“Other than finally showering everyday, Ky said he’s about the same.”
My eyes welled up with tears.
“It’s my fault.”
“No, it isn’t. You had to take care of yourself before you could take care of anyone else.”
“I can’t stand the idea of him being miserable Harper.” The first of my tears hit my cheeks.
“What about you? Are you miserable?”
I had to think about that. Everything that I’d wanted to learn living on my own had happened, but when she asked me like that, I realized I was miserable. I missed Finn so much that I could hardly think of anything else during the day.
“Yes.” I sobbed.
She came over and put her hand on my back, rubbing it back and forth.
“Then go to him Em. Why are you sitting here in this beautiful beach house, unable to really enjoy it because the love of your life is clear across the country?”
“You are such a closet romantic Harper.”
“Don’t tell anyone. It’ll ruin my reputation.” We sat there for a moment in silence. “Well…”
“Well what?” I was wiping my eyes.
“What are you waiting for? Go pack a bag and get the hell out of here. Lover boy will probably keel over when he sees you!”
“But you just got here.”
“Pshh… I’m going to stay here if you don’t mind. I could take a couple of vacation days. Besides, if your pale ass can get a tan like that, I’m not going anywhere!”
“Wait! What if he doesn’t want to see me anymore? I don’t know if I could stomach it if he slammed the door in my face.” Just thinking about it made me want to be sick.
“Em, the guy loves you. He’s going to be so happy to see you that I wouldn’t be surprised if he strips you naked right then and there.”
Maybe she was right? I had to take a chance. It was Finn. And even if he loved me only a fraction of what he used to, I’d take it. I laughed and hugged her again. Kissing her on the cheek I jumped up and headed to my room yelling down the hall at her.
“You are seriously the greatest friend anybody could ask for.”
“I know!” she yelled back.
Belch!
I burped and Ky started waving his hand in front of his face.
“Oh my god that stinks. What did you eat, a baby diaper?”
I would have normally laughed but I couldn’t. “I’m a guy, you live with me… get over it.”
“Listen douchebag, you’re going to have to snap out of this…” He waved his hands in the air, “well whatever it is, soon because it’s getting old fast. Maybe we should have a party here or something. I could get a keg and invite a bunch of girls over.”
I really didn’t want a party. It wasn’t like we were still college kids, but maybe he was right. Being around people might help me get my mind off of the girl that walked away from me. I’d put everything off, including work. If I didn’t get my shit together soon, the record label would release me from my contract. The songs I’d been writing were terrible.
“Fine. But give me an hour to get ready, would ya?” I said getting up from the couch.
“No problem. I’m going to run into town and get the keg.”
“Hey wait a second! What about Harper? Won’t she be pissed at you for inviting chicks over?”
He turned, his eyes looking a bit lost.
“Yeah, about that… I’m not sure that’s going to work out. She’s too busy with work.”
I looked at him a second longer. “Sorry man. You two seemed good together.”
He shrugged, turned and walked out; essentially ending our conversation. Not that guys sit around talking about their emotions, but Kyler was my best friend and it didn’t take a genius to figure out that he was madly in love with Harper. She’d always had commitment issues, but hopefully she hadn’t royally fucked this one up.
I ended up taking a long hot shower, my muscles relaxing under the water. Em had been gone for a few months now and I still didn’t know what to do with myself. When she came back into my life, it had just confirmed that she was the only woman I’d ever love. I knew that there were a lot of people out there who were capable of loving more than one person, but I also knew that I wasn’t one of them. I was either going to be with her, or I’d be alone forever. A depressing thought considering I didn’t even know where she was.
I’d begged Harper and Em’s parents to tell me where I could find her but none of them would budge. I’d even hoped that Harper might spill the beans to Ky, but she was too smart for that. My best friend would crack with very little pressure and a bucket of KFC and being well aware of this fact, Harper had chosen to keep him out of the loop as well as me.
Getting out of the shower, I stood in front of the mirror and smeared on the shaving cream. I had grown a beard but ended up shaving it off after a month. Ky was scared I was harboring bugs in there and he refused to let me in the house unless I got rid of it. He’s such a pussy. One small spider and he was on top of the kitchen table.
Shaved clean and a towel still around my hips, I walked back to my bedroom. The doorbell rang before I had a chance to put my shirt on. I got my wallet off the side table in the living room and headed for the door. I didn’t think Ky had ordered the keg just yet, but there was always the chance it could be some overzealous delivery boy, hoping for a bigger tip.
When I opened the door, my mind went blank. I couldn’t understand why my eyes were seeing Em standing in front of me. I reached up and rubbed my eyes. Nope, still there. What the hell? I wasn’t even drunk yet.
“Hi Finn.” She spoke so softly, and her voice was sweeter than in my dreams.
Jesus, she really was here. But why? Did it even matter why? She looked like a blonde goddess. Her hair had grown even longer, and the blonde waves cascaded over her shoulder. Her skin was golden and the darker tone made her eyes appear a brilliant blue. Even so she still looked like my Tiny Girl. I realized that she was still standing there in front of me and I had yet to say a single word to her. Talk to her you asshole.
“Emilyn,” My voice came out shocked. “What are you doing here?”
She didn’t answer me right away. Her eyes traveled the length of my body and back up again. She seemed to be thinking something over and then she gulped.
“Ask me again.” she whispered.
I was confused. Ask her what again?
“What?”
She took a deep breath and repeated herself. “The question you asked me before I left… ask me again.”
I searched through my fogged brain and then it hit me. I’d proposed to her. She’d said no, so why would she want me to ask… oh my god.
Her eyes lit up, sparkling as she saw the realization on my face. She smiled at me and gave me a slight head nod.
I stepped forward and took a hold of her waist, bringing her body flush with mine. Brushing her hair back from her shoulder I cleared my throat.
“Marry me Em? I’m a worthless man without you in my life. I love you, so marry me.”
Her smile got even wider and I saw her pulse thrum in her throat. “Oh thank god. I was worried you were going to close the door in my face.”
“Em.” I kissed the tip of her nose.
“Hmmm?”
“Are you going to answer me?”
“Oh shit, I’m sorry! I totally forgot with my nerves and all. Yes! Yes! Yes! Of course I’ll marry you Finn!”
I picked her up and swung her around, her feet dangling behind her. She giggled.
“Pinch me because this has got to be a dream! Where have you been the past two months?”
She nipped at my ear and it turned me on.
“Florida.”
“Well that explains the tan. But why Florida?”
“Because it’s warm.”
“Is that the only reason?”
“Yep, pretty much!” She said laughing. I chuckled and reveled in the sound.