on its way. She hated to wait passively and respond to Ruby's next provocation. On her way home from work one day, she decided on impulse to stop by Ruby's shop. Byron was driving her home from work as he often did these days, still considering the Josh threat level to be high."Let's stop here a moment," she said, "I want to drop in on Ruby.""Do you want me to come with you?" Byron asked."No, that's okay. Could you wait in the café?""Are you sure?" he asked, parking the car expertly on the same block where Ruby's notorious boutique was located."Yeah, Ruby is not that scary, honestly," Emily said. She had dealt with far worse. Although Ruby had posed a threa
Not only was Teddy leaving town, but Emily's student Katie was going away for the rest of the summer."This is my last lesson," Katie said. Although Emily already knew it, she was sad to hear it spoken out loud. The studio had quite a few of Katie's paintings hanging on the walls, and it would never be the same without her."Well, it's been a pleasure," Emily said, "I guess you won't likely be back to art lessons in the fall since you'll be busy with college.""Yeah, I probably won't have as much time for art anymore. I've decided to take business as my major.""Still aiming to get that rich husband?" Emily teased."Of course, but this time I have a better plan. I'm going to be rich myself, and then it'll be so much easier to sort through the rich men of the world.""Love the confidence," Emily said. "And if you need a part-time job when you get back, I could always use some help around the office. I'm sure we could find something business-y for you to do.""That would be awes
A couple of weeks later, Emily had quite forgotten about her gift request, and she was surprised when Byron reminded her."Let's go look for that goat, shall we?" he said, just as they were getting into the car to go on what Emily thought was just a day trip with maybe some hiking in the mountains."Are you serious?" she asked."I'm very serious. It's my gift to you.""An actual goat?""Maybe…" He smiled mysteriously, and Emily could only guess what he had planned.Driving into the countryside, they soon arrived at a farm with a freshly-painted barn and a paddock where horses and goats grazed.The sign beside the driveway read "E.D. Animal Rescue"."Those are my initials," Emily remarked."And it's no coincidence," Byron said."What?! Did you set up this entire operation?" Emily hurried out of the car to take a look at the animals. "Hold on," Byron said, handing her a bag of apple slices. "You'll be needing these."The horses looked at the new arrivals with curiosity and c
Emily felt such a strong current of desire running throughout her frame. It was always the most overwhelming sensation, being engulfed in the torrent of his kisses. It was one of those times when she was reminded how fierce and powerful her love for him really was. Sometimes day-to-day life interfered and made her forget that there was a man by her side who would do anything for her. When he showed how much he loved her, whether it was with grand gestures and romantic trips or simply the way he kissed her, it felt like the rebirth of a love that was too beautiful for words.Holding him in her arms and knowing how much he desired her nearly made her faint every time. It enchanted every single cell of her being, making the rest of the world a mere blur compared to the hot passion coursing through her body."I love you," she murmured as they rested in the sumptuous bed. "Thanks for always being there for me.""You don't have to thank me," he said, gazing back at her with a look fi
A few days later, Emily woke up to a grey and rainy day, but she was eager to get out of bed. It was the day of their trip. Byron was already up, pulling a tight t-shirt over his muscular torso. He looked way too awake for the earliness of the hour."Today's dress code: motorcycle gear," he said, eyes shining eagerly."It's a road trip?" Emily exclaimed."Yes indeed!"They could have flown anywhere in the world on their private jet, but for some reason Emily was more excited about a trip to the nearby mountains, just like they had always done. It reminded her of the early days of their relationship when they swiftly fell in love, and she had fallen in love with everything about this landscape too. And in some ways, not that much had changed."It's going to be a rugged journey," Byron said, "but don't worry, I've prepared some amenities at our destination.""What is that supposed to mean?" she asked."You don't need to pack too much stuff, just your basic clothes."They left t
Byron poured a lot of funds into the construction of the wave pool, and a few months later, it was built and ready for use.The building looked sleek and contemporary on the outside, while inside it was a warm oasis away from the autumn chill.Mandy swam and frolicked in the waves with her friends, stopping only to sip a bit of juice, then she was back in the water for more splashing. The high ceiling allowed natural light to come in through its numerous skylights, giving the space the ambience of a warm beach. The wave pool was definitely a hit. Emily and Byron watched the kids, lounging on deck chairs by the water."It's not quite as relaxing as a real beach, but it'll do," Byron said as the echoes of children's voices bounced around the vast space. Ripples of sunlight reflected off the water and played over his face."The kids don't seem to care if it's relaxing or not," Emily said, observing them race each other in the waves. "But as long as they're happy…""Do you think Man
