The New and Improved Emily Banna (with almost Ending posted the stuff in between and after is still in the works)

Emily Banna sat in her office at the London fashion magazine ‘London’ counting down the seconds till her boss would enter...the sound of his boots coming closer and closer as she rolled her eyes at his constant calling of her name. She turned from her laptop and faced her office door.

“Three...two....one, enter Jeff” she laughed as her door flew open and her boss stormed in and towered over her in his fitted suit, a suit which showed off his non-existent muscles and his blonde hair pulled back into a small stub of a blonde pony tail he utterly screamed boys come and get it. Emily who was a young advice columnist from Chicago, had moved to England with her family when she was 15 looked through her fashionable glasses in her very fashionable office. Her boss Jeff Michaela rolled something in his hand and moved down to her eye level.

“Emily what is this?” He asked throwing down the latest copy of the magazine with great force. His face held an unreadable look.

“Our latest issue Jeff. That all?” she asked with the famous Banna wit. Emily sighed and crossed her legs this was not the first time he had ever come into her office ranting about her column. How he disagreed with her advice, and that she should issue a new answer at “his” standards. She knew eventually he would leave, when he realized that she was right and that she had done her job correctly, and then she would go back to her white laptop and answer another letter from one of her abided readers and those who simply need her advice.

“No, this...this... this is.....” Jeff looked down at her she looked up and shuffled in her chair, the look on his face scared her. A strike of fear ran down her spine her mind raced. could I really get fired over answering a letter not to his liking? She quivered as he opened his mouth to speak “This is your best work yet!” He exclaimed throwing his arms into the air, a smile spreading across his face. “Emily, you seem to be really growing into your position... you know, I’m bloody glad I promoted you.” He said as he straightened up fixing his suit and sliding the magazine over to her. She was shocked he wasn’t mad he was proud of her...she shook her head and snapped out of her shocked state then shot up, knocking over her chair as she grabbed for her white office door. She stumbled into the hall adjusting her glasses and looking around for her boss. Her eyes rested on him and she followed him hastly, she held out her hand grasping for his shoulder.

“Jeff, I have a question !” she exclaimed as she caught up with him, her hand on his elin the hallway, her hand on his elbow. She stood tall, standing her ground as a large group of frightened interns looked at her. She opened her mouth to speak then looked to her side and cast them a smile. Ten years ago that was me...she thought as she turned her head and smiled at her boss. She smiled and took a deep breath, “ Jeff I was wondering ...can I try a new direction with my column make it more personal to myself and my readers. There support is the reason I’m here I’m tired of just inserting a little personal bit...I want to make them know that they are really important relate to them, allow them to see the real me. You know, use real life experiences to relate to a problem give natural advice.” She finished and looked at her boss and bit her lip. Jeff looked at his prodigy standing in front of him in a nicely picked outfit...he smiled as he looked the woman he had scooped out of a small tabloid 10 years ago, he smiled as he thought about her progression comming from being the t-shirt sandals and jean wearing twenty year old...to the Dolce and Gabanna top under a matching jacket over a piar of lucky jeans, which hid the prada boots from this season, thirty year old. He smiled and then thought about the progression of her writing, going from weak one paragraph answers to the amazing page length answers which helped sky rockett her and the magazine into the same arena as Elle and Vouge. His mind was made as he watched her shift her wiat biting her lip...her nervous habbit. He smiled and placed a hand on her small shoulder.

“I think you’ve earned it, I put you in the impossible position and you made it the most read part of our magazine.” Emily’s eyes lit up and she laughed then hugged, then quickly let go. She smiled at him again, then left and returned to her office, silently celebrating. Then Jeff slowly realized one intern was looking at him. “Yes?” he asked coldly, the internt shaking as she asked.

“Was that Emily Banna?” Jeff smiled and fixed his suit, feeling quite proud at the amazement inside of the young woman’s voice.

“Yes that was” he stated a smile creeping across his face, he quickly hid it and his face turned sour and then he barked. “Get back to work!” he spun on his versace booted heal, tossing them a stern look and in a stride walked into the elevator which led two floors up to his office. The doors closed and he fixed suit in the metal. doors, he smiled as he saw the doors open Alex Richard’s the brilliant journalist from Scotland who was close behind Emily in fame standing in his office...his dolce suit jacket open a file under his arm. “Do what do I owe this visit?” he asked as he stepped off and Alex smiled.

“Just want you to look at my ideas for my column.” he stated getting a look of what do you really want? “Jeff...I think if I can expand my column it would...” Jeff held up a hand.

“If anyone gets the page layout...it’s Emily, her ideas focus on the readers...she’s doing all she can to improve the magazine not her self...Alex.” Alex got hot.

“Jeff, I know Emily is important to you and this magazine but I cant understand why she’s the only one who matters in this place.” he stated getting angry throwing the file down. Jeff stood up and looked at the man.

“Because Alex, she does not focus on herself...she puts herself behind the magazine and then her readers, she foucs on her work not her success.” Alex huffed and looked at the ground.


“Fine.” he said turning his back to him and then left the office, Mean while Emily who had walked back to her office and spun around in her black chiar and faced her computer screen, the smiling face of her brother and her staring at her, as an E-mail flew into view.

“Time to work.” she whispered as she began to read it, soaking in the words on the screen her mind begining to search for the correct answer, her small smile growning as she did what she did best. Writing her column as only should could.

Dear readers,

Since this months issue is over relationships and ways to improve them or start them up I felt that the following letter from Fallen-hard is perfect fit and starting next issue I will begin a more personal column where I not only answer your questions but I ask you questions, tell you what’s going on in my life and hope that you can help me with what ever problems I have, so that I can help you with yours. Now back to fallen hard.





‘Dear Emily,
For the past four years I’ve worked in the same law office, with the same people doing the same thing. But every day I have one thing to look forward to when I arrive at my stuffy office here in London. Her name is Christina, she is a radiant flower upon the dreary world of women in work suits and bad taste. I have a as you have said ‘crush’ on her and I want to know if there is chance, for a 6'2 black haired lawyer to get in with the beautiful lawyer from the upstairs office. She just recently went through a break up and is now available. She is a rare beauty cares about everyone and everything never ever gives in during a fight and since we have been working on a case together for some time now I think it is a bout time that I make my move towards her heart. I need to know how an American would deal with this, I fear that I may make a fool out of my self and hurt her hurt more. Help me get to the woman of my dreams

Sincerely,
Fallen-hard’

Well fallen hard I am an American not Aphrodite I cannot just tell you what to do to make this woman fall in love with you. It takes an existing attraction for it to happen. That being said recent break ups are not the best times to go after a girl, the woman is in a hard place if he broke up with her, she’s wondering if she did something wrong, if there is something she could of done to prevent it...so watch out on those shaky grounds....don’t be stalker-ish and learn everything about her...if you travel in a certain circle which she happens to travels do what you can to find out a few things about the break up like why it happen, from the way you wrote your letter it would appear that you genuinely care for her so show that when you ask don’t just say “Hey, do you know why they broke up...oh that sucks well thanks bye.” show some interest then after you learn a few details and you see she’s having a bad day ask her if she needs to talk, then comfort her and then you can ease your way into being a friend, then a good friend, then eventually boyfriend. Most good relationships start out from friendships. Then there is the option she broke up with him then you can try and see if she wants a new relationship, or if she got out of the old one to take time off from being in a relationship because she doesn’t want to be in a relationship, she wants to be the independent woman she has inside of her...she wants to be alone with herself learn about her and just be alone for a while. Fallen hard, I know what it’s like to have someone your interested in and have no idea if they feel the same...so I wish you luck and I hope I helped you in this problem of the heart...I hope you find love soon, even if it isn’t with the one you want because you sound unlike many men I have known. Thank you for reading and again I hope I helped.
Yours truly,
Emily Banna a.k.a. the American in London’

Emily sat back in her chair and looked at her computer screen, her bright blue eyes sparkled as she hit the send button. She slid her Prada pumps off her feet and then looked around her office looking out the window at the famous Big Ben and Parliament. She smiled and thought what can happen in ten years...I can go from being the assistant to the columnist to basically bumping him off, and taking his job. But I worked hard...this is what I’ve always dreamed about. Having my own column being a practical celebrity, my name in entertainment news...have fans and fans with websites...I’m not Emily Banna from Chicago any more..instead I’m Emily Banna The American in London...And I’m the one they ask when they need to know How an American would handle it... Emily was tore out of the trance by Alex walking into her office and shutting her door loudly.

“Emily are you alive in here?” his deep velvet voice asked, Emily smiled and turned around in her chair and the smile which made him go weak and long form her caught him.

“Yeah Alex, what’s up?” Emily asked as she pulled her glasses off her face and closed her laptop. Alex smiled and walked over to her desk his hands inside of his pants pockets, playing with his lose change and money clip.

“So, how’s Jeff’s favorite columnist and the pride of ‘London?” Alex asked as he slid into a sitting position next to her on top of her desk top, his black Dolce suit wrinkling below him as he un-did the middle button allowing the black shirt and black tie to fall out from inside of the jacket. Emily smiled and leaned back into her chiar, her deep blue eyes gazing into his brown eyes, she smiled and crossed her legs.

“I’m fine, Alex. Though I’m not sure who your talking about... that isn’t me.” she stated standing up, sitting next to him.

“Oh you know it is...” he said in a husky tone brushing a piece of her hair, she got up at this and looked at him...then grabbed her mock up book.

“Well that’s not who I think I am.” she said in a back off tone as she opened her door and walked toward the editing department, her copy of the magazine mock up in her arms....with her promotion to columnist she was also given some duties as an assistant editor.

“Well... Miss Banna, that is exactly who you are, and this masterpiece shows it.” he said lifting the book from her arms as she grabbed for it like a child. Alex smiled his sexy little smile and leafed through the huge bound copy of the magazine amazement filling his face... then he looked at her and grabbed her arm, and looked at her and then at the book.“ Emily...look at this, every comment genius...you know what your doing...like...like... like it was what you were born to do.” he looked into her eyes, longing to kiss her, he had been crushing on her and lusting after since she walked into his office accedentily three years ago. “Dinner to celebrate and I quote... “your best work ever.” we’ll hit the town in style...after all you and I are the best dressed in this months issue.” He joked she laughed and looked down, his heart ached as he knew what was coming.

“Alex...we tried that..it was just to wiered. Dating and working together it just was too much...pressure.” Emily looked in his eyes and placed a hand on his shoulder gripping it and then releasing it slowly.

“I know Em- “ he whispered grabbing her hand and squezeing it getting a look from a passing intern. “It was to much, we moved to fast... guess I jumped at the opportunity to date the beautiful, and charming...Emily Banna.” he brushed a finger on her cheek, then he tried to come close to her his lips inches away from hers...Emily snapped out of the trance and placed a hand on his chest.

“Alex...”she whispered. He snapped out of the trance and stepped away from her, he looked at the ground and placed a hand in his pocket.

“I know...”He smiled and she leaned in and kissed his cheek.

“We were just meant to be friends.” she whispered and he smiled as his hand made it’s way to his cheek. Emily flashed him a smile and walked away leaving him as he ran a hand through his hair and then he looked toward her sighed and he walked away. She opened the door to editing, smiling at the room filled with fashion layout artists, photographers, other writers, assistant editors and a million other people. She looked around and handed the book to the nearest intern. Fear filling his eyes as the woman passed him the precious material.

“Make sure this gets to the right people.” the man quivvered and she smiled and held out her hand. “Emily.” The man took her out streached hand and stuttered.

“Louis.” Emily smiled and looked around.

“Well I have to get back to work. Nice meeting you...” she turned around and walked out of the room, Louis sighing as she left. Emily began to make her way back to her office talking to a few people stopping to ask her about a few things, a guy from fashion asked about a pair of heals which she said only worked with a different belt. A woman from photography asking about which photos to use in a mock up which she was giving to Jeff in two hours. After two people from editing, another from fashion and one from sales, she fell into her chair and pulled the phone receiver of her desk phone to her ear and dialed her big brother’s number. Five miles away Michael Banna picked up his cell phone in side his office.

“Dr. Banna.” her thirty five year old practicing doctor of a brother answered as she placed her feet on the desk sliding off the pumps.

“Hello Mike...it’s your darling loving sister Emily...in case you can’t read your caller ID.” She joked as he sat back in his own chair.

“Em- what’s up?” he asked as he pushed his desk chair onto it’s back to legs.
“Micheal... are we going to the old house in a few weeks?” she asked as she played with a pen, asking about thier normal summer get away. They leave every thing and go out to the house where they lived when they were teens...it was how they stayed sane...how they were able to keep going in this crazy world. She sat up and looked at her calender on the computer, reading the red bolded letters which began on June 1st and read Vacation With Mike!

“Why, do you have a fashion show which could conflict with that? Dear sister” Mike joked as he looked in his own calender which was a standard write in it yourself (with a pen) planner and in big black letters on June 1st read Trip With Em. Emily laughed and looked into the rest of the month.
“There is one in that month that I’d have to come back for...Dolce and Gabanna summer line premier.” she sighed, Mike sat up stright and got nervous.

“Am I going to have to sit through it...or did you find a boyfriend?” she smiled, and looked down at her desk then sighed.

“No, no boyfriend, still single.” she breathed out and Mike sighed too.

“Good... don’t be in a hurry.” He laughed, she chuckled. Mike was in no way ready for her to be in a serious relationship...he couldn’t handle it...she was still his little sister, she always would be and he had seen her get hurt once and he could not bear to see it happen to her again. He looked at the picture of them from High School on his desk, and smiled...then he laughed as he heard Emily retaliate.

“Look whose talking Mr. I have a relationship for about 2 years and then I dump her like that.” she stated snaping her finger, he chuckled and held up his hands.

“Megan was getting to be to much..I felt cornered like she was planning our wedding when I was trying to break up with her.” Emily let out a laugh and rolled her eyes, at her brother.

“So are we still on?” she asked getting back to the reason she had called.


“Yeah...Em we’re still on...on one condition...” She rolled her eyes and looked at her watch.

“What’s that?” she asked he sat up and grabbed his coffe.

“ I don’t have to go to the Dolce show.” he pleaded into the phone like a child, she laughed moved a few documents around on her computer screen so she could see her brother and her smiling at her from the background of her computer screen.

“Fine Dr. Banna, you win, you don’t have to go. I’ll go alone, I’ll call you when it gets closer and we can plan it out.” she stated , seeing they still had a month until they would leave.

“Yeah sounds good Em... talk to you later.” Mike said as he slid his arm into his white lab coat.

“Love you...” she said which made him smile...she always made him smile, he looked at himself in the mirrior, and whispered.
“I love you two Emily. Get back to work... Bye.” he said she smiled and placed her feet on the ground and yelled

“BYE!” Mike hung up and looked at the clock, he let out a slight chuckle.

“Right on time Em” he smiled as he checked off on his daily calender 12:30-Call from Em. He smiled and laughed, then walked out of the brown room of his offiice. As he slid the planner into his coat pocket an attractive nurse looked him up and down, a smile crawling across her face as she took in the handsome form of the thirty five year old medical professional. She smiled and then...

“Dr. Banna...” The nurse called as she slowly stalked over to him with a chart in her french manicured hands. Mike smiled and turned flashing her the million dollar smile as he took the chart and tossed the his hair out of his eyes cursing the blonde mop. He lifted a few papers muttering under his breath... “He’s in room five.” she stated pulling him out of his privet conference, Mike looked at her...

“Thank you Leda.” he said as his smile grew bigger and he began to walk down the hall counting down... “three...two...one...go.Leda...” he thought.

“Dr. Banna...” He smiled and turned his head, just his head not his whole body.

“Yes?” he stated slyly a smile creeping across his face.

“ I was wondering are you busy this weekend?” he smiled and turned around

“No, as a mater of fact I’m not.” he stated

“Well I was wondering if you were up for dinner?” she asked

“I’ll have to look at my calender, and I’ll tell you what time.” he stated and smiled sliding a piar of glasses on his face. “Oh and Leda...call me Mike.” she smiled and Mike did too as he again began walking into the room where the man from the chart was sitting. Leda smiled and walked the opposite direction back to the desk she worked at. “Hello Mr. Belsings...” he greeted as he entered the room and sat down “How’s your family?” he asked, the old grey haired man lighting up at the question.

“Great..gonna be a grandpa in about a month.” he stated awe and love in every word Mike smiled, and looked back at the chart.

“Congratulations...your eldest son’s wife?” he asked, the man nodded and Mike smiled and penciled in some things about his state. “So what seems to be the problem?” he asked as the man began to explian about a few things about his health which were concerning him.

“I’ve just been really thirsty and tired and drinking excessive amounts of water.” Mike looked up at him from his chair, and pushed his glasses up then wrote a few words in his file.

“Do you have a history of Diabetes in your family?” he asked, knowing the symptoms all to well. Mr. Belsings looked up as if thinking, trying to search his family tree for any sign of the disease.

“My dad had it and I think my uncle.” he stated playing with his hands Mike took off his glasses moved his chiar over so he could look the man square in the eye,

“Mr. Belsings I think you may have diabetes. It’s best fit for the symptoms... your father was a carrier which means he probably passed it to you and it’s been recessive. Your displaying most of the symptoms. I can take a blood sample and send it to the lab and they will check your glucose levels along with a procedure to see if your pancreas is working correctly..or I can send you to another doctor for a second opinion or both You have three options I will not push you into any of them...I’m here to figure out whats best for you...” He said with utmost genuine sincerity as he wrote out a doctor he did not work with’s number and fished through the drawers for a copy of doctors in the area.

“I think I’ll do both.” the man stated, a little bit of nervousness inside of his voice. Mike smiled, and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Don’t be nervous...some of my family members are diabetic, they live a normal life they just have to watch thier levels and make sure they take thier insuilin....it’s work but it isn’t impossible.” The man smiled and looked at the young man with respect, Mike then took blood from his arm, and then placed a band-aid on the man’s arm. Mike smiled helped the man down from the bench and gave him the papers “you’ll find one of my partners on the first sheet, and a list of those who I have never worked with on the second...your tests will be back in a day or so and I’ll call you with the results...okay?” the man smiled and nodded then asked.

“What part of America are you from?” Mike smiled he hadn’t been asked that in a while.

“Chicago...Illinos.” he said a smile on his lips, the man smiled and then

“Any family over here?” Mike nodded.

“My baby sister...she’s a columnist...Emily Banna.” The man smiled.

“My oldest granduaghter reads that magazine...you tell your sister, Maria Belsings is her biggest fan.” Mike smiled and opened the door for the man as they walked to the lobby.

“I’m sure Em will be thrilled to hear that...have a good day.” He said as he watched the man leave, Mike then turned labeling the vial, walked down the hall and handed it to Leda., he smiled grabbed her hand and whispered, “I’ll pick you up at six.” she smiled and he smiled back then his cell rang... Mike rolled his eyes and picking up the phone not looking at the caller Id.

“Banna.” he stated holding up the one moment finger, Leda smiled and walked over to the desk placing the vial in the proper place then having a messenger take it to the hospital.

“MIKE OH MY GOD!” Emily sounded frantic, Mike panicked...fear coursed through his body as he frantically searched for his keys.
“Em- what’s wrong are you ok?” he stated sounding afraid, Emily was fine she was actually ecstatic, she had great news, she stood up in her office and yelled into her phone.

“OK...MIKE I”M MORE THAN OK.... I’M FUKING AWESOME” Mike took a sigh of relief then got angry she had scared him, then all anger melted away as she yelled. “Mike... I JUST LANDED A FULL PAGE NOT JUST A COLUMN A WHOLE PAGE, AND I JUST GOT BUMPED TO FULL ASSISTANT EDITOR...MIKE ARE YOU COMPREHENDING THIS.” He smiled wide and then got stern...

“Emily, the next time you call me and open a conversation screaming you better be dying or hurt bad...or just being the dumb little sister who just got a huge promotion...you know everything you are... CONGRATS!” he yelled Leda smiled., Emily smiled widely and spun around in her chair celebrating to her self.

“I know! I was amazed I had just got off the phone with you and Alex walked in and told me that Jeff wanted to talk to me... I was scared I had gotten fired or something but no Jeff sat me down and told me that he had made a decision to promote me! That I had proved my self worthy of a whole page...then to top it off, he showed me a mock up of my page...MY PAGE!” she was in a state of joy and ecstacy...

“Hey Em- what you doin for dinner tonight I wanna take you out to celebrate.” he smiled and she did to, and looked at the page mock up on her computer screen.

“I think I can manage a dinner with my big brother. If he can turn off his cell phone for a dinner... shall we say the corner pub between our offices...the normal place...at...” they both thought then in unison they both said,

“Six.” they both laughed and Emily smiled as she looked at her watch, Mike laughed and looked at Leda.

“Mike I gotta go, I love you.” Mike smiled,

“I love you too Em, I’ll see you tonight and again I love you.” Emily smiled and looked at the door.

“Bye...see you at six.”Emily said in the sweet girly voice, which always made him smile.
“It’s a date..bye.” Mike stated as he hung up the phone and placed the phone in the front pocket.

“So you and your sister are close?” Leda asked Mike smiled, and looked at her and crossed his fingers, so there was no space between them.

“Like this.” He joked as he turned and walked down the hallway to his office where upon entering his phone rang “Good I’m popular.” he told his reflection as he hung up the coat leaving him in his brown dress shirt and green tie. He smiled at the name on the phone and then picked up the phone am all too familiar voice entered his head.

“MIKE!...Thank God...Mate I need your help, she’s out there!...” Mike smiled and listened to Richard Hughes his best friend, who sat twenty miles away in the mens bathroom at the court house nervous as hell, Mike chuckled and sat down... “Nothing is funny right now...” Richard replied pacing inside the handicapped stall.

“Rick...where are you?” Mike asked knowing where he was...he just wanted to hear his friend admit it.

“I’m in the men’s lavatory...why?” Richard asked and grimiced as he heard Mike hit his desk.

“God Dammit, Rick get out there play it aloof...act as if she’s nothing more to you than a partner..and then if you win ask her out for a drink after ward if you lose then ask her to go over the appeal papers with you.” Rick stopped pacing,

“I went to Law School you went to Med School so let me handle the legal stuff...”Rick shot making Mike laugh. Mike sat up and played with his hair.

“You may have went to law school but I my friend am not a hopeless romantic stuck on some girl who I have barley said seven words to with out faking a vibrating cell phone.” Rick laughed and looked at himself in the mirrior.

“So just play it casual...no fast advances non of that stuff” he was speaking as if to convince himself give himself a pep talk then it hit him “Mike it won’t work...this isn’t even a conviction trial... so what do I do now genius? What do you have as plan beta?” he aske realizing that all it was, was a opening plea trial.

“Plan beta..god Richard...okay it’s easy... ask her if she would like to grab some coffee and head back to the office to do a little work together on the trial... you know a skull session. But still keep the aloof stuff, and if ,notice the if...if she turns you down don’t appear to crushed, just get back to the lavatory.” Rick laughed and then noticed the poke at him and the he got angry then just laughed again.

“I don’t want to know how you know this information...I mean you got Dan through the proposal to Donna.” Mike laughed, and picked up the latest copy of “London” flippping to the smiling face of his sister.

“Whose my sister Rick?” he asked, as Emily’s blue eyes stared at him her body in a sleek black dress, one foot against a brick wall her glasses on her face, and a pen and notebook in her hand...all around her mail bags.

“True.” Rick said as he thought about the letter he had written. He then took a deep breath and smiled, he was going to do it “Ok here it goes.” he hung up and left the room she was waiting outside the courtroom for him, she looked amazing her platnium blonde hiar falling above her shoulders and her dress fitting her perfectly.

“Wash your hands?” she asked, Rick was lost her vioce amazing...beautiful, perfect.
“What?” he asked she smiled and looked at him

“Did you wash your hands?” he smiled

“Yes I did.” he smiled she smiled

“Good now lets get in there...we have to save a clinet.” she smiled and he followed her in his dark features suiting him in his three piece suit. The hearing went flawlessly and they entered the not guilty plea and then as they were leaving he mustered up the courage.

“Christina... I was wondering if you think we should get some coffee and head back to the office try and work some of this into goo shape before next week.” she smiled a sympathatic smile

“Actually Richard I have a dinner date with an old friend tonight...and I have to get ready for that...but thank you for the offer and I might take you up on that some other time.” he smiled even though inside he was aching... she smiled and walked out of the room his body seemed to want to fall apart right there. He whipped out his phone

“Mike...’ he stated as the doctor answered the phone.

“Rick..I’m sorry.” he stated

“How’d you know?” he asked

“If she had accepted I wouldnt have heared from you until at least tommorow.” he stated there was logic behind that.

“Your right...you’d be the last thing on my mind.” the two men talked until five thirty when mike caught the time and threw off his whit coat still on the phone he raced into his car and flew down the road while Emily was sitting in her car watching for him when her cell rang.

“Emily Banna...” she answered. Alex smiled at her voice
“You sure your not on for dinner to celeabrate today....?” she smiled

“Dinner with Mike.” she replied he smiled and looked at her picture in the magazine.

“Oh, so the big brother fets you all to himself.” she smiled

“First off ew..second of all ew...and third..he and I do this all the time...so ew and good night.” she hung up the phone and he smiled and hung up. She dialed Mike’s number. Mike who was telling Rick to move on..heared his phone beeped and Emily’s picture flashed across the screen. As he parked and saw her car

“Rick, I have to go dinner with Em... she got promoted.” Rick smiled

“Okay well thank you mate..and I’ll see you around.” he hung up and mike climbed out of his car and then answered the phone.
“I’ll be there in three....two............” He walked up to the window of her car and knocked on the window and said “One.” she smiled opened the door and he wraped her in his arms and lifted her off the ground. Then setting her down took in her fashionable looks and peek form. “My good emily... you look amazing, no wonder you got promoted.” she smiled and looked away

“My boss is gay... Mike.” she stated

“But Alex isn’t.” she rolled her eyes

“That wont happen not agian.” she stated as they crossed into the door way the smell of cigar and cigarete smoke and beer filled them as they sat down at a table near the bar as Emily slid off her dolce coat allowing her tight jeans, black jacket with white button top under and a piar of boots she nicked from the fashion department to be reaveld.

“Em... you might want to put the coat back on.” she smiled hit him on the arm and sat down crossing her legs. Under the table. Mike smiled at her and sat down... he ordered her favorite foods for her and looked at her. “Are you happy Em-?” he asked looking her in the eye she smiled and took a drink of her beer.

“I’m the number one read in the U.K. , I am a practical celebrity, my name draws atention...I am living my dream, what else could I want?” she asked then it hit her.

“What about love Em-?” Mike asked

“That’s a slow moving process that needs some tweaks.” she stated setting the bear on the table. “So who you goin out with Saturday?” she asked he looked at her shocked

“How did you?” she smiled

“I know you mike...I can read you plus you wrote it on your palm.” she stated pionting to it.

“Oh!” he stated looking at his palm. “ A nurse.”

‘Ok, thanks for the specifics stop mike I don’t need to know any more.” she mocked

“Leda...RN and cute.” she smiled

“Age.” he looked at her

“25" She eyed him

“Your age?” she asked

“35" she smiled “Hey your almost..” she shot up

“Shut up.” she stated

“Oh are we afriad of turning...”

“SHUT UP!” she stated

“THIRTY Em your going to be thirty...” she moaned and rolled her eyes

“Oh why did you have to remined me of that.” she joked.

“Cause it’s like sex...” she eyed him “It hurts at first then you get used to it.” she smiled

“And the award for worst analogy goes to...Micheal Banna.” she stated clapping her hands. Mike smiled and kicked her under the table she stabed her heal into his shin and he yelped.

“Ok...truse.” he stated, and took a drink. Emily smiled and looked at him “What now?” he asked “What plan is cooking in that mind of yours that I should know...are you going to put peanut butter in my socks agian?” he asked she smiled and luahged


“No, I was just thinking...” he looked at her and leaned forward.

“Well that’s a first.” he stated she scoffed and hit him. “Well it is....tonight.” she smiled

“Do you remeber the time when we went to france, with our current partners...” Mike smiled

“And then there wedding a year later...” Emily let out a laugh. “It’s good that you can take heartbreak so easily.” she smiled

“I don’t, it was just funny thier wedding....the fact that in the limo on the way to the reception, they were fighting...and yelling.” Emily thought about it more and kept laughing

“Remeber thier first dance... ‘Jake I swear if you do that agian...I’ll kill your hopes for tonight.” Emily laughed and thier food came, emily ate very little which made Mike eye her. “Emily, why arent you eating?” she smiled

“I’m not hungry...”

“Em you need to eat...” she gave him a look like back off and he took a drink. Then he bit into his sandwhich.

“Look at you...” she stated wiping his face with a napkin “I can’t take you any where.” he laughed.

“And I cant take you any where...look.” Men and women were staring at them, Emily’s fame was drawing attention. “God, why did I get you for a... LITTLE SISTER.” he riased his voice so they would stop staring a few nodded and went back to thier food others just kept staring. The siblings ate a for a while more than talked for even langer before they both realized that the time was close to eleven. Mike treated with Emily’s word the next check was on her. Mike and Emily said good bye, and climbed into their cars and went home. Emily whose flat was near the river walked into her home tossing her keys and coat down then sliding into an oversized t-shirt and some work out shorts she whipped out her laptop and began to write nothing important just write...what she did to pass the time. Mike came home and slid into bed discarding all clothes save his boxers. Rick however was sitting in his apartment staring at the emty scotch glass in his hands.

“She’s never going to love me, not even if I try... harder. “ he didnt move not until the sun stung his eyes depressopn and rejection did not suit Rick, and he was compleately destroyed yet he got up washed his faced and took enough meds to stop the room from spinning. Then he walked into the court room his head high he would make her go out with him some how.... One problem she had taken the day off and the sub was about five nothing over 300 pounds and bald...Mr. Goslind.

“Ah...Hughes.” he stated as wiped off his hands.

“Mr. Goslind hows your lovley wife?” he asked

“Lovely, as usual...and any developments on your love life.” Rick wanted to kill him

“No, still playing the bacholer..” he stated

“Well Christina wont be working on this case any more.” Rick looked hard at him, his heart was aching. “She’s been scooped up by some other law firm...a higher salary and a better health plan.” Richard sighed at least it wasnt because of him. The hearing went great and Richard was thanking good that it was Friday his cell phone rang as he climbed into his car and began for home. “Hello.” Mike looked in the mirrior as he left the office.

“HEY- Rick.” Mike stated sounding enthused “How’d court go?” Rick looked at the glowing sun.

“She works for another firm...now.” Mike about dropped the phone.

“WHAT!?” he excliamed

“According to Goslind...(disgusting old man) she has jioned another firm.” he stated sounding compleatly professional.

“It’s killing you isn’t it?” mike asked sounding sympathetic.

“More than you know.” Rick sighed pitifully

“You need a vacation.” Mike stated

“Yeah but where to, when she’s in your mind it’s impossible to escape.” Rick eclaimed

“Come with me and Em to our parents old house.” He offered

“Spend how long with you and your...sister.” it had hit him Emily Banna, the advice column he had writien to.

“Yeah Em- wont mind.” he offered agian.

“I’ll think about it.” Rick answered.

“Well get back to me on it...and christiana.” Mike countered.

“So what are you doing tonight?” Rick asked

“Nothing proabably going to watch T.V. go over some records thats about it.” Rick laughed

“The life of a thirty five year old bacholer.” he stated

“Hey your only five years younger...you sond like Em, she’s dreading the big 3-0" he stated Richard laughed.

“I’m embracing it...only about 70 years till I die...” he joked

“Good health to you.” Mike stated
“Mike, I might take you up on that vacation offer.”

“You should Em and I need a mediator, other wise we’d be at eachothers throats the whole month.”

“A MONTH!” Rick stated

“Yeah the first month of Summer Emily and I go out there and just catch up...relive old memories.” Mike stated walking into hi house.

“Well, a month away from this, GOD I’D TAKE A YEAR!” he smiled then looked at his watch “Mike got to go, dinner with a clinet.” Rick hung up and entered to meet his clinet who happened to be none other than Christina.

“Hughes...I knew I could count on you.” she stated giving him a smile

“What is your case?” he asked sitting down.

“I need your help.” she stated

“With what?” he asked praying it was a play to get him into bed.

“I need to get my ex-boyfriend jelous...win him back.” she smiled a pleading look “And well you’re the only attractive man I know who I could count on.” she smiled at him and he wanted to scream.

“I don’t know, what’s in it for me.” she looked at him
“It will only be tonight, right now as a matter of fact you just have to act like we are on a date and when he comes in here he’ll be outraged and I’ll fake dump you and my life will be back on track.” he smiled and nodded

“So, Christiana...” he began as her eyes ventured to the door, how he wished it was him she was fighting for insted it was some jerk who had tossed her aside..or so he thought.

“Richard, your hilariuos.” she stated laughing he looked at her with a how pathetic look and then began to tell her about his brother and him, then after about a half hour of her faking being impressed the boyfriend walked over and asked to talk, “ I can’t unless you don’t mind Richard.” she had stabbed him through the heart.


“No it’s no problem I actually have to be going.” he stood up left some money on the table and left beating himself up inside. “How could I be such idiot...I let her hurt me...why do I do this to my self why do I let her control me... I need that vacation.” he picked up the phone dialed mike and accepted the invation all while Emily was fighting off a man she was not interested in.
“Get off.” she stated as he pressed her into the wall one hand on her stomach

“You going to pretend you don’t love me?” he asked she smiled he was an idiot, she placed a foot on the wall and luered him to almost kiss her and then kneed him between the legs sending him to the floor.

“I think that answers that question.” she walked away leaving the bar and climbing into her car. “ I need a vaction.” she then called mike’s house and left a messege since he was out.
“Hey, mike it’s Me...just wanted to say that I’m on for the vaction, I cant wiat a whole month just you and me...god it’s going to be amazing.” Mike learched for the phone as Leada who had bump their date up was attempting to leave.

“Please Lee...she’s my sister...EM!” she smiled

“Bad time?” she asked

“Can I speak with her?” LEda asked

“Um Em- I have someone who wants to talk to you.” she rolled her eyes

“Fine.” she heard the phone move and a female voice came on

“Who are you?” she asked

“Emily Banna.” she answered

“How are you related to Mike.” she smiled and thought of when mike had pretened to be her boyfriend to piss her off for not coming to her game but then thought that would be to mean

“I’m his baby sister.” she stated the phone switched hands
“Nice messege Em” he stated

“Sorry, didn’t expect you’d be trying to get into a nurses scrubs on a Friday night.” he cringed

“That’s not what I was doing...we were talking and then you called and...”


MIKE Spare me...ok I’m just gonna talk to you tommorow, at work , your work.” she smiled and hung.

“I’m so sorry...” she looked at him

“So where are you going her and you.”

To my parents house well used to be, my dad moved back to chicago, after my mom died. Now it’s just me and Em,” he smiled as she came close and Dr. Banna did just what Emily had expected he would do that night ‘got into her scrubs.’ the next morning it was akward between them as they rode to work together and when mike walked into his office his sister was sitting on the desk “Em- if you had been anyone else I would’ve killed you...down.”

“Yes father.” she stated climbing down.”

“Don’t you have to work?” She smiled

“Un like you I can chose my hours....and even work from home if I wanted to.” she stated sitting in a chiar.

“So we’re on?” he asked

“Yep..” she smiled

“Okay but my friend might be coming.” she smiled

“Whatever, I’m barley getting out of bed.” she stated

“Em- I have to ....” she hugged him good bye and walked out of her brothers office and into her car speading to her office she broke through the whit doors, her entrence met with a million workers looking at her in awe...she hated it, she loved what she was doing but this being stared at thing...not her she played it like it was but was it um no. she hurried to her office and sat down, she had no reason to be there she had turned in her copy of ‘the book.’ and she just needed to think of a title for the page....she thought and thought and thought nothing reaching her mind. Until

“Emily Banna: How an American would Handle it.” her original title somthing to change about it she thought, forget my name... then she thought
“How an American would handle it. Perfect. Huge change, not.” she whispered to her self as she moved some things on her computer then opened the internet and bloged until the day was done. “Happy Saturday.” she thought as she called her brother.