"Can I do it when I'm six?" Mandy asked, not letting go of the idea of being on television."No," Emily said firmly."Can I do it when I'm seven?""No.""Ten?""Maybe." Emily hoped the whole discussion would be forgotten after that many years. She never wanted her child on a so-called talent show which was probably rigged anyway.Luckily, Mandy was distracted by her friend, and the two girls went to play outside."She's so talented," Katie said, "You should take her to a music academy. I'll bet she's going to be a sensation."Emily shook her head. "She's way too young. Please don't get excited. I know it seems like showing her talent to the world is a good thing, but too many child stars have started out on brilliant careers only to burn out as teenagers. I definitely don't want that for Mandy.""You're right, Talent Quest is a bit of a freak show," Katie said, "but don't you want her to at least learn as much as she can to reach her full potential?""She's got all the time i
Byron took a long breath. "Okay, don't be mad at me but… I bought Charmers. And now every single branch of Charmers will carry your brand of clothing.""Byron, you promised me you wouldn't do that!" Emily was so disappointed she was hardly even tempted by the creamy pasta."I promised I wouldn't destroy them," he said, a sly smile playing about his lips, "and I don't intend to. I've even kept Simone around, though in a slightly less senior role. She couldn't be induced to resign. The woman is very stubborn, but I know you don't like us to make enemies…""So you took over the company she was running, and you don't think she'd be mad?""Not as mad as I was when you told me she dropped your products," Byron retorted, "But believe it or not she's actually okay with the takeover. Charmers were struggling financially anyway. Believe me, I did them a favor.""Well you didn't do me a favor," Emily retorted. "I didn't want you to get involved.""But—""I'm capable of solving my own probl
"I pet a big white dog!" Mandy announced when they got home.The dogs spun around the new arrivals in a furry whirlwind, and Emily was relieved to be with her four-legged friends. She was glad she hadn't brought them to work that day to be despised by Simone."That's good," Byron said, greeting Mandy and Emily with kisses."I was not so lucky," Emily said."Mommy didn't have time to play with doggie," Mandy said sadly."And on top of that, I lost a really big client…" Emily added. She took off her shoes and collapsed on the living room couch."Lady said the 'f word'," Mandy recalled. Byron raised his eyebrows. "I know I'm not allowed to say it," Mandy continued, "but she didn't know that.""What the heck happened over there?" Byron asked."Ugh! I can't even go into right now," Emily lay back on the couch and closed her eyes, trying to shut out the stress of the day. "Simone made me so mad.""Lady was silly," Mandy said."Yes, she was very silly," Emily confirmed.Byron s
Emily was in a playful mood the next morning. She didn't want to get out of bed, even though she had an important meeting. The date night had ended in a rather passionate episode. Mandy was already asleep by the time they got back home, and they made the most of their time. It was not exactly rare for them to have alone time, but maybe it didn't happen as often as before."You're very giggly," Byron noted. "I thought you'd be tired after last night."He was a bit sleepy but didn't mind indulging her desires when she kissed his face and body all over."Thanks for helping me feel relaxed when I should be nervous," Emily said as she got up to get dressed. "Simone Cather is coming in for a meeting today. I've never worked with her before, but I hear she can be difficult. I'm going to bring Mandy with me to win her over with cuteness."Simone had just taken over leadership of Charmers, the biggest fashion retail store in the country. Emily had a good relationship with the previous CEO
Emily was able to run some errands while Sylvia gave Mandy her first piano lesson. She was glad to have a bit of time to shop, and Sylvia insisted on not having anyone interfere in her tutelage anyway. Emily wondered how Sylvia would cope being left alone with her granddaughter. She had been out a couple of hours, and she hoped they hadn't killed each other.Contrary to her expectations, the house was quiet when she entered. Sylvia and Mandy were deep in conversation over tea and cookies."Mommy! Mommy!" Mandy ran over to greet her."How was your lesson?" Emily asked."I learned to play piano!""She did fairly well," Sylvia said. This sounded like high praise from someone who was more used to criticizing.Mandy sat down at the piano with very good posture to show Emily what she'd learned. She played Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. It was a simple piece that most kids started with, but Emily was amazed that Mandy played it so flawlessly. She kept up a steady rhythmic accompanimen
Unschooling was a little harder to commit to than Emily had imagined. She knew that there were plenty of learning opportunities for Mandy at home, but sometimes work demands, or just wanting a bit of time to herself made her reluctant to teach the kid.It was early September, and the unschooling had been going on for a week. Emily was working on her sketches in her home office while Mandy watched an educational program in the cinema room. It didn't seem like too much time had passed, but when Emily looked up from her sketch, the house felt unusually quiet. She went into the cinema room and saw that Mandy must have finished her program and dutifully turned the screen off. She was an amazingly responsible child in some respects."Mandy!" Emily called, "Where are you, Mandikins?"An eerie silence filled the large house. Emily checked all the rooms, but her daughter was nowhere to be found. Surely she wouldn't have gone outside all by herself? For a chilling moment, she thought the