Her brother was sitting across town amidist his friends talking about how to help Rick out of the slump, Mike convinced him to say he was going to the house and that it would do him good and then as Rick was talking to him his phone rang...

“Mike, I don’t know what to bring....” (Ring) “Mike that’s you.” he pionted to the phone on the table.

“Oh, it’s Em... hold on...Dr. Banna.”

“Mike you know its me, I’m the only person who calls you nobody else likes you this much. now stop showing off. one night when you call and there’s a man in my bed I might just say.... Emily Banna who just had sex with a man and is no longer Emmy Banna.” the woman laughed as her brothers smile faded

“That’s not funny Em-“ she looked at the building next to her and paused to see a pair of amazing pumps

“No it’s not I know, so Im just checking in and OH” she yelped which made her brothers face flank fear

“Em- you alright?” he asked deep with concern in his voice

“Yeah, Cute shoes. No amazing shoes” she said as she pushed her sunglasses through her blonde hair.

“Emily Marie Banna.... shoes are not a reason to yelp as if your in pain.” Richard let out a laugh and the beer he had just drank spilled from his mouth

“Shoes?” Rick asked Mike who gave him a death stare. Richard put his hands in the air then drank from his bottle

“Dr. Mike, we still on for the lake house?” she asked the man paused and looked at Richard and mouthed ‘you coming?’ Richard looked at him and looked up then nodded not before Emily could yell into the phone in a fake New York accent

“Yo! Mikey you there.” she laughed as a man stared at her “You looking at me?” she said the man hurried off she laughed

“Em- we’re from Chicago, not Brooklyn.” she stopped

“Um smarty pants New York. We still on? She asked

“Yeah we’re on, and Richard’s coming to.” he laughed as Richard looked up at him like you told her you ass.
“Ok then Im not binging any work. Jeff’s gonna kill me but if we’re having company then no laptop.” she walked into her office building as her brother began to ask why at eleven o’clock she was going to work “I’m getting previously mentioned laptop to get the next two months worth of articles submitted so that I can go on this month vacation mike. I need to get away from this town for a while.” Mike looked at Richard

“You think, that you can handle a month with the Banna’s” Richard laughed, when mike stated.

“I need this after being rejected most of my adult life, I need to break free .” He downed another beer and slamed it on the table

“Sounds like a great guy!” Emily stated from her side of the phone, “hey mike im in my office I got to go. Love you see you in two weeks.” Mike looked at Richard

“Love you too Emmy see-“ he was cut off
“Im not Emmy!” she said

“Em- I’ll see you in a week.” he closed his phone and then looked at Richard
“You’ll love the lake house, we have a tone of space and a great view of the lake and a boat we go out every now and again.” Richard smiled and drank down one more until he woke up in Mike’s apartment on the couch his suit bunched up around him

“Where am I?” he asked rubbing his head

“On my couch.” Mike stated while helping him to his feet, “you passed out in the car and I wasn’t searching for your keys.” Richard got up

“This comming from a medical profesoional.” Rick joked then hicuped and stumbled. Mike held him up and led him to the door.

“Go home...get some sleep, and I’ll see you next week, I’ll call you, and I’ll take you out there.” he smiled and held up his keys. Then scaled the stairs caught a taxi cab and was driven to his apartment where he walked in and threw off his suit coat and walked into his bed room as his house phone rang. He picked it up and his mother’s vioce rang in his ears


“Richard! Your on the Tele.” Rick got up turned on the televison and laughed as he talked to himself through the screen. He watched as he explained his case and then after his mother hung up after cursing Christina. He was proud of him self for the way he had displayed his schooling. He joked with himself

“Whose a good lawyer? Um I am !” he said getting in the shower washing himself off from the previous days activities. He called the office and had all of the rest of the months as well as the next months files e-mailed to his laptop. Then it came, “London.” he whispered as he opened the cover and saw his letter had been the one that had been answered. “God, I have to face her next week, what do you say to her when you know her advice wont work... you don’t say anything you let it be and pretend as if you are not Fallen Hard.” he decided. At that moment he vowed to try and forget Christiana she’s not going to come around to his side, she was on Patrick’s and never crossing over. While he was having his little fight with himself Emily was fighting off Jeff asking her why she had gotten all flimsy.

“Jeff you trust me don’t you?” she asked him.“‘Fallen hard’ had to receive two answers, he needed to know all his options, Jeff let me do my job and you just tell me when they complian.”

“Don’t get snippy.” Jeff stated
“Then how come this issue is our top seller this year, the new lay out and new article hooked a million readers, and fans....” she stated as she typed a few words and her E-mial acount came up and 1,000 fan letters had poured in.

“Well Miss Banna I guess you are saved by the numbers once agian.” Jeff juged her and sent her on her way. Alex stopped her in the hall

“Emily,” I here you’re leaving for a month?” he asked sounding shocked

“Yes, my brother his friend and I are all going out of town for vacation.Why?” she shot back at him

“No reason just wondering if you need me to drop off the copies?” he smiled and looked her in the eye.

“No, the office messenger does that.” she retorted.

“Oh, well then a friendly cup of coffee.” she shook her head

“Alex...I can’t and I wont.” she walked away and he sighed

“One day Banna you’ll lie in my bed.” he made his goal the sick jerk. Emily however did not care if tried she could resist it and she would, his advances grew stronger as the week moved on, Leda and Mike became enimies after she was found screwing another doctor in the suply closet though they had nothing exclusive it still hurt...while Richard had to spend the whole week with Goslind.

“Hughes...where are you off to in such a hurry?” he asked on Friday Richard’s mind screamed ‘you old fart it’s not your consern.” he spund

“Going on vaction...be back in a month, have to get home and go.” he practically ran out and climbed in his car, bolting home and grabbing his suitcases and drove over to Mike’s house.

“RICAHRD!” Mike yelled from his open door. “Ten minutes and we’re gone to paradise.” he stated whiping out his phone Ricahrd smiling at him, “now just to make sure that Emily the queen of being late is on time.” The phone rang twice and Emily lunged for it seeing it opened it up and pay back.

“Emily Banna, amazing sex goddess.” she stated

“NOT FUNNY EM-“ Mike said as he shut the trunk on his car “you on your way yet?” she smiled as Jeff entered.

“Yeah getting my work stuff together and then I’ll be on my way.” she looked at her boss then down at her desk

“I love you Em- something bout this trip feels special, you know.” he stated

“Love you too big brother, see you in a few.” She hung up the phone and looked at her disappointed boss

“Your leaving for a month, and you wont call or email me, My little writer is leaving us aren’t you?” Jeff covered his mouth in mock cry

“No I just need this time off we’re going to the lake house. my brother his friend and I that’s all I’ll be back in a month I’ll take my computer and I’ll write when I’m bored so often.” she hugged him and walked out of the white office and down into her Porsche which was a gift for her 5 year aniversery of being a top read. She got in called her brother who was at Ricks house, and he put the phone on speaker and she screamed

“FREE AT LAST FREE AT LAST! THANK GOD ALMIGHTY FREE AT LAST!” Richard laughed and she stopped “I’m on speaker aren’t I.” she said as Mike luaghed and said

“yes say high to Rick, Em-“ Richard looked at Mike

“Hello Rick whats going on?” She luaghed as she turned a corner on the highway

“Hello Emily, nothing much we’ll see you in a about a half hour right.” he replied

“Yes you I will, so Michael Im almost there, and Im wondering do I need to shop, for food considering Im four miles away from a store.” Mike looked at Rick as they got in the car

“Em- if I trust you with the shopping, can I be guaranteed there will be no wheatgrass or, health food, I want fried food, chips and such we’re on vacation not a dietary weekend.AND YOU HAVE TO EAT!” Emily’s amazing laugh filled the car and enticed Richard who was still quiet, she sounded beautiful though he had only seen her in pictures and one cannot tell be a photograph.

“Ok Mike, you got it if there Fritos there yours. And I do eat... I just cant eat fifty pounds of food like you.” she looked at the store as she walked in. “Im here Hey Rick you want anything special?” she asked and Rick jumped she had addressed him as if she was in the car with them.

“Um... anything with that powder cheese that sticks to your fingers haven’t had that in ages.” she laughed

“Cheese puffs, cheatoos and anything else check. Ok talk to you boys later.” she hung up the phone and continued shopping as she finished Mike and Rick pulled into the driveway of the most amazing beach house on a privet lake. The massive home stood above them both with amazing features like a huge deck which jumped out into a dock and upon entering a huge, living room with a giant television and seating area which lead to a kitchen which had sitars which led to the five amazing bedrooms which each had their own bathrooms. Rick stared in shock as he looked around

“This is a summer house?” he asked

“No it was once a family home when our mom was alive, and Dad lived here, but we moved out after her death, and him moving away. We keep it for vacations like this...” they heard Emily pull in “Let’s go help Em-“ as they walked to meet her she had a bag in front of her face so Rick couldn’t see her but her brother saw her car

“Emily Marie, you dirivin this now?” he asked pointing to the Porsche S.U.V that sat in the drive way.

“Yes, a gift from Jeff.” Rick looked at her

“Boyfriend?’ Rick asked Mike took her bag revealing her beautiful face her blondish hair falling about her face her blue eyes staring at him, and they stood there for a moment looking at each other.

“No, my gay editor.” she stated as she extended a hand “Emily Banna.” she stated as he
took her hand

“Richard Hughes... nice to meet you, Miss Banna.” she smiled

“Call me Em- Emily anything but...”

“Emmy!” Mike said as he came at her with an old squirt gun and sprayed her in the back she screamed as the ice cold water hit her,

“MIKE!” she turned around and grabbed the gun wrenching it from his hands he let it go and she sprayed him, but he ran and she looked at Rick

“Eight years of Med school and he still as immature as a five year old.” the cold pain hit her again as she turned to see him with a bigger gun, she yelled and ran after him, as he squirted her, she shot him Rick spied a third gun and ran after them no way he was missing out on this, they chased each other like children for close to ten minutes and then both men had Emily on the dock by the boat
“Your cornered Em- you have no way out of this one.” she looked down the boat was next to her on the left and the Jet-ski to her right then a clear shot to the water she smiled and Mike knew what she was thinking “Em- no Im not chasing you.” she bent her legs then flipped back into the boat grabbed a the key to the Jet-Ski then hoped on a Jet-Ski as they hit her with water, she pushed the device out of the dock and then into the open water turned it on and sprayed the wake on her brother and Richard then zoomed off

“She won.” Rick stated as he watched her U-turn he looked to his left

“Rick get on the dock.” Mike stated fear in his eyes
“What.” Rick asked

“DOWN” as Mike pulled Rick down Emily jumped the dock with the Jet Ski and revved the engine three times as she pulled around and put the Jet ski back to the dock.

“I win, you lose.” she said throwing Mike the keys he caught them Rick looked at him

“That is not the advice columnist.” he stated in shock,

“NO IT’S NOT, AND IT’S NOT....” she was cut off

“EMMY!” she flipped him off as he smiled “No its my baby-sister.” he looked at his friend “No ideas, ok she’s been hurt too many times.” Rick luaghed

“Ok Mike never seen you like that.” he said taking Mikes hand as mike helped him up

“Like what?”mike asked

“Protective brother.” mike looked at Rick

“If you only knew,” he laughed as they entered Emily was letting her wet close cling to her as she laid on the couch an all together sexy appearance to Rick as he shook off the thought of her in that wet white top she stood up and answered her phone

“NO!” she hung it up “im not working.” she walked to her room and returned a half hour later after both men had changed she began to make dinner as Rick and Mike watched a futebol game,

“Whoa Em- you cooking?” Mike asked

“Smells wonderful.” Rick added

“Yeah Im cooking, and thanks nothing more than a pasta dish. It’s ready wanna eat on the deck it’s a nice night.” the men rose and grabbed plates and dishes as Emily brought food out to the glass table as she lit the candles, Rick watched her and Mike banter back and forth

“Are all American siblings like this?” he asked as they were hitting each other on the arm each vying for the last blow.

“No.” mike stated

“Every brother and sister are like this, brothers get along with brothers and sisters sometimes get along with sisters.” Emily stated hitting her brother and he grabbed her arm then hit hers “Fine you win.” Emily ended the fight and her blonde hair caught in the wind as the night air grew cold she rubbed her bare arms, the conversation was amazing, they had discussions about American politics, and world events. Old stories about vacations or just times at home. As the nigh grew darker Rick saw that Emily seemed to be shivering, then Rick removed his coat and handed it to Emily

“You look frozen here.” he said she smiled which made him smile back.

“Thank you.” she placed the warm sweatshirt around her and zipped it up Mike eyed him and Rick took a quick bite of his food.

“Great dinner Em-“ Mike uttered as he finished she smiled and took a sip of her wine,
“it still makes me worried when you drink Em-“ she laughed

“Ok mike, you get drunk once and you call your big brother and for the rest of your life you cant drink.” She smiled as Rick looked at Mike

“You are a very protective big brother aren’t you.” he laughed

“Hey, I had to be she was a wild child.” Emily laughed and sipped her wine and pulled her legs in close letting the aroma of Ricks cologne fill her head it smelled wonderful and she found her self looking out at the lake,

“I think the jump showed that.” she stated as she stood up and walked back into the house placing the dishes in the sink.

“Yes, I beliave that it did, Em-“ Mike stated as he put his dishes in the sink as well. Emily looked at him

“You know, I was too wild as a child. A recluse, untamable, then I guess I just grew up.” she smiled as her brother laughed and looked at her

“Em- your not grown up... you haven’t grown up at all!” he said drinking his wine

“And You have, squirt gun boy.” she luaghed as he chocked on the wine,
“That was a momentary revert to childlike behavior.” he explained as he put his wine glass into the dish washer. Emily laughed and bid the guys goodnight hugged them both then went upstair and climbed into her bed forgetting she was wearing Ricks shirt she woke up in the middle of the night and now the shirt smelled like her so she slid it off and tip toed into Ricks room then she laid the shirt down next to him as he slept she looked at him, ‘I cant fall for him, ‘ she told her self, as she left. Rick rolled over and caught the scent of her body on the shirt next to him, he smiled and looked to see only his shirt,

“I cant fall for her.” he stated as he moved the shirt under his pillow, he fell back asleep as did Emily both of them denying the attraction, then as morning crept over the hills, Mike didn’t stir but Rick did at the sound of a coffee machine went off and he scaled the stairs to see Emily in a pair of shorts and a small t-shirt.

“Morning Em-.” he said quietly she snapped out of her trance and looked back at him
“Morning Rick sleep well?” she asked. He looked at her his eyes ventured her whole body she had been in his room last night he thought

“Yeah fine,” he said cutting off his thoughts. “You?”

“Fine, you get your shirt?”

“Yeah, when did you come in?”

“I have no idea. I was writing and then I realized that I was still wearing it.” she lied

“So, you were writing for your job?” he asked

“Yeah, though I have trouble when I’m out here it is so hard to work.” she stated

“I agree, I opend my computer last night and I could’nt even look at my mailbox.”

“So what kind of law are you in?” she asked as she moved over to the island near him.

“Well im a licensed Defense lawyer, but I’ve been working in Criminal prosecution.” she smiled,

“Meaning, that you are person who defends people, but lately, you’ve been putting them away.” she laughed

“In a manner yes.” he luahged back there eyes met as they stopped laughing, they held the gaze for a minute and them broke it. “So your, a writer for ‘London’ right.” she smiled

“Yeah, I am. Im an advice columnist ‘Ask Emily: How an American would Handle it.’ I actually came to be a front story writer. I worked for the Times, then Jeff asked me to come here, he had just lost his last columnist to the Elle so he needed a new one and I got the job and made the hardest position a hit read.” she sipped her coffee and laughed “Yeah I sound stuck up....I’m not like that.” he looked at her

“I can tell, no I read your column your amazing you can manipulate the English language to your advantage.” he stated she smiled and he felt his face get warm as he drank his coffee Mike came running down the stairs and yelled

“Emergency! patient needs me, be back soon.” then he was gone, Emily laughed


“Then I guess we’re all alone, so what do you want to do today, we can go out on the boat, stay in, watch T.V., there’s a sauna downstairs.... and I just totally sounded like I was coming onto you, sorry.” she stood up and began to walk away,

“The boat...” she stopped as he said this

“What?” she asked

“The boat sounds nice, fun, only been out once on a boat and I was young.” she felt her heart race as he looked at him

“Okay, the boat it is, I’ll get ready, and then we can go out okay.” she smiled poured out the coffee and went upstairs got dressed and as she was pulling her shirt over her head to get it on right she hears Rick climb the stairs and enter his room she finished and closed all her doors and dressed she grabbed a bag off the closet shelf and filled it with a picnic for two she was taking him to her spot and she wanted it to be perfect. She knocked on his door and he answered shirtless she looked at him,

“Im heading down, meet me down on the boat, okay.” he looked at her and then she looked back she smiled and left. She climbed into the boat as he was coming out he was nervous she knew what she was doing he didn’t know anything she smiled at him her hair blowing across her face as he approached a jacket over his arm and he pushed his sunglasses to the top of his head, he hesitated to just climb in

“Oh it’s still tied off, cant get hurt. It’s a big house boat you wont fall in.” she luaghed

“ You don’t know me... I am the worlds largest klutz.” he stated she stuck out a hand he took it and a shock wave hit him as he hit the boat floor.

“Not so bad, right?” she joked as she let go of his hands “sit down, if you don’t have sea legs then you wont be able to stand during a luanch.” he sat down on a white cushion as she turned on the engine untied the ropes and pushed the boat off with her leg. He watched her do this, and was amazed,
“You can do this all by your self?” he asked

“Yeah, my dad taught me everything. Hold on, “ she grabbed the wheel and the accelerator and threw the boat forward into a full on tear through the water, she smiled as she looked back at him his black hair blowing in the wind,

“You don’t look like a sailor.” she yelled

“And neither do you!” he shouted back

“You wanna learn?” she asked he smiled and walked over

“SURE!” He yelled as the boat slowed down

“Okay, you need to put your hand here and don’t push past cruse, your not trying to get out of a wake zone so you wont go full and your not anchoring so you wont go slow. “ She guided him standing close as he drove the boat he came upon a clear spot in the water.
“Stop, here’s good.” she said placing a hand on his back “You’re a natural.” she stated

“No just a fast learner. With an excellent tutor.” he laughed as he watched her throw the anchors over the side of the boat. She passed by him as she went down stairs and came back with the picnic

“Lunch?” she asked as he helped her open the wine,

“Sounds good.” he stated as he poured the wine and began to eat out of his tupperware container. They talked for hours and they drank until this boat ride took longer than they both thought it would. he helped her bring things back down stairs she turned and hit his chest she put her arms out as he set the wine glasses down, he steaded her she wrapped her arms around him and he pulled her in close, they were inches away from each other, they both began to close the gap between them, then as Emily closed her eyes the roar of a Jet-ski and the call of a voice

“EMILY! RICHARD! YOU TWO IN THERE!” Mike called, Emily pulled back and Richard let go of her slowly removing his strong arms and she smiled but she wanted to just grab him and kiss him, she slid the cork in the bottle and began up the sitars to the deck

“Yeah we’re here!” she yelled, her voice rang in the galley of the boat. Richard sighed and ran a hand trough his hair and put the tupperware back in the bag. He smiled as he saw his sweat shirt on the couch by the window he scooped it up it stilled smelled like both of them, he climbed the stairs and slid the coat over Emily’s shoulders, she smiled and placed a hand on it then slid her arms through the sleeves and zipped it up

“EMILY! REMEMBER A JACKET OKAY! RICKS GONNA BE FROZEN, IF HE HAS TO KEEP GIVING IT YOU.” Rick luahged, and yelled
“NO PROBLEM MIKE, REALLY IM FINE I DON’T GET COLD EASILY, AND SHE OBVIOUSLY DOES...”

“TURN OFF YOUR MOTOR YOUR NOT GOING ANYWHERE!’ Emily yelled interrupting Rick, “sorry, it’s just getting annoying.” she said “thank you, I do get cold easy.” she smiled at him and he smiled back making her turn red, like a school girl. She heard her brother turn off his jetski and she threw him a rope. A few minutes later Emily and Mike had tied the jetski to the boat so mike could climb aborad.

“So any food left. I didn’t eat, was in surgery.” Emily disappeared down to the galley and then returned with some food,

“Your not a surgeon... how we’re you in surgery?” she asked, amid the shovels of food he said
“Had to watch, Mrs. Person never lets anybody do anything with out one of her doctors being there... and this time.”
“The sloppy food hog of my brother got chosen.” Emily said handing him a napkin he accepted it wiped off his face and Emily took the empty container and mike ventured back onto his jetski and speed off leaving a wake. “You’re the worst show off in the history of them.” she luaghed and then began to prepare the boat for launch again

“You on the other hand, are quite good at it.” Rick laughed as he felt a cold ice cube go down his back he yelped and tried to shake out the cold but he failed and slipped over the edge of the boat and hit the water, his foot caught in the anchor rope and held him down as he began to panic, he heard a crash as Emily’s sleek form entered the water she had a knife in her mouth, she swam over to him her, eyes watched him as he watched her, she cut through the rope and as it released his foot she wrapped her arms around him and pushed him up as she swam deeper grabbed the anchor and swam up as Rick was climbing abord she chucked the anchor into the deck and fell down next to him on the deck

“I’m so sorry, I never ment for it to go like that I was just being a flirt and then you almost died. She got up her foot slipped on the cord and she landed on top of him and he caught her arms,

“Steady, does it.” he said as they both got up he sat down on the couch and looked at his foot it had a red line where the rope had been, she felt bad he could tell she was doing anything, to help him she began to put a bag of ice on his ankle he grabbed her hand and she looked up “Its okay don’t worry I’m fine.” she smiled and left him alone with the ice, and turned the boat around and they speed off back to the house.

“Home... at last.’ she stated as she jumped off and tied of the boat and then began to help him off Mike came out of the house

“What happened to you two, Em-what you do?” Mike lugahed as Rick smiled

“She pushed me in, I caught me foot in a rope and then she saved me.” He looked at her she wasn’t wearing his jackett she had taken it off and was now placing it back over her shoulders Mike luaghed when he thought of Emily pushing Rick in,

“You know Em- your kinda intimidating when you try.” she threw the bag into his arms and he caught it

“I didn’t push him, I put ice down his back when he called me a show off and he fell in caught himself in the anchor tie and I had to cut him loose. That’s what happened. And you my darling brother need to put that away, I gentlemen am taking a shower...” she jumped off the boat and walked into the house grabbing the copy of ‘London’ off the table, then scaled the sitars and walked in to her bath room, took off her wet clothes turned on the radio to a relaxing station climbed into the hot shower and began to listen the music and then she washed her hair and then climbed out and wrapped a towel around her torso, and began to get dressed in a pair of small white shorts and a black tank top, she rolled her wet hair into one of those fashionable buns on the back of her head and then walked into the hallway, to hear the to men laughing and the sound of beer bottles clanking. When she entered the kitchen looking very attractive Mike stood up

“Go change... Emily!” she luaghed and grabbed a drink
“I’m wearing pajamas that’s all, Michael not a push up bra and black underwear... chill I’ve seen you in worse.” Mike laughed.

“Like what?” Rick asked as he put down his drink as Emily placed hers to her mouth he wanted to hear this, Mike never did anything embarrassing, around them. Emily brought the drink down and set it on the table placed her hands on the table and said

“Two years ago valentines day, Joanne, black velvet...” Mike stood up

“You swore to forget that and never bring it up or tell anybody.” she looked at rick and back at her brother she turned in her chair so she was looking at Rick and only Rick,

“Two years ago I went to his flat and he was dating this girl Joanne, basket case loved shoes more than I do... any way he thought I was her and he answered the do....” Mike placed a hand over her mouth and smiled

“Rick, she’s a liar she has no idea....OW! You bit me.” Emily luaghed as he went for the dissenfectent “I’m gonna get rabies from you.” he yelled

“He answered the door... and what?” Rick asked the woman looking back at him a flare of mischief flying through her face

“He came to the door, I had a gift for him, I think it was chocolate or somthing I saw that made me think of him... anyway, he opened the door slowly and he was standing there in black velvet Speedo like underwear, and a red silk robe. The thought still makes me squeamish. “ she looked over at her brother who was standing his head hung“Oh mike, don’t worry, Rick wont tell anybody... will you?” Emily shot at him Rick stood up and walked over to his friend

“No, I wont ... between the three of us.” he said as he clasped a hand on his shoulder “unless you get on my bad side then the whole lot of our mates are gonna know.” he luahged and grabbed two more beers and handed one to Emily offered one to Mike who declined,

“Im gonna go wollow in self pity while you two do what ever it is you can to make me feel worse, Em-I could tell him about Dan....” he smiled and looked at Rick whose smile faded

“NO!” she said as she chucked the bottle cap at his head it him in the temple
“Now I’m gonna get a headache. THAT”S IT!” he grabbed her and threw her over his shoulder she screamed as he did this and Rick laughed Mike walked over to Rick

“Dan our mate Dan?” Rick asked

“No a different Dan an American Dan...” she said as he tightened his grip her waist stuck in his arm.

“I came home from baseball camp a little early, when we lived in Chicago and this one had, Dan in her room while she was how old were you?” he asked as she stoped struggling

“16.” she said as she moved her foot towards a bottle.

“And you were doing what now?’ he asked

“Taking Dad’s beer and sneaking it up to my room where my boyfriend of four months was waiting, then my brother came in I was in what I earlier described and had three bottles of beer in my hand 1 back up...” she secured the bottle nose between her big toe and the second raised her leg to her arm and grabbed

“Nice moves Em-“ Mike said, she wrapped her leg around his neck

“Put me down!” she said

“Finish the story.” Mike stated “Then down you go.”
“Okay, mike grabbed the idiot by the collar, yelled at him for about twenty minutes while I got dressed, then the next day, mom and dad told us we were moving to London and now we’re here. DOWN NOW.” she explained and yelled. Rick laughed

“So how far apart are you two?” Rick asked

“5years 10 months and 12 days.” Emily stated,

“So I’m the oldest and she’s the youngest.” Emily took a drink of the beer as her brother carried her over to Rick “Here have an Emily.” he sat her down on the counter next to Rick she smiled and felt her rib cage,
“Ow, that hurt.” she said rubbing her stomach, she looked at Rick and mouthed ‘he’s an ass.’ Rick laughed then she jumped as Mike lifted her shirt and his cold hands hit her stomach and searched for broken bones or bruising. “Personal space Dr. Banna. “ she said pushing him away with her foot “You need to back off, okay I know Im fine. Okay.” she laid down on the counter and held the beer in her hand

“As a medical professional I find that you are fine, and only some minor muscle tension.” he hit her stomach which made her legs roll up to her chest. She sat up got of the counter thanked Rick for the beer kissed her brother, hugged rick and went off to bed that night she pulled out her laptop and wrote her first personal column

‘Dear Readers,

You always ask me for help now Im turning the tables on you. I want to know how you would deal with this, Im falling for somebody... I can feel it. And Im getting more involved then I have ever. I’ve never had a boyfriend for longer than a year. But every time im with this guy, though I’ve only known him for two days, I feel different happier than ever. Im at the house my parents bought when we moved here to England. I woke up this morning after falling asleep in his shirt, (nothing funny... I was cold and he gave me his sweatshirt. ) I fell asleep but woke up way to early and I watched an American film called “You’ve Got Mail.” The first chick flick I’ve seen since we moved here. Anyway, watching it made me want to fall in love. The last romance I had was three years ago and his name was Derek and my old best friend and him are now married with two children and Im here writing to you, asking you if I should try and make this work? He seems to be amazing and in the time I’ve known him, I almost feel as if we didn’t just meet as if we’ve known each other for ages as if the world brought us here. But that’s what I always do I get to involved come into a relationship thinking that I will marry the guy. As I sit here in my old bed and think these thoughts I’m not focusing on what I’m writing, I’m thinking about what he’s doing in the next room. Is he sleeping, is he lying awake listening to the sound of my keyboard as I write about him. Or is he just unable to sleep and is going to get up and pass by my room and I can offer him his shirt back though keeping it makes me feel special. The smell of his colonage filling my head, giving me the simulation that I’m lying right next to him. I sound crazy I’ve only known this man for two days. TWO DAYS I met him yesterday morning, after taking a month off work, to go spend it like my brother and I always do the first month of summer. And I talked to him and asked him if he wanted cheatoos . I need to go to bed and think this over, can you fall in love with someone you just met, not love at first sight, but romance after a short meeting. It’s like in a movie where a person meets somebody and then two days later they are almost inseparable. My friends out there, all of you who read this magizine... please help me! I need to understand this emotion, part of me thinks that he feels the same way the way his eyes look at me and the other part of me dosent want to get hurt agian, after the finding of Derek in our bed with Elaine, i’ve been protective of my heart and so has my brother. My amazing big brother who after my mothers death and my fathers flight to Chicago in fear of lonliness took the role of dad. I have a photograph of me and my dad I look at it when I need advice and right now I need a picture of my mom. But I don’t have one. I have somthing better to get advice I have you... my faithfull readers who will see this before I do or he does. My friends I’ve just rambeld on and made no sense in parts of this lettter to you, but all that means is that I need your help. Send your letters to the office or my e-mail, thank you

Sinceraly,
Emily Banna a.k.a the Lost American’
She sent off the letter and then closed her laptop let her head hit the pillow and woke up four hours later to the smell of Coffee. She moved her laptop off her lap and rose from the bed her hair was a mess she untied the elastic band then pulled back her hair agian. She placed a sweatshirt which bore ‘oxford university’ she walked down the stairs and yawned as she grabbed a mug she looked down at the counter and she saw a note from Mike

‘Have an urgent matter with work. Be back in two weeks at the most. Ricks still there he’ll watch over you, so sorry to do this to you Em- have a cup o’ joe and talk to you later. See you in a while, take care of Rick for me we have two more weeks after I get back ok I’m sorry again. We will do this again I promise! Xoxo
Mike’

She laughed and poured her self a cup of coffee and sat on the couch and turned on the T.V. and watched the news the sad depressing news. She heard Rick get up and climbed the stairs she set her coffee down on the table and laid down her heart beat fast as he came into view she turned her face to the television and placed a hand on her stomach. He came into the room his heart beating just as fast he appeared over her head ans she looked up she smiled

“Sleep well?” he asked motioning to her, she moved her body a little bit so that he could sit down

“Yeah you?” she asked

“Kinda kept hearing a keyboard all night though...” he looked at her “you can lay down if you want I wont try anything, here...” he placed a pillow on his thigh which only had a pair of basketball shorts on it she smiled and placed her head on the pillow and sighed

“So I kept you up. “ she stated looking up at him “Sorry, work.” she stated he placed a hand on her shoulder

“Don’t worry, I wasn’t tired anyway I was up with your brother, who had to leave. You get his note?” she nearly jumped at his touch,
“Yeah, just you and me for two weeks, so like Mike.” she laughed as she reached for the remote and he didn’t move as she changed the channel until she stopped on an old movie, and it was just starting, Rick moved his leg a little bit and Emily rolled over so his arm was practically around her and he didn’t move and she didn’t want him to. Halfway through the movie they heard a dog barking outside and Emily sat up

“What the?” she said as she got up and went to the glass doors, outside she saw an old black lab soaking wet from the lake, she opened the door and called the dog over. “Here... come here.....” she whistled and the dog came running over she scratched it’s ears

“If you love it like that it’s never gonna leave.” he said as she looked back at him

“Who says I want it to leave?” she asked as it licked her face, “oh, your cute, lets get you dried off.” she walked by him the dog following her, rick rolled his eyes as he came inside

“What will Mike say?” he asked she stopped and looked at him

“Do I care?” she asked jokingly the dog barked and jumped in the air. “You need a name...” she looked at the dog and then at Rick, Rick began to mock think and then he stopped and said

“Max”?” he kinda asked yet stated, Emily lifted the back leg of the animal

“He was.” she joked “Max...” the dog perked it’s ears. “Max it is.” she grabbed a towel from the cubbord and began to dry the dog off, after an hour of this the mutt was dry and Max joined them on the couch his head on Emily’s lap while, Emily and Rick talked about meaning less things.

“Do you have any siblings.” she asked scratching the dogs ears the dog’s tail thomped on the couch as she did this

“Two brothers, Joe and Ben. Joe’s the oldest at 40 I’m the middle at 30 and Ben’s the youngest at 20 in two months.” he stated as he changed the channel

“You guys c close?’ she asked as the dog got up and moved down to where Rick was and began to lick his hand, Rick began to pet the dog and looked at Emily who was fixing her hair back into a bun.

“Kinda, Joe and I used to be thick as thieve. Ben was the odball but Joe and I still see eachother and such, Ben lives at home and can’t go out past ten and that’s just great to use agianst him. Joe and I kinda grew apart slightly when I went to law school, he got married, I have two nieces now. The most adorable little girls. They spend a weekend with me in London while Joe and his wife Anne go out of town. Happiest weekends of my life.” he smiled

“Aw, Uncle Rick or Richard?” she asked luaghing at the thought of this man being a family man

“Richard...” his eyes looked over at her as she finished her hair bits of it falling about her face, she was pretty, no she was beautiful and she was kind and caring.

“What are there names? “ she asked sounding actually interested

“Erica, and Maggie, or Erie and Mags.” he smiled at the thought of his nieces, she watched him, then Rick looked over at her “How did you and Mike get to be so close?” he asked. She looked away at the wall of pictures next to the televison

“Well I guess you could say it’s all because of my dad, you see after my mom died five years ago, he left went back to Chicago to be with the rest of our family. Mike and I both had lives here, Mike was in a serious relationship and a practicing doctor, I just started working at ‘London’ and we couldn’t just leave. So with no parent here all we had was eachother so we kinda became a team, when one of us was in need the other would drop everything and go to thier side. But when we were young, we were a classic big brother little sister team, I got him in trouble he got me in trouble, we loved each other one minute, the next we hated eachother. If I was good at somthing he had to be good at it too, and vise- versa.” she smiled as she went up to the wall and took down a silver frame that had a picture of them six years prior “That was the year before our mom died, my twenty first birthday. Mike took me out with all my girlfriends and we drank, and drank, and drank. Even after he left, that’s when I called him so drunk I couldn’t walk, two days later I was in the hospital, nearly poisoned myself. That’s why he gets scared when I drink, he had to sit at my bedside for two days well the doctors figured out if I would ever wake up agian. Mike told me a month later that, while he was sitting there watching me, all he could do was talk to me, confess a million things. “ she began to tear up, Rick reached out and wrapped her in his arms and she grabbed him back her head hit his shoulder and he just held her comforted her, like it was no big deal. About twenty minutes later she pulled away wiping her eyes. “Well so much for just light conversation.” she joked he laughed at the comment. She looked at the time it was almost dinner. The day seemed to have flown by they had talked about family and evrything else for over five hours they had just drank soda and ate random food the televison had changed channels a couple of times but they just spent time together talking. Emily looked at Rick “You wanna go out tonight? Get some good food.” she asked as she moved back to her part of the couch.

“Yeah, that’s sounds great. Where would we go?” he asked as he moved his leg up onto the couch. The dog jumped off the couch and began to chase it’s tail
“There’s a little restaurant, nothing amazing, but it’s still good.” he smiled and she smiled as they watched the dog get dizzier and dizzier with each turn of his body.
“So when should we leave and where do we put Max?” Rick asked as he helped Emily off the couch she smiled and said

“He’s going with us.” Rick luaghed

“In the Porsche?” he asked

“No on the boat.” She stood up and walked up the steps.


“Hold on...the boat...that didn’t work out so good the last time.” he said as she stopped in the door way of her room.
“I won’t push you off and I’ll let you drive maybe...” he laughed and rushed up the sitars smirking at her, she laughed and closed her door and tore off her clothes letting her hair down. Laughing at the curls. “To straighten or not to straighten that is the question she asked as she pulled on a piar of Jeans and a nice Banna Republic top along with a piar of prada heals. She stopped in her bedroom mirror “It looks okay...but it needs something.” she said as she fished through her dresser, then she looked up and ran a hand through it and pulled a few strands around. “Yeah my touch.” she joked as she grabbed a prada sack and made her way down the stiars. “Here Max.” she said as she tossed his ball on the boat and he jumped on and she followed. Meanwhile was Rick putting on a pair of Jeans a white button shirt, letting it hang out of the bottom hang out covering his pockets,

“ C’mon Rick, this is kinda a date, let her go...why are you thinking about Christina?” He asked himself as he pulled on his tennis shoes “Cause I let her have to much of me and got nothing back...” he whispered as he looked in the mirrior. “But who is Emily? Who is she to you...who do you want her to be to you?” he asked himself as he came out of the bathroom “I want her...I’m falling for her, I see myself as who I want to be when I look in her eyes...and the sappy romantic is coming out of me...maybe that’s who you are? Not the hard core lawyer.”

He closed his eyes and opened the door. “Live in the moment Richard...” He raced down the stiars then walked slowly to the dock. Then as he slid open the glass door he saw her. His breath caught as she walked about her hair in the perfect curls hanging about her face her beautiful smile filling her face as she played with the dog. He breathed deep, she looked radiant on the pure white boat, the water casting the dancing light off the white vessel then on her face. then he saw the black dog jumping about, in a jumpy tailgate of Emily as she walked about on the boat. He chuckled and ran a hand through his hiar, it had been at most an hour since they had found him and now he was her best friend, he began to walk towards the boat each step seemed to be as if he was being pulled toward her. She caught sight of him and she smiled her mind racing telling her the same things Richards had been telling him earlier. Then his voice broke her trance.
“Can I be so bold as to ask the name of the Restaurant?” he asked as he jumped on to the deck. She smiled at him and waved off the brief sea sick moment she had.

“What Oh... dockside, it’s called Dockside Grille.” she said as she turned on the boat and once agian broke out into the open water.

“So you and Mike, you come out here every month in the summer?” he asked standing next to her at the wheel watching her every move. She smiled as the past few years passed through her mind all the laughs, tears, happy memories and everything else.

“Yeah, we’ve done ever since my mom died. We used to come out with my dad and mom.”She paused agian as her mom flew across her mind, but that was Christmas and Easter, birthdays and such, you know th family gathering times. Then dad got more distant when I got my job at ‘London.” he told me once that he thought it was a waste of time job. Actually that’s the last thing he said to me before he left for Chicago. So I guess it’s safe to say, that my dad and I don’t have the best relationship.” she said as she moved the boat to the right the dog barking at a fish, going to dive at it. “Grab him!” she yelled as Rick lurched forward and wrapped the dog up in his arms holding him tight. “Nice save.” she doted slowing the boat down as a small little dock lit up with candles and lights came into view. “There it is.” she said pionting, he smiled as the dog forced his way out of his arms and back to the side of the boat then whinning as his fish was gon

“What’s up boy? You miss your friend...” He asked as she smiled and as she threw her anchor over the edge of the boat.

“Yes Maxie where’d that fish go?” Emily asked getting Max to look over at her and wag his tail. Rick smiled and scratched his ears

“You too huh?” he asked as he climbed off the boat standing on the dock watching her as she locked the dog in the galley with a cold chicken breast.

“He should be good for a while.” she said as she came to the side. Rick smiled and offered her his hand. She smiled and took it her hand fitting perfectly in his and a jot flew through them. “Thanks...it’s hard in heals.” she said as she stepped on to the dock.

“No problem. Shall We?” he asked offering her his arm, she smiled and locked eyes with him then slid her arm in his and they walked into the resturant. “Hello, table for two?” Richard asked the hostess who smiled and took them to a table on the deck off in a corner a privete perfect corner over looking the water.

“This is amazing.” Emily said as she sat down Richard playing the gentelmen, pulling her chiar out for her and then sitting across from her pressing his imaginary tie into his chest, then laughing at himself. “What?” Emily asked as she crossed her legs.

“Just somthing I did.” he said taking a sip of his water.

“Well?” she asked making a continue statement.

“I just did the whole make sure your tie doesn’t fall into the butter dish move and I’m not wearing a tie.” he said running a hand through his hair. “Stupid right?” he asked moving in his chiar.

“No...your just getting used to being out of the hectic world of the city.” she said as she flipped the menu over not knowing what to get.

“You know what you want?” he asked hoping to use his talent, of being able to order the perfect meal for sombody after a brief conversation.

“No Idea.” she said not looking up.

“Do you mind if I order for you I have this kinda talent for ordering.” she looked up at him and gave him a uh huh look.

“Do you now?” she asked placing her cheek on her fist.

“Yes...I do.” she smiled

“Is this like a sixth sense?” she asked playing with him.

“Don’t mock it.” she sat back defensiveley.

“I would never the ordering gods blessed you with this gift so show it off go right ahead...order away.” she said closing her menu and grabbing her water.

“Good I will.” Rick said as he looked the menu then at her then at the menu. Emily placed her chin on both fists and un crossed then crossed her legs her foot accendentily sliding up Rick’s leg.

“Sorry.” she apologized as he looked up at her.

“It’s fine...” he said closing the menu.

“So yoda you know what we are going eat?” he nodded. “You gonna tell me?” he shook his head no.

“It’s a surprise.” she smiled

“Fine keep your secrets.” she said taking a sip of her water.

“I will.” he joked “so Emily...” he said trying to spur a conversation

“So Richard.” Emily said looking at the water.

“Yes?” he asked looking at her.

“Isn’t it beautiful?” she asked not looking back, he smiled and looked at her as the candle light bounced around in her hair.

“Yes it is.” he said still looking at her, then as she sat back his eyes looked out towards the water.

“So, what to talk about?” she asked as the waiter came toward them.

“I don’t have a subject in mind.” he said as he thumped his hand on the table.”Work.” she shot her eyes up.

“You wanna talk about the world of law and fashion out here?” she asked pionting to the deck.

“It could be interesting.” he shrugged.

“Okay, but after you order.” she said pionting to the waiter.

“Hello, sir, madam...are you ready to order?” the tall blonde man who looked as though he had just come off of a smoke break asked as he pulled out his little lather pad. “Or do you want to just order drinks?” Emily looked at richard.

“Do you do drinks to?” she asked getting a what the look from the waiter.

“Actually I don’t.” Richard said opening the menu. Emily smiled and looked at the waiter

“I do.” she said as she looked at the wine list. “We’ll have the 1985 Merlot.” she said handing him the wine list. “And Mr. Hughes will order the dinner.” she said setting her chin on her hands.

“Newlyweds?” the waiter asked, both of them shot back in thier chiars and gave him a look like um no.

“No, just friends.” Richard said shifting his glance to Emily.

“Yep, good friends.” Emily agreed looking at her plate.

“Ah...sorry.” they both smiled. “So Mr.Hughes the order?” the man asked turing to Richard.

“Yes, I will have the sirlion medium well with the garlic potatos and the greek salad to start.” The waiter turned to Emily.

“And you miss?” he asked Emily smiled and pionted at Richard.

“And Miss...” Emily gave him a pleading look like don’t, he looked at her sideways and said. “Miss Banna will have the seafood pasta, with a shrimp coktail for a side, and a greek salad to start.” Emily sighed, and then looked at him shocked he had just ordered her favorite meal...no joke this resturant serves her favorite meal and he just ordered it for her.

“How did you?” she asked to be interrupted by...

“You’re Emily Banna?!” the waiter asked surprised Emily gave him I tried to stop you look and pointed her hand toward the waiter.

“No she’s her cousin.” Richard tried.

“I am.” she said holding her hand out.

“Oh my god! My girlfriend is a huge fan.” he said taking her hand and shaking it.

“Well tell her I thank her for her support, I love to meet a fan.” she said turning toward him.

“I know you probably get this a lot but would you mind signing a copy of London? I have it in my bag.” She smiled and waved a hand.

“I’d love too, but could you first bring us that wine?” she asked turning back to Richard.
“Oh! Yes of course.” he said turning and leaving them alone.

“Her cousin?” she asked in a are you seirous tone.

“I was trying to recover.” he said looking at his plate.

“From what?” she asked placing her hand on the table.

“Newlyweds.” he said looking up causing them to both break out laughing

“Yes I’ve known you all of two days and already you’re my husband.” she joked grabbing her water and taking a sip.

“I guess we just get along famously then huh.” he said looking at her, she nodded and thumped her fingers on the table.

“So what we were gonna talk about?” she asked looking around then her eyes hit him “work.” she said in a AH yes tone.


“NO! I wanna know how you knew to order my favorite meal? ...I mean mike wouldn’t have even been able to pull that one out of the bag and he’s the only other person who has eaten with me here.” she said looking at him in shock.

“What can I say it’s a gift!” he said laughing at her. She hit his hand, and gave him this look like spill. “I can’t tell you, I’ll lose it.” he said as he rubbed his hand.

“Oh come on!” she said kicking him.

“You always so violent?!” he asked as he rubbed his leg.

“Sorry but I wanna know.” she said grabbing the edge of the table giving him this huge smile.

“Well that smile is impossible to be mad at.” He said taking a drink of his water afriad that he had been to forward. He looked away and out of the corner of his eye saw Emily look down and he realized she was blushing...he had made her blush. He smiled and took another sip of his water as the waiter pured two glasses of wine and set the bottle in a small silver bucket at the side of the tabel.

“Miss Banna?” the waiter asked holding a sharpee and the magazine.
“Emily.” she corrected make Richard smile, she never wanted to be reffered to as a superior...that made her so aproachable. He watched as Emily signed the Magazine in three parts...the cover, her coloumn and the back cover. “There you go...send her my thanks for reading.” she said as she handed him the magazine.

“I will and I swear I won’t tell a soul about seeing you here.” Emily smiled.

“Why would I be afriad of that?” she asked looking at him then rick.

“Well your not alone and you said in your last column your taking time off, and I ;m sure you don’t want reporters swariming around here.” the man said getting nervous.

“You may tell people you saw me here in fact I shouldn’t have to give you permission I’m a regular person...I go out...I take vacations...I’m normal...tell anybody...but as a favor don’t tell the press.” she said holding out her hand to the man,

“No problem.” he said taking it. “Your food should be out shortly.” he said as he left.

“You know your probably the most down to earth celebrity there has ever been.” Rick said as he sipped his wine, then looked at her.

“It’s good isn’t it?” she asked afraid.
“What is?” he asked, setting the glass down.

“Well being down to earth...not up in the celebrity world, where they feel as if the world needs to bow at their feet, and worship them. I’m sorry but my entire life I have been taught that you are never better than anyone, that every person from bill gates to a hobo on the streets is equal...and I feel that the celebrity status that I unwillingly obtained is a joke.” she said in a whisper which made him laugh.

“Well Emily Banna, I can assure you that you and I are on the same page with that...” he said holding up his glass, Emily clanked hers to his and smiled.

“To being true to you and no other image.” she said as she took a sip.

“Here...Here.” Rick replied sipping his.
“So how can you be a lawyer?” she asked setting her glass down leaning forward.

‘What do you mean?” he asked setting his glass down and leaning forward.

“I have a lawyer...he’s an ass, and you...you, well your perfect...how can you be in the profession that has such a terrible reputation?” he looked at her, she had said he was perfect...which made him smile. “I mean Richard...”

“You haven’t called me Richard since we met.” he said looking at her shaking off the chills he got from hearing his full name escape from her mouth.

“Well I just cant see how you the kind, caring and loving man, who I spent all of today with could surround him self with utter ass holes?” she asked getting him to almost fall into shock at her complementation.

“I just like law...I like having that feeling that this guy’s life is on the line and I’m in control.”

“Become a doctor!” she said throwing her hands up.

“I....hate...blood...” he said tapping the table with his finger at the start of each word.

“Then a cop...but you just don’t strike me as the kinda guy who can go to work every day in a suit and tie and spend the whole day in an office , reaserching...you strike me as the kinda guy who could I don’t know travel the world...just be somthing truly amazing...not that law isn’t amazing it is...if hadn’t found writing I probably would be in law ju...”

“You would make a good lawyer.” he said placing a hand on the table. “You don’t give up...you state your opinion and you fight for what you want, you make a simple request and expect it to be obeyed, you’d be good in law.” he said nodding and looked at her. “Yep...” she laughed.

“Okay...back to what I was saying....why?” he laughed.

“I am in law because I love the feeling I get when I’m doing it...I love being in front of the court stating strict facts being able to tell the other ass hole in the court that he’s wrong...that he is so goddamn wrong that his client should go to prison....I love being able to one minute be staring at an impossible case then after working as hard as I possibly can, figure out how to win it. It’s something you wouldn’t understand...not cause you’re a woman or anything, just cause you’ve never done it.” he said taking a deep breath.

“I wouldn’t understand it is probably correct...but I do have the same drive and passion for writing...I love being able to stare at a blank document and then after working and doing any thing and everything I can to help people...”

“Write a book.” rick said in a serious tone. Emily gave him a look, like are you that thick?

“I can’t write a book what’s it gonna be a cronicleized bunch of letters I have answered...I can’t...” she said as she looked away at the water.

“Write fiction...There is just something about your writing that makes me think you could write fiction, you could put a character in a situation and then you would know how to exactly get them out of it. You would be amazing....Emily something tells me that you were not meant to be an advice columnist...Emily write a book.” He said grabbing her hand.

“Why?” she asked grabbing back.

“Because it’s what I think you should do.” he said with a smile. “What Richard the kind, caring and loving man you met a couple a days ago thinks you should do.” she smiled, and looked at him .

“Teach.” she said in a small voice.

“What you want to be a teacher?” he asked still holding her hand.

“No...you should teach.” he looked at her like are you daft?

“Are you serious?”

“Yes...you’d be a great law professor...and you wouldn’t be lumped in with the jerk population...most professors practice right? Like they teach and take on certian cases and allow interns to you know help them...Richard you just told me I’d be a good lawyer and gave an analysis why...I can see you ten years from now doing the same thing for the future Johnny Cochrane or something...Richard you should teach.” she said squeezing his hand.

“Why?” He asked getting her to laugh.

“Because it’s what I think you should do.” she said getting him to smile,

“You write a novel and send it in and I’ll get me teaching degree...agreed?” he asked looking at her, not realizing how close they were.

“Agreed.” she said squeezing his hand.

“Greek Salads?” the waiter said as he appeared, both of them sitting back and watching as the salad plates were placed in front of them.

“Thank you.” the both said in unision, and then began to laugh as the waiter walked away.

“I still can’t believe you think I should be a teacher.” he said to Emily as she took a drink of her wine. She stopped and pointed a finger at him.

“A professor.” she said as she swallowed her wine.

“Well I still can’t believe it” he said looking at her like he was shocked.
“I can’t say I’m shocked about what you told me I should do.” she said as she moved pieces of her salad onto her fork.

“Why not?” he asked a piece of lettuce in his mouth as he spoke, Emily laughed and he smiled. “What?” he asked not swallowing, just playing with her... “Do I have something in my teeth?” he asked getting her to laugh harder.

“Swallow your food...you look like Mike.” she said as she kept laughing.

“Well...” he swallowed. “Why not?” he asked as he grabbed his wine glass.

“Becuase I don’t only write for my job.” she said crossing her legs.

“Wait if you already have a manuscript I better call up an online university.” he said placing his hand back on the table praying she would take it agian.

“I don’t have a manuscript....I have ideas, no full novel yet but a few ideas.” she said nodding into her wine.
“Such as?” he asked, placing his fork inside a piece of letteuce.

“As what?”

“What are your ideas?” Richard asked like I know your not dumb.

“Well...talk to me like that professor and I wont respond.” She said as she tooj a sip of her wine.

“Oh come on...” he said giving her a matching gesture.

“Fine!” she said setting her fork down.
“Good.” he said as he laughed.

“Well I have one that I’ve been working on...” she said fiddiling with her top looking down.

“Yeah?” he asked, trying not to sound to interested.

“It’s about this guy...he’s a...actually he’s a teacher...a high school english teacher.” she said laughing at her self. “And he falls for this girl he meets at this bookstore which she owns...which has actually been one of my dreams...to own a bookstore, any way...he goes in to the store for a new book to present to his class and make them read somthing other than the required.” He smiled and looked at this woman longing to hear more, yet wondering why she wasn’t taken...married, dating anything...but she was perfect and he ws being drawn to her. “Any way..he asks her out after she finds him the perfect book, and eventually they fall for each other...and right now I’m at a piont where they go on thier first real date after he finished reading the book.” she said taking a sip of her wine not looking at him.
“You just came up with that?” he asked sounding shocked.

“No it took me forever.” she said smiling.

“No, I mean you came up with that all on your own?” she smiled and nodded.

“Yeah?” she asked like what’s the big deal.

“EMILY! You need to finish it...I want to read it...it sounds like a movie.” she smiled at him.

“You don’t have to say that...I really only write for threpy besdies my job.” she said looking down. Richard reached out his hand and grabbed her hand.

“I’m a lawyer I state my opinion.” he said as he squeezed her hand.

“You mean it?” she asked hopefully.

“Emily...I mean it.” he said as thier eyes met and a jolt fired thorugh both them. Then as if to kill the moment on perpouse Emily’s cell rang, she smiled and sat back and grabbed her purse.


“Banna?” she asked into her phone... “Um I’m sorry but I’m not working for another three weeks Tiffany...” she said sounding utterly like she wanted to help. “But I can tell you when in doubt go Dolce.” she said as she hung up the phone.
“When in doubt?” Rick asked.

“Go dolce.” she said as she took a sip of her wine then began to eat her Salad.

“So you can see me as a teacher?” he asked looking down his nose at her.

“With that look and a pair of glasses yeah.” he held up a finger and pulled out his plastic rimmed glasses and placed them on his face. “Oh god!” she said grabbing her phone and starting the camera.

“You are not taking my picture!” he said smililng.

“Oh come Rick!” she said giving him a look.

“Only if you let me take yours.” he said grabbing his phone.

“Fine.” she said “Smile.” he flashed her his best grin which was pretty attractive and she snapped the shot. “You know your photogenic.” she said holding the screen for him to see.

“You lie.” he said as he looked at it. “Well it’s not bad...your turn.”

“Oh come on...I get photographed all the time...” she said as he held up his phone.

“Smile Em.” he said getting her to laugh, she smiled and looked him then rolled her eyes and smiled at him her hair falling about her face perfectly as he zoomed into only her face.

“Any good?” she asked he put his phone away.

“Yep.” he said and she looked at him and held out her hand, he smiled and placed a dinner roll in her hand. She laughed and chucked it at him “Oh your dead.” he said fling a bit of letteuce on her...she smiled and shreeked then grabbed and ice cube, and chucked it at him and he shreeked and fell backwards as the ice hit his eye.

“RICK!” she yelled as he fell back and hit his back on the deck getting looks from the two other people on the deck.

“Owww.” Rick moaned as she rushed over to him and kenlt besdie him.

“Are you okay?” she asked and he laughed as the piece of lettuce hanging from her hair.

“I’m okay...” he said in a strained voice.

‘No your not.” she said as she placed a hand on his chest. “Do you wanna go home?” she asked he smiled and grabbed the lettuce from her hair feeling the soft curls.

“I’m fine I want my steak....” he said as he rolled out of the chiar and got to his knees only to have Emily wrap her arm around his back and help him up. “Em I’m okay it was my fault.” he said she grabbed her mouth and reached up to his face.

“God your bleeding.” she said as he fixed his glasses which he had taken off when she had pelted him with the roll.

“I am?” he asked reaching up and feeling nothing.

“No.” she said laughing he smacked her arm.

“You freak me out just for a laugh?” he asked

‘You know you tell me you don’t like blood I’m gonna use it agianst you.” she said as she pulled his chiar up.

“Well I don’t know anything you don’t like to use agianst you...” he said as he sat down and she moved across the table and sat down.

“I don’t like eggs...” she said smiling.

“Eggs I get eggs after I nearly break a bone.” she smiled.

“Okay the list is too long.” she said taking a sip of her water.

“Try me.” he said leaning forward.

“ I can’t stand Monday mornings...I hate celbrity couples who do crap just to get in the lime light...like have a t-v show. I don’t like vanillia ice cream...I’m a choclate person...I don’t like rodents...I hate to vacuum and I can’t stand four people...Alex...collegue...Derek...old boyfriend...Eliane...old best friend who fucked old boyfriend while I was dating him...Posh Spice, she has a weird head...and the guy who does the painting show you know Happy Trees.” she said waving her hands above her head. “Oh and you don’t want to be in the car with me when I’m stuck in traffic.” she said as the waiter took away her salad, then Richard.

“Wow.” he said smiling

“What?” she asked.

“I’ve only known you a few days and you divulged that much?” he asked

“Heck I only knew my therpist for ten minutes and he got a biography.” she said laughing.

“You take therpey?” he aksed looking at her like why?

“I used to after my mom died...I couldn’t process the loss correctly in my own opinion and so I sought out professional help...I don’t go anymore because why pay a guy upwards of a thousands buck to do somthing my brother and friends can do.” she said as her dinner was set in front of her.

“Which is?” he asked she looked up at him and smiled.


“Listen.” he chuckled.

“I’m a good listner Em...” she nodded.

“You are.” she said holding up her wine.






at the to pay the bill Rick offered and Emily fought him for it until she finally gave up but picked up the tip.

“Thank you for dinner...” she looked at him as they sat in the boat at their home dock. She pulled her arm across her chest he smiled at her and rubbed his arm up and down
“Oh, it’s no problem, you opened your home to me. Taught me how to drive a boat, found me a dog.” he said as the dog, jumped about on the boat.

“Oh it was nothing.” she said as she snapped her fingers and the dog came.
“How do you do that?” he asked

“What? Call a dog... we had three when we were little I love dogs. They make every thing seem happy.” she said as she scratched his ears. Rick watched her, he reached out for the dog and played with it’s ears while it wagged it’s tail.

“I had a dog once, my brother took him when I went to law school.” he confessed

“Millie that was are first dogs name, she looked like this guy but she was a lot fatter though.” she laughed as he stood up and helped her to her feet, she moved her foot to the ground and then her heal broke. She fell into Ricks arms as she said

“Shit!” he looked at her in his arms. Her eyes met his as he held her up. She took off her heals and held them up. “Well there go the Prada’s.” she joked. He laughed and took them from her hand

“Nothing some glue wont fix.” he said seriously.

“Um... you may have gone to law school but you do not put glue on a pair of prada 2 inch heals from a vintage season. Okay you get them fixed and spend 500 more dollars.” she laughed at his expression then she joked “Yeah glue...” he laughed when he realized it had been a joke. “ let’s go inside... c’mon Max!” she left the boat and his arms he reluctantly let her go. He walked after the dog barking as he entered the living room “Max calm down... AHHH!” Rick came running inside to see Emily standing there and a faceless man sitting in the chiar

“Where were you two?” mike’s voice asked sounding gruff and worried

“Mike?” Emily asked, “Mike are you okay?” he stood up and hugged Emily

“Em- it’s dad.” that’s all he said she fell into Mike’s arms and began to cry, Rick came over to his mate and the girl he had began to fall for. “He’s in bad shape Em-, Uncle Charley called this morning, wants to know when were coming to see him. “ Emily pushed away from Mike, and climb the sitars. “Em-! C’mon, don’t!” SLAM! The door to her room shut, as Rick heard her body hit the door. He looked at Mike, A look of utter fear, flashed across both faces, Mike scaled the steps in three strides his breath got dep as he reached her door. “Emily!” he said as he banged on the door, he heard her sniffle and then lowered his voice to a calming tone. “Em-, hey c’mon let us in... I know you need to prosses this. Em- he’s not gone yet, “ her head hit the door, as tears poored down her face ‘but he’s close and I am never gonna be good enough for him.’ she thought as her body got weak. “Em- ...” the phone rang and Mike looked at Rick ‘talk to her.’ he mouthed as he went to go get the phone.

“Em..Emily?” Rick asked in a nervous tone, her door creaked open and he entered, she was on the bed her legs curled up to her chest her make-up rolling down her face. “Hey...” he said softly as he sat down on the bed next her, her eyes looked at him but they had lost all sight of happyness. She looked utterly destroyed it tore at Rick’s heart. He placed a hand on her back and began to rub it as he felt her breathing calm down he looked over at her and saw her eyes begin to shut. Then she rolled over on his arm. She was asleep and he just laid down his arm under her back and he to drifted off. His mind wandered as he lay there, he wondered how he ever let Christina manipulate his thoughts, when someone like Emily was alive. He knew then and there that he needed to give up on Christina and leave Emily’s bed. He slid his arm out from under her and pulled the blankets over her body so that she would not freeze. Then as he went to leave he heard mike climb the sitars. “SHH!” he said as he stopped him with a hand. “She’s asleep.” mike lowered his head

“Okay, that was our aunt... he’s doing a little better, the doctors say that they can release him in the morning but he’s going to have to come in for regular visits. The doctors say he needs to lighten his stress load.” he moved down the sitars as he laid himself down on the couch Rick watched his form as he turned the channel changer in his hands and then he sat up and looked at the screen he laughed and hit the record button, on the remote. “I’ll be damned... that lying scum ball he finally wound up where he belonged.” Rick hit the couch and asked

“What? Who?” Mike smiled as he pointed to the t.v and a man with black hair and hazel eyes was being escorted to the police car. Hands in hand cuffs, he shirt was torn and looked like it was dirty.

“That is Emily’s old boyfriend, the one who left her for her best friend. Derek.” Mike siad disgust in his voice. “She gave all of her self to him and he just tossed her aside, nearly killed her.”

“How thick would you have to be to dump a girl like Emily?” Mike looked at Rick as he said this. “What...she...sh...really....nice and.....” Mike’s face got red

“Rick, do you have a thing for my sister?” he laughed at the expression on Ricks face a mixture of terror and admittance. “You do! Rick you Do! But what a bout Christina?” Rick looked into Mike’s eye’s

“She’s never going to allow me to get any closer to her than what I am, and when somebody as good as Emily walks into your life you just don’t let her walk back out.” He said as his eyes hit the floor. Mike’s mind wrapped around the thoughts that must be going through the mind of his friend. In his mind he thought of what Rick and Emily would look like as a couple. For the first time in a while, a prospective boyfriend for his sister was someone he actually liked.

“Well, if it does happen, You and Em- I’ll have no objections. But if you hurt her, I’ll break all your fingers.” He said standing up then looking over to meet Rick’s face. The bright eyes of Rick, grew wide.

“No Objections, to any of it? Cause I mean, I’ve only known her three days and I don’t think I could do any thing now, but this evening at the restaurant, she just looked so.... perfect, in front of me, like a figure of perfection, I ... felt....” Mike cut him off

“Spare me, your thoughts on that?” Rick smiled as he sat down on the stairs, Mike moved toward him in a way that mocked Emily’s walk
“Hello Richard, how are you? care for a beer?’‘ Mike stated as he mocked Emily’s voice and handed Rick a beer,

“That sounds nothing like her.” He laughed

“I imagine so.” he luaghed as he looked at his friend with a new set of eyes “Emily’s not just a replacement for....”

“NO! No god no! I feel different with Emily then I do when I was with Christina, or a ny other woman for that matter.” he siad taking a drink of his beer, and looking at his watch. “Well I’m going to bed, keep me notified on your Dad, you want me to check on Em?” Mike smiled

“Check away, lover boy.” He joked as he moved his body to the couch and flopped down the phone in his hands. Rick walked up the stairs and made his way to the door which led to Emily’s room, the wood moved slowly as her form laying in the bed came into view, Ricks breath got short, as he moved closer to her sleeping form, he moved across the room his eyes not deviating from her face, then he moved close to her she had broken free of her covers and her body was covered in goosebumps as she shivered. He smiled as her words entered his mind “I do get cold easily.’ he pulled the covers up to her chest and moved his arm up her upper arm to her neck then her face, she didn’t move, as he came close to her form then he moved a hand across her forehead, then he kissed her forehead. He paused for a second as he felt her hand grab his.
Then in a tired voice she asked

“Rick is that you?” she asked as she held his hand tighter, He smiled

“Yes it’s me just checking in.... do you want me to get Mike?” she opened her amaxing blue eyes as they met his and she smiled

“No, leave Mike alone.” he smiled as she began to play with his fingers, he thougt to ask her if she had felt the kiss.
“Was I being to forward?” he asked as his eyes scanned every inch of her face as a smile spread across her face,
“No, and you missed.” he looked at her as he thought of what she meant, then he felt her hand move it’s way up his arm then his back then to the back of his neck. Her eyes locked with his and the feeling in the pit of both their stomachs began, to grow as the space between them began to close. The space seemed infanite as the seconds moved like hour unitl at last contact, the kiss which they both were no longer going to deny, it started out simple then as the heat of the moment took them both becoming more passionate until Emily pulled away and smiled, Rick smiled back as she moved her hand off his neck. “This may be a bit to fast.” she stated as she looked at his face, she smiled as he looked down then she kissed his head. “For now.” he looked up at her, and smiled then he moved in and kissed her,

“For now.” he stated as she kissed his neck then whispered,

“Not a word to Mike.” she spoke as he, got up and slowly she realesed his hand as he smiled and walked out of the room and met Mike in the hall a stupid grin on his face.

“What did you do to her?” Mike said a look of anger across his face. He about pinned Rick up agianst the wall when he looked at him like “what”

“Nothing, tucked her in and said goodnight.” Mike looked at him, then at his watch

“For fifteen minutes?” Rick smiled and said

“Yes, that isn’t that long Mike.” he patted his friend on the shoulder and went in to his room as Mike quickly entered Emily’s room where she sat full clothed and tucked in she hadn’t been touched or moved it appeared to be. She was peaceful and he felt like an idiot when he thought that Rick had taken advantage of her. He moved in and Emily didn’t move when Mike kissed her head and rubbed her hair out of her face.

“Em, am I gonna finally have to like the guy your with? Am I gonna have to give you up? The last time I talked to you like this I didn’t have to worry about you waking up. I love you Emily and I just want you to be happy and safe. And you know that Derek guy he’s finally in the slammer, him and Eliane. Bank fraud, you know we thought that they would end up, together, and in trouble. Well I guess we were right. Em- I’ll let you sleep and I’ll see you in the morning, Emmy Bemmey.” he kissed her sleeping form and left the room as she dreamt about her kiss with Rick, the way his lips felt. The sound of her door closing woke her as she sat up in her bed she thought about what Rick must be doing, then she thought maybe I shouldn’t let this happen. Maybe this is just my state taking a hold of me. My father is in the hospital and I’m lying to myself.

“I’m falling for my brother’s best friend, how can I be falling for him? How can I do this? Does he feel the same way or am I just hoping he does?” while she was thinking Rick was laying on his bed remembering her kiss the way she felt, how he had wanted to do that since they were on the boat. Emily, decided to leave her room, she stalked out of her room wearing a piar of sweat pants and a t-shirt, she slid on a piar of tenis shoes, then she began it, the thing she had’nt done in years. She ran, she started jogging and just let her feet carry her all over the roads, she ran for hours until she came back upon the house, her body disgusting, she made her way into the house as Mike and Rick were still sleeping. Then as she climbed into the shower, she began to think. Her mind going from a million different feelings, Rick awoke and moved down stiars started the coffee machine. He looked around his eyes falling on the wall of photos next to the televison. He decided to examen them. His eyes wandered the silver, black, and wood frames, each holding a photograph of a different time and place, his eyes rested on a photograph of Emily no more than three years prior, she had a bright smile on her face and she was siting on the boat, her hiar was caught in the breaze and Rick looked at it for about give minutes untill he felt Emily’s arms wrap around him as she laughed

“Hello.” her voice rang beautifully into his head as he turned around to meet her bright blue eyes, she smiled at him, he towered over her, as he wrapped her waist in his arms. She moved her body close to him.

“Hello.” he whispered before he kissed her again, running his hand through her hair and down the back of her neck. The coffee machine beeped stopping the kiss, they both jumped at it.

“Ah coffee.” Emily joked as she kissed him lightly and made her way to the kitchen. Rick followed her placing a hand on the small of her back as he sat down next to her on the couch across from the televison. She laid her head on his shoulder as she searched through the channels until she came across the news where Derek’s mug shot hit the news, she choked on her coffee and leaned forward. “Oh my God! He’s in jail?” she sound exaspereated, shocked. Rick looked at her as she sat down her coffee cup. “Finally where he belongs.....Bank fraud......Jesus D, how did I ever.” Rick looked at her and began to rub her back she smiled at his touch she felt better with him then she did with Derek. She leaned back into his arms as he smiled at her and rubbed her arm with his hand.

“Emily...” he began,

“Hmmm....?” she asked as she laid her head on his lap,

“What are we?” she looked up at him and grabbed his hand placing her fingers between hers.

“I beliave we are dating...” she half stated half asked. He smiled and looked down at her as he wrapped his fingers in tight and leaned down and kissed her. She smiled as he pulled back

“I hoped so, then I can do this....” he kissed her “any time I want.” She smiled and pulled his head down with her free hand and began to kiss him deeply and then they became entrapped in the kiss as the had the night before. Until Mike’s door could be heard opening and then slaming shut Emily jumped up and broke the Kiss grabbing her coffee Rick just smiled and grabbed his mug. Mike scalled the stiars to find them both sitting on the couch watching the news.

“You see Derek?” he asked half asleep

“Yeah who’d a thunk huh?” she joked as she stood up and walked into the kitchen Rick pinched her but as she got up she glared at him and walked up behind him when mike’s back was turned she ran her lips up and down the back of his neck as he pulled a pillow over his legs she luaghed and whispered. “Serves you right.” rick looked back at her

“I’ll get you back for that.” he said in a strained voice, but she knew he was joking she laughed and moved into the kitchen as he made his way to the bathroom.

“Where’s he off to?” she shrugged and pulled out a box of Eggo walfles and popped two in to the toster. After they popped up and she covered them in butter and syrup Rick emereged giving her an exhusted look, she luahged and mike looked at her

“And what is so funny?” Emily turned around in her chair to face Mike and looked at him

“Just heard a funny joke from the news anchor.” she lied as she began her waffle eating ritual, cutting it into tiny pieces and filling her fork with as much as she could then running it through the syrup she then forced it into her mouth. And began to chew, she looked up at Mike who was doing about the same thing,

“Who taught us this?” he asked as he shoved the peices into his mouth. She laughed at the trial of syrup on his chin, she pionted to her chin to alert him of it, he grabbed a napkin as she swallowed and spoke

“Dad, he used to eat every thing that had syrup, ketchup, mustard, well any sauce or condiment. Remember hot dogs that weren’t in a bun, I think he got seven chunks on the fork at once.” She laughed as she placed a few pieces of the waffle in her mouth. Rick grabbed his toast out of the toaster and sat down next to Emily as she took a sip of her coffee his foot made it’s way up her leg she smiled and stood up placing her dishes in the dishwasher. Mike stuck out a foot to try and trip her she fake tripped and then turned on her heal and kicked him in the knee sending him to the floor. “ I win you lose, loser.” she laughed and looked up at Rick who smiled as she walked up the stairs. Rick placed his dishes in the sink walked over his friends body and made his way up the stiars and walked into his room, when he shut the door he didn’t expect to have Emily sneek up behind him and kiss his neck as she had before.

“Pay back time Em.” he luahged as he pulled her around in front of him she wasn’t wearing her sweatshirt, instead she was wearing a black tank top and a piar of white shorts.

“What are you planning to do to me?” she half luaghed half asked. He smiled at her, not wanting to move to fast her siad

“Nothing major, just a taste.” she looked at him her eyes meating his as they came close and began the entrapping kiss. She felt her body melt into his arms as he kissed up and down her neck, moving to her shoulders and sliding the strap off her shoulder, he kissed up and down her upper body. Then meating her lips agian they began to once agian lose themselves in the kiss, the minutes passed by so slow, which was a blessing as they remianed in this state. Rick moved his hands up her back then grabbed her shoulder and pulled out of the kiss placing thier foreheads togehter. “Just a taste.” he siad kinda out of breath. She looked at him and laughed as she knew that both of them wanted to move slowly. He wrapped her in his arms “Em, you know that I’m....” she just moved her hands through his hiar as he tried to confess he was fallen hard, he had written to her about a woman who had no interest in him, but he didn’t want to, so he slyly moved his hands up her wiast, and joked “still mad at you.” she laughed and a spark lit up in her eye, she kissed her boyfriend and moved her hands around his body alowing her self to be plastered right next to him, her arms serching his form as he moved his hands up and down her arms, then she pulled away leaving him there.

“ And I’m just gonna make it worse.” she joked as she left the room, He was standing there alone in shock.

“She’s good, amazingly good.” he began to get dressed. While she did the same Mike was on the phone with his father

“No Dad, Emily is still working for London, and I doubt very much that you will be able to persuade her to marry a man she has never met just because he can aford her... which is an insult because my sister is actually very aware of her finaces....” his dad over a thousand miles away was proposing Emily date a colleges son who just landed a billion dollar deal for his advertising firm. Mike heard Emily come down the stiars in a rage he yelled “YOU WANNA CONVINCE HER HERE... Emily talk to your father.” she took the phone

“Hi Dad............... WHAT!” her father took a deep breath,

“You have’nt had the greatest of luck with men and I just want to make sure that your taken care of so Eric would be an amazong find for you.... after all, you are....” she cut him off

“Stop right there Dad I know your going to imply that I’m ugly or hopless or my choice in professions will leave me homeless some time in my life, and to your proposition of a boyfriend is impossible to comply with because I already have one, and my job allows me to make over 90,000 dollars a year which includes apperence’s interviews, and of course writing and helping with the editiong. I do more than just write an advice column. GOOD BYE and FOR GOD’S SAKE DAD, I can Handle my self, and so can Mike and I would appreceate if you would just allow me to live my life and just just, admit that your ashamed of me and move on.” before he could respond she hung up the phone Mike grabbed her wrisit.

“Who are you dating Em-?” she jerk her hand free and came close to his face

“Is it your business? No! So be like dad and FUCK OFF!” She ran out of the kitchen and on to the deck where she borded the boat and sent it into a tirade throught the water hurdiling towards the town. Mike went after her but Rick stopped him

“Mike, let me...” he looked him,

“Why?” he stopped his hand franticly flying through the air.

“I can talk to her, third party help you know never met your dad... and I only know you and Em- I’m only on one side and that’s yours so if you tell me where she’s going ...”

“The pub, she’s gonna try and drown her sorrows so she’ll either be drinking or playing pool.” he sat down on the couch as Rick left the house and climbed into Mike’s car. He drove thinking ‘we’ve only been dating a day yet I feel this strong need to help her, make her feel better, take away her sorrows.’ then out of nowhere he saw her boat, at the down dock, she was sitting on the top of the front of the boat tears steaming down her face as he approched leaving the car on the side of the road. She held her knees to her chest and her tears streamed down as Rick approached her.

“Em! EMILY!” she looked up at him struggling to get to her. She wiped her eyes and looked at him as he came to the side of the boat. “Emily what happened?” he asked as he climbed up next to her. She wiped her eyes again and looked at him in her mind a million things raced through they had only been dating for a few hours and she didn’t know if she was ready to expose this truth to him. “What happened with your dad?” she looked at him and moved closer to him.

“Rick this is the hard truth.... a truth I have wanted to avoid, My dad and I aren’t on the best of terms. To him I’m a disappointment, my life..... he thinks I’m a failure, thinks I’m not a worth his time, so he tries to get me out of his life. Tries to shove me off to good men in his opinion. He calls me every so often and then we have these episodes Mike and I don’t talk for about a week and then he and I make up, my dad calls and apologizes and I pretend to forgive him, and that’s how the Banna’s live their lives.... but part of me, just this small part of me wants to make him proud....Mike was always the golden child, dad’s pride and joy, my mom was always my friend, she supported writing. My dad he supported a good logical job for women, or a scholarship involving sports. But I wasn’t that.... I could never be that... my passion lies in writing, it always has and I just don’t feel right if I cannot whip out a notebook, or a laptop and write what hit’s me. That isn’t the daughter he wanted... he wanted mike’s twin only younger. He spent so many years of my life trying to figure out ‘what to do with me.” she was practically crying as she said this, her eyes not meeting ticks who just watched her, he was amazed that she was revealing this to him... how could this person he had only known for a few days was completely opening themselves up to him, then agian she wasn’t just anybody anymore she was his girlfriend. He thought about it, a man can strike up a relationship with a woman at a bar and then two years later they are husband and wife. “I understand if you are a little overwhelmed by all this... I mean it’s like trying to explian my life to somebody I just met.” she began but he cut her off.

“Emily, your not just a woman I met a few days ago... you are my girlfriend now, and I eventually want to know everything about you, from what your family’s like, what you do when you sleep, how you fix your hair, what smells turn you off, your favorite food, and anything else... don’t sell me off as a guy whose just after sex, Emily I just want to be with you, and for the first time in a long time... I feel as though I can be myself with you, with you I’m not just a lawyer who lives in London and spends most of his time working or grabbing a few beers with my mates, but with you, I am everything I’ve ever wanted to be, I’m funny...” Emily smiled “I am funny right? Cause I’ve been trying...” she smiled

“You are funny, you make me laugh...and I want to know all there is to know about you, what I just don’t understand is why it took so long for us to meet.” she joked and he smiled. Then as he wrapped her in his arms she stated “you make me who I want to be.” he smiled and kissed her head and then as they separated he kissed her a passionate kiss with no fear behind it.

“Em- we should be heading back....” she smiled

“I havve to face Dr. Mike sooner or later.” she stated. Then as she looked up then at him “Thank you.” she stated

“For what?” he asked

“You’re the only person who ever listend to my side of the story, ever thought about what effects it might have on me.” He smiled

“Mike does all that, he’s just worried about you...I see it in his eyes, when you do anything that could in danger your health he changes...He loves you Em- he just wants you to be safe.” she smiled

“My brother is like the father I wish I had.” she joked and leaned into him “But I cant chose my blood, I’m just glad I have you and mike.” she stated sliding on to the deck Rick comming after her then wrapping her in his arms stated
“I’m here and I’m not going anywhere.” she smiled and turned around to face him

“Niether am I .” she kissed him then they ventured home to meet a red eyed Mike... who stood up and ran out to them Em running to him he meet her and wrapped her in his arms holding on.

“I’m so sorry Em-, I lost my temper I should have never, it’s none of my buissness just tell me when your ready.” She smiled and kissed his check, and wiped away one of his tears.

“I will.” she hugged him one more time then “I’m sorry for everything.” then she walked up to her room Mike looked back at Rick

“Sorry, she’s taken... I was actualy pulling for you.” Rick smiled and placed his hands in his pockets.

“Yeah I’m sorry to...” he looked down at the ground and Mike walked so he could console his friend who at the opportune moment looked up and with a huge smile said “for every other bloke I’m disappointing.” Mike smiled wide and then shock rained over his face

“You mean you’re the... she’s dating...OH MY GOD! so when I saw you in the hall way you were leaving from doing what?” A little flicker of anger behind his eyes

“We kissed, and that’s all... and when I went today I made my intentions clear. I want to get to know everything about Emily there is to know, I want to eventually be able to love her. She allows me to be who I want to be.” Mike smiled when sex was not involved in the situation

“So you and my sister... this is going to be so weird... I am going to have to find a way to avoid any and every thought of you two especially after Paris two years ago....” Rick smiled and then Emily’s words entered his head ‘not a word to mike.’ he looked mike dead in the eye “You cant let on that you know, she’s waiting for the right time to tell you, she’s worried about disappointing you...she’s let on that your dad treats her as if she is a failure, that the only thing she ever wanted to do was make him proud that she just hasn’t figured out how to though.” Mike looked down then up at the house

“I know she does make him proud it’s just been hard for him, she just is involved in things my mom was a fan of and not my dad. When she began to write and found her passion thats when my mom and her became closer, and her and my dad began growing apart... he and em became less chummy and more like enemies, then ine day they had this huge fight when Ems first issue was released, he called her a disappointment and an embarrassment to the Banna family... ever since they can’t spend more than ten minutes together without wanting to hurt each other. It’s actually a match I’d want to see, cause though my dad is old he’s stilll strong and well you know Em-“ Rick smiled

“But I don’t know your father... But right now I’m gonna go check on Emily...” Mike grabbed Rick’s arm as he began to walk away...
“Nothing funny lover boy... you get me?” Mike was cold and protective

“Mike I’m one of your best mates, what in the blodddy hell makes you think that I would change that fast... I’m going to go check on my girlfriend who isn’t in the best state right now, who needs someone to talk to... nothing funny....” Rick walked off his hiar blowing behind him as Mike smiled

“Good chioce em- finally a good one.” Mike smiled at the mut then called him over Max ran over to mike and dropped a dead fish at his feet “Okay mut that has to stop.” mike picked up the carcus and threw it in the water and the dog just ran after it flying into the water. Mike smiled and played fetch with the dog but after the first 2 times with a stick, not a dead fish. While mike and Max became friends the couple were talking while sitting in Emily’s room.

“So when do you see your nieces?” Emily asked Rick looked down.

“I came here insted... they would have come next weekend but...”Emily cut him off

“Bring them out here, we have loads of room plus a ton of stuff kids love ... squirt guns... they’ll be welcomed like family, I’m good with kids and little girls oh thier my favortie...you know dress up, make overs that kinda stuff.” Rick smiled

“Maggie’s 7 and Erica’s almost fourteen. So they love that stuff... and I’m sure they’ll love you...” she smiled and looked at him “I’ll give Joe a ring this afternoon and see if we can meet in London and then they can come back here. Don’t we have to check with Mike?” Emily layed down on the bed

“It’s as much my house as it is his... so no.” Rick placed one arm on top the opposite side
of her so he was above her, he kissed her then stated.

“Your as stubborn as it gets you know that?” she smiled

“Oh I know...” she kissed him and then he began to kiss her neck as she played with his head and then as his lips met hers agian and his hand gave out so he was laying on top of her he heard the door swing open

“Nothing funny huh?” Mike stated anger in his face “You told me...” Emily looked at him,

“There was nothing going on Mike don’t worry...it wasn’t as if it was a bad thing he is after all my boyfriend.” Mike looked at her and then smiled

“I figured that out but still he was practically...”

“NO HE WASN’T... it’s called making out mike and it dosent always lead to sex... okay, so calm down.” Rick had slid off Emily who sat up her back to Rick who was still sitting close to him just watched then stated

“I had no intention of going that far... I don’t know her well enough to do that...” Emily smiled he wasn’t just a guy in for the sex he wanted a relationship a loving romantic relationship.

“Well I’m sorry, for jumping to conclusions and accusing you two of being in that big a hurry...well I’m going now.” Mike left the room shutting the door behind him Rick placed a hand on her shoulder

“That’s a mood killer...” he stated Emily layed back her body hiting his as they fell onto the bed,

“Only if you let it be one.” she stated kissing his neck, he smiled and placed a hand on her wiast then he turned her body in his arms he smiled as she moved close to him as almost plastered to him. He kissed her deeply and then as she began to play with his shirt he pulled away.

“Em, that’s to fast.” she smiled and looked at him,

“I know...just messing with you.” she smiled he looked at her.

“Huh?” he stated she wrapped he wrapped his arms around her,

“I heard what you said I was messing with you and just playing around with your mind trying to make you freak out... cause yoou know me i;m just like that.” she staed as shr moved her foot up his leg,

“Yeah you are just like that...” he stated moving a hand up her back.. Then in a second they stopped looked at eachother and then Emily placed her head on Ricks shoulder as he layed on his back playing with her head. She smiled then drifted to sleep her body wrapped in his arms... his body so close to her that she could die... a connection between them which was impossible to even think about measuring. When she woke up Rick was gone but his shirt was draped over her shoulders and her body was covered up to her wiast in her blankets. She smiled looked over at her laptop and smiled

“Blog Time.” she stated, she whipped open her Laptop and began to write about the past few days to all her readers both in London and on the web. She stopped when she heard foot steps and then Ricks vioce

“Joe... they’ll be fine here... Mike and Em are perfetly safe people, Mike’s a doctor for christ sake and emily, well Emily is just Emily, she’ll be great with the girls... she works for a top Fashion magazine I think if you were to aske Erica about her... or even if she wanted to spend two weeks with her, she’d beg you...” Rick opened the door and smiled at her she closed her laptop and slid it off the bed pulling the shirt in around her tight she held her knees as he placed his cell phone on speaker and she heard a deep voice on the end say

“Let’s test that...” then the sound of footsteps echoed through the phone as loud music could be heard

“I thought she was only thirteen?” Emily asked

“She is, she has friends over...” Rick replied The music stopped as a young girls voice said

“DAD! GET OUT! I”M TRYING TO HAVE A LIFE!” a few other girls laughed

“Erica Angela Hughes... you will not talk to me like that... I have to ask you a question.” Rick luaghed and Erica stated

“Is that uncle Richard?” she sounded excited Emily whispered

“Your popular Uncle Richard.” Rick looked at her as the phone changed hands and she heared

“UNCLE RICHARD IS THAT YOU!?” Emily smiled

“Yeah it’s me... Erie your dad wants to know if you’d like to come with your sister to my mate Mike’s house... his sister is here perhaps you’ve heard of her.” Emily blushed

“Who is she...?” Erica asked Rick covered the phone

“Wiat and see whose popular...” he removed his hand and then stated “Emily... her name is Emily Banna.” A squeal errupted from the phone and then a few mor squeals could be heard from the girls in the room

“God, glad I have such fiathful readers.” Emily stated sounding compleatly like a midwesterner.

“OH MY GOD IS SHE IN THE ROOM WITH YOU UNCLE RICHARD?” Erie asked Emily shook her head and mouthed the words “no... I’m not here if you say I am you are so dead.....” Rick smiled and put the phone out to her

“She’s right here.” Emily looked at him then he smiled and she smiled back and took the phone, then with ut most profesonalism stated

“Emily Banna.” The girls yelled, Erica hushed them

“Hi Miss Banna, My name is Erica Hughes and I am by far your biggest fan, I have all your coulems I practly live by them there like the bible....” Emily Luaghed

“Thank you, it’s nice to know that I’m not just talking to Susie Housewife.” Erica luaghed

“Miss-“

”Emily... if your coming to my home you might as well call me by my name no need for formalities.” The room erupted in squeals.

“Okay.. Emily, so I really can come to your house, with you my sister, my uncle and who was it..?”

“My brother... Mike.” Emily concluded “And yes, we’d love to have you as a matter of fact I think there might be a show I’m supposed to attened this Friday when Richard and I would come to pick you up... I don’t know if Mike’s comming with us... but if you wanted... your uncle you, your sister and I could attened dolce’s summer line debut.” The room eruppeted in screems and Rick looked at her she covered the phone then stated “You’re the one who gave me the phone... so you can sit through a fashion show... Mike’s done it loads of times....”

“It’s not that bad.... the paparatzi in the biging that’s the fun part then it’s just girls in weird clothes who proabably haven’t eatin in seven days.” Mike joked from the door. Then Erica’s vioce errupted in the room.

“Dad can we go please that way you and mom can take that Holiday you planned.” Joe told her to give him the phone “Good bye Emily, hope to see you on Friday.”

“I’ll see you on Friday, good bye Erica.” The phone changed hands and Richard’s brother’s vioce entered the room

“Hello Emily, can I speak with my darling younger brother please?” He asked

“Oh of course he’s right here.” she handed Rick the phone

“Thank You.” he mouthed. Mike smiled at her.

“Emmy, you have a way with girls.” a pilliow hit his head.
“I’m not Emmy!” she whisper yelled.

“Joe they’ll be fine... so will see you at the trian station on Friday?” he nodded his head and the phone though no longer on speaker filled with screems. Then as he hung up Emily asked Mike

“What Day is it?” mIke smiled

“Monday.” She stood up and grabbed her phone, with in seconds was talking to Jeff

“Jeff I need...” She looked at mike and mouthed are you going, he shook his head...

“I’ll stay here you two go. Call it a first date.” Rick smiled then looked at Emily

“Four seats for the Dolce show this Friday, make them Runway side... I have to be able to help with critiques.” After ten minutes of negotiating who to be next to she finaly settled next to Donatella Versace and Orlando Bloom, Rick looked at her and stated

“Oh Erica will love that.” she smiled and stated

“I thought so.” Then she hung up with Jeff and was dialing another number. “Hello, Piere.... I need an outfit for the Dolce show this Friday, can you have it sent to the summer house... thanks and the bag and shoes should be Dolce, just to make sure I’m not there empty handed...oh and I need an out fit for a thirteen and seven year old at address” She looked at Rick who told her the address “Number 5 Rosmary street lakshire... It’s just out side of London... send your team over there on Friday after noon give them the star treatment... but don’t make them look to old, I want jeans on the lot of us... and send a Dolce suit jacket ....” She covered the phone “What size Rick.” he smiled she was oicking out his clothes

“Large.” he stated she gave the man the right measurements and then requested a nice piar of shoes for size twelve feet along with the new Rolex watch and a piar of Versache sunglasses.

“Thank you Pierre... you’re a doll, I want the summer house clothing here by Thursday and the girls need to be on thier trian so you best go over there on Thursday and show them how to do everything.” with that she hung up and looked at Rick.

“So what I own isn’t good enough?” he asked

“Well, considering, we will be in about five million magazines... if figure my stylist best send you some of the free clothes I got when people thought I was dating Bloom, I have two whole closets filled with designer men’s clothes... and right now thier all yours.” she luaghed then as he looked at her
“Well I think you like his style more than you let on Emily.” Mike stated indicating the shirt Rick looked at her and she smiled then Rick walked up and wraped her in his arms.

“Oh no she just gets cold easy...” he kissed her and Mike made a gag sound from the door and Emily luaghed

“Deal with it big brother.” Rick kissed her temple and she smiled Mike waved a hand

“I’ll leave you two alone... I need to get every moment of peace while I can, Oh and Em- I’m going to chicago insted of Ireland... so after these two weeks with the little Hughes’ I’m gone to see dad for a week... thought maybe...” Em shot him a look like don’t rian on my parade.
“Or maybe you just need some time.” Emily nodded and then Mike dissapered. Rick held her close

“So how to tell my obvious fan of a niece that you are in fact my girlfriend?” he asked looking up at the cealing as his shirt fell over his writs her body hovering benath it.

“I think them and the whole world will figure it out.” she stated as she kissed him. He looked at her then he cokced his head to one side causing his hiar to fall to one side
“So when mike says paparatizi, he means that... you and I will be....”

“Photograhed by every Magazine in the country and then all of America... your okay with that arent you cause if your not two phone calls and it’s not a problem.” Rick smiled

“You’d make it so you’d lose all that publicity and get in a huge tough with your boss just cause I was camera shy?” she smiled and looked at him lovingly.

“I’m dating you, so if you have a problem I change it to meet you not the other way around.” she stated he smiled

“I’m not camera shy... I just can’t wiat for all the calls I’m gonna get after Friday, from collegues to ex- girlfriends all eight of them and family... my mother...cousins and oh yeah cousins wives and husbands, friends..oh it’ll be great to finally be the talk of my cirlce.” she smiled and kissed him moving his shirt off her shoulders to her elbows so she stood in her black tank top and jeans. He smiled “Oh yeah... all other guys back off she’s all mine.” Emily let out a huge laugh

“After this weekend, Orlando Bloom is going to have to be begging girls to look at him agian.” she joked and Rick held her close.

“So we have four days to get ready for them to invade the premises.” Rick stated

“Don’t talk about your nieces like that.” she stated. He luahged and poked her side she yelped and hit him he chuckled and then kissed her one more time. “ I think I’m gonna get to take you shopping you know get all the girl stuff it’s going to be a two week long slumber party.” Mick rolled his eyes and Mike luaghed from the door.

“We will be locked in the T.V. Room down the hall, getting as much sports as we can... Rick we will make it it through this... brother in war... we stand together.” Rick laughed and Emily smiled

“Together as men... together we will bring testosterone into the world of estrogen.” Emily who had left Rick’s arms laughed

“Not if I can help it.” she disappeared into her closet and came out in a top which hugged her sides and exetuated her curves, made her look radiant in the light shade of grey and a piar of nice puma tennis shoes. She looked at Rick, who smiled and mike hit him in the back.

“Yeah not if she can help it...” she looked at him and then Mike stated

“Rick your drooling.” Mike laughed and Rick looked at him then at Em who was sliding off the shoes and into a piar of short heals which made her look thinner and more elegant. She came out again a prada backpack on her arm.

“Your ready?” she asked he snapped out of his trance

“OH you were serious! Give me ten minutes.” she smiled and went back to her laptop. And began typing telling her readers she would be at the Dolce show and she wouldn’t be alone. Then when Rick reappeared in a white button down shirt which hung above his tight jeans and a pair of adidas tennis shoes. She was caught in him he looked down at her and then offered her his hand she accepted it and he pulled her up off of her bed and they walked down hand in hand Mike laughing

“You two are cuter than a sack of bunny rabbits.” Emily smiled and kissed her brothers forehead

“We’ll be back in a few hours ma- any food you want for dinner?” she asked as he sat up.

“Yeah, get me a burger and fries somthing I can scarf down...” Emily scoffed and said okay, then grabbing her keys walked out her boyfriends hand on her hip...

“So where are we going?” he asked she looked at him

“First we have beauty products so a couple of salons and a convinece store, then we have snack food which we have pleanty of right now... so just some back up stuff... then we have movies so the movie store... bedding we have some at home but we need more sheets... then I think we’re done.” she smiled at his expression of shock.

“So this is like make up for having no sisters as a child huh?” he joked she luaghed as she turned out of the long driveway and onto the road.

“Yeah... my mom and I used to have sleepovers all the time it was our Friday night thing.” she smiled as she climbed onto the highway, her car accelerating then as they talked Richard’s cell phone rang and he fished for it scrambling through his pockets then he looked at em who was holding it she smiled and pointed to the cup holder. He laughed and opened it

“Richard Hughes.” Emily got chills, she looked over at him and she said “Erica does your father and mother know your on the phone?” he asked Emily laughed “Yes Emily is in the car with me, we are going shoping to make sure we have enough things for you and your sister to do when you get here.... Erica she’s driving I am not going to put her on....” Emily held out her hand and Rick smiled “But aperently she wants to talk to you.” he handed her the phone and Emily slid one hand to the bottom of the stearing wheal kicking off the heal she poked Rick’s knee alerting him to hold the wheal for a second

“Erica how are you?” she stated as Erica asked her what she should wear to the show on Friday Emily smiled and took the wheal back from richard juggling the phone she plugged in the handless adapter.

“Well I don’t think you have to worry about that, my style team is comming to your house on Thursday to give you your outfits... don’t worry about paying for them... there all free and you get to keep all of it and then they’ll show you how to do your hiar and all that good stuff...it’s like a mini make over... tell your parents so they arent shocked when they arrive.” Rick looked at her with a loving gaze she knew how much these girls meant to him so she was helping him see them. Emily noticed she was close to the store so she told Erica she had to give her back to her uncle while she parked. Rick and his niece talked for about twenty minutes until the younger of the two got on the phone and Richard seemed to glow

“Hey Mags how are you?” he asked soundig excied the seven year old and him talked for a half hour while rick explianed what would happen on Friday. “Emily and I have to go now... so I’ll see you on Friday right?” he asked and a yell errupted from the phone.

“You are the cutest uncle ever you know that.” she stated as she kissed him and climbed out of the car.
“Thank you...your not bad yourself.’ he joked she laughed as they walked into the store hand in hand... Rick tooka deep breath as they filled the cart with nothing but cosmetics food and pink... he looked at the cart then at Emily. “So this is what girls do?” he asked

“What are you a sophmore in high school?” she asked he smiled
“I’m not a girl... I never knew what went on at these parties you guys had.”

“This is what teenagers and preetens do... as we get older they become more extravagent more amazingly fun.... last year me and three of my gals went to Paris for fashion week we got a huge penthouse and the bed we never used, we slept on the floor like we were in high school, we talked about boys and all that jazz.... then we did nials, hiar , make up and after that we went to the shows and then oh then we went shopping I think a spent more money on shoes than I did on the hotel room I swear.” she joked he luaghed at her “What do boys do when they spend the night at eachothers houses?” she asked “Mike’s friends played video games and ate... made a mess and tried to sneak into my room... I swear to god if I see your mate Dan with in five feet of my room agian after he came home with mike for thanksgiving I am going to kill him....!” she laughed

“What did he do?” Rick asked a bit of anger behind his brian
“I woke up right and he was standing outside my door... creepy.” she said Rick luaghed and held her wiast as they waited in line to check out... the male clerk giving them looks as he rang up $900 dollars in beuaty supplies snack foods and sheets. Emily handed him her Black credit card and Rick looked at her “I need the pionts don’t worry about it.” she said

“Em that’s not right.... at least let me pay back some of it.” she laughed and they piled the bags into the cart.

“You’ll just have to make it up to me in some other way.” she joked.

“Oh I will...” he looked at her as she climbed into her car him close behind her. “How do you think... I should you know pay you back.” she smiled

“I’ll think of something.” she stated slyly... “so what movies should we pick up?” she asked

“No horror my brother will kill me, Mags gets scared during the simplest of movies...” he looked at her eyes as a fliar of mischief erupted from them

“Chick flicks it is then.” she stated pulling it to the movie store, Rick moaned and undid his seatbelt. “Get over it, if you don’t want to hang out with us girls you can hang out with my brother in the upstairs room, and you two can talk about nothing and, watch nothing but rugby and soccer.” she joked he hit her arm playfully... she grabbed her arm and pretened to be really hurt and he stopped her and apologized rubbing her arm she looked at him like she was hurt, then out of no where she moved close to him and whispered “The look on your face is pay back enough.” she laughed and walked into the store. He came in after her grabbing her wiast as she laughed

“You! I swear to god.” He lifted her off the ground and the clerk just laughed he set her down and she kissed him.

“I’m sorry, but I cant pass up an opertunity.” she stated as he kissed her asgian. “Now help me find some movies.” she stated pushing him off her. He rolled his eyes and looked at the rows of romance films, kiddie movies and chick flicks.

“How do you watch this rubbish?” he asked

“Girls see a chance at escaping into an imaginary romatic world filled with happy endings and wedding bells.” she laughed as she grabbed about six movies and he came up with two.... “Eight movies is good enough.” she stated

“I get this check.” he stated.
“No...I insist.” she stated he pushed her behind him and payed the bill grabbing his one bag she grabbed his waist “You should’ve let me pay.” she stated

“No... you payed for much more than eight movies...” she smiled and played with his belt loop, and he kissed her head “I know but hey one step twoards paying you back.’ she smiled

“Wasn’t what I had in mind.” he looked at her as she walked ahead of him a quick glance over her shoulder showed that it had regestured...

“Em- are you impling...” she smiled

“I told you, you should have let me pay... now you’ll never know.” she climbed into her car and so did he, then he placed a hand on her knee. She looked at him

“Are we ready for that?” he asked. She grabbed his hand

“The first time your never ready for... then once you let it happen it as if perfection overcame you.” she stated

“Spoken like a true romantic.” she smiled

“No, spoken like John Grisham.” she stated “I read even more than I wright.” she stated as she moved into kiss him. He kissed her, then as passion filled them he looked at her and smiled

“We need to make one more stop.” she laughed as he went into the drug store across the street and walked out with a single bag crumpled up in his hands. He came to the car door which she had locked and he knocked on the window. She looked at him he told her to un lock the door she smiled

“What’s in the bag.” he gave her a look like, ‘don’t you dare.’ “I think you need to tell me whats in the bag.” she joked he reached a hand in and then she unlocked the door, he looked at her sternly. “I opened the door right before you outed us.” she stated he laughed and placed the bag on the floor. She pulled out and for the hour ride home they talked as if nothing wasa going to happen when they got home that night. As the car pulled into the driveway the mood got tense as she turned off the car and slid out grabbing her bags Mike, came out and grabed bags chuckling at all the bags then he went off to bed. Leaving the two alone. Rick looked at her his one bag in his hand. She smiled and walked close to him kissing him softly then pulling on his belt walked past him. He smiled at her as she walked out to the boat. He followed her, inside his nerves were shot but she was amazingly beautiful... and she was all his. He climbed abord the boat looking for her he walked down the stiars to the galley, where she was... her hiar was falling about her losley and her shoes were in a corner of the room already. He smiled at her as he set the bag down then wraping her in his arms she kissed him deeply.

“Well well, that’s the best kiss I’ve ever gotten.” he stated she smiled he kissed her agian then began to kiss her neck and then as he slid her swaeter over her head leaving her in her black bra. She kissed him passsionatly while undoing his shirt leaving him in nothing but his pants and shoes. He slipped off his shoes and then played with her bra while she undid his pants then he and her stood in nothing but thier underwear as she pulled him into the bed room behind the galley. He smiled as he grabbed the bag and slid into the bathroom for about a second then was in the room with her. She and he climbed into the bed h kissed up and down her body as she urged him on with her movements. Then as he kissed her he moved into position, causing a slight moan to escape from Emily’s lips. He kissed her neck holding her close as they persuded their passion for hours on end, then when all strength was lossed from them Rick collapsed next to her she smiled out of breath and exhausted she placed her head on his shoulder. “Emily Banna sex goddess I believe it was.” he stated repeating what she had said earlier. Emily luaghed then placed a hand on his chest he grabbed it and held her close to him. The blankets covered them their legs intertwined nothing but the natural current moving them. Rick fell asleep quickly and before Emily did she thought “Three days ago I had never met you now, I never want to live a day with out you.” she smiled and fell asleep. Then as mike woke up he looked in both thier rooms then when he saw the galley door open he laughed

“Already Em-?” he asked “Just this afternoon... but hey, a lot can happen in four hours.” He smiled and went back to bed. The world slept soundly that night. As morning crept over the world Rick awoke to the sunrise in an empty bed. He looked around his clothes were on the ground his body was sore and he knew that what happened the night before was not just a dream, then he noticed somthing all but his shirt was there, and the boat was moving. He climbed up the stiars in his pants to meet Emily in her jeans and his shirt, she was driving the boat a cup of coffee in her hand and a smiled on her face

“Sleep well?” she asked he laughed

“Yeah you?” she looked up at him as he came close

“Best sleep I’ve gotten in twelve years.” he smiled and kissed her she smiled as he grabbed the wheal. “Oh so your gonna try and take my boat from me huh?” she stated as he
placed a hand on her back

“I would never.” he laughed and she stopped the boat and he wrapped her in his arms she smiled “I only have three days left you by myself, until the girls come and manipulate all of our time...oh excuse me your time.” she smiled and pushed his shirt up her arms so she was covered agian. He walked over to the edge of the boat and sat down looking back at her. “Emily... where are we?” he asked she smiled and walked over to the edge of the boat tossed off his shirt and her jeans.

“You’ll have to follow to find out.” she dove off the edge leaving a small ripple in the water. Rick smiled and tore off his jeans and followed her into the water when he hit the water he couldn’t see her anywhere, his mind raced where was she was she in the darkness below or was she, Whack! He saw her form slide past him and then she shot to the surface, Rick followed her. She gasped for breath as he rose out of the water.

“Emily are you okay?” he asked she smiled as she kept herself afloat.

“Yeah.” she went under and back up.

“So where are we ?” he asked she smiled

“We are at the exact center of the only man made lake with in fifty miles of a city. This is my luck spot.I had my first kiss here.” she stated he smiled and swam close to her.

“Hows about another one?” He smiled and kissed her then as she slid out of his grasp he felt somthing hit his arm he grabbed it then as she climbed on to the boat he realized he was holding her bra, he chuckled and swam over to the boat and grabbed her where she lay on the deck they laughed and he picked her up, she screamed and laughed as he carryed her to thier bed. And then just as they were about to begin Emily heard Mike’s jet-ski pull up and stop

“SHIT!” Emily said Rick flew off her and threw on his jeans tossing her, her clothes as she dressed Mike borded the boat and forced open the galley door. Emily slid into the bathroom as Rick layed down on the couch and pretended to be asleep. Mike smiled as he saw his friend laying there, then he looked around for his sister, then seeing the bedroom door open he looked walked into the room seeing evidence of thenight before he laughed, then as Emily came out of the bathroom wearing Rick’s shirt she froze. “Mike... just hold on...” Mike held up a hand

“Em- I’m not mad...should I be?” he smiled and hugged her “If anything I’m happy it’s somebody good....somebody worth your time.” she smiled and held him back

“Thanks mike.” he pulled away slightly

“But I’m going to pretend I didnt see anything in that direction.” he motioned to the bed and emily blushed at the evidence.

“Don’t worry I’ll clean it up.” she stated as he heard Rick move outside
“Can I just have a little fun, you know like when we used to freak out the guys at school...” he gave her this pleading look she smiled and rolled her eyes,

“What’s our angle...?” she stated

“I pretend to be spittin mad and you play the ‘oh mike please don’t be mad’ some tears would be nice, he’d probably wrap you in his arms and then I burst out luaghing and you pretend to be mad at me jump on the jetski and run away. He’ll chase after you and then he can learn from you it was all a joke... so you up for it?” she smiled and nodded

“Like old times...right.” Mike thought for a second then he looked at her with fake anger and yelled

“WHERE IS HE! I’LL KILL EM’” Rick rushed in

“Mike please calm down.” Emily begged in a convincing tone.

“WHY SHOULD I!? YOU NOTHING FUNNY EH?” Mike pushed past Em sending her to the floor, she looked up at him mock shock in her face as Rick fought of Mike holding him back showing his strength. “YOU SAID THAT NOTHING FUNNY THAT YOU WANTED TO WIAT TILL YOU KNEW HER BETTER! WELL A FEW HOURS WASN’T WHAT I THOUGHT YOU MEANT....I TRUSTED YOU! YOU KNOW SHE’S PRACTICALLY MY WORLD! AND YOU MINIPULATED HER!” Emily stood up and mustered up some anger and extended her voice which frightened both of them.

“MICHEAL ANDREW BANNA! YOU ACT AS IF IT WAS FORCED! I’M NOT SEVENTEEN ANY MORE MIKE! I CAN TAKE CARE OF MYSELF, I KNEW WHAT I WAS DOING AND YOU KNOW WHAT...I DON’T NEED YOU TO PROTECT ME!” Mike whose face couldnt be seen by Rick smiled and winked at her... then bursted out luaghing.

“You two beliaved...HA!...you actually, yeah look at me big mean Mike gonna yell at Em and Rick for dating....” Rick looked shocked and Emily kicked him sending him to the floor, then Rick came over to her and she kissed him then Mike got up and she looked enraged
“YOU!” She pushed him into the wall breaking free of Rick she stormed up the stiars and flew on to the Jet-Ski and zoomed off to the house

“Shit I didn’t mean for that to happen.” Mike stated Rick looked mad at him

“Well what did you think would happen? She was afriad of you getting mad...and you frightened her not to mention you sent her to the floor.” Mike smiled
“You care about her more than you know.” he stated Rick smiled and looked at him

“I’ve only known her for four days and it’s like I’ve known her all my life.” he stated

“Go to her.” Mike stated,

“How? She took the Jet-ski.” he smiled

“I’ll take you.” Mike drove him back to the house and let him off then drove off. Rick walked into the house to find Emily on the couch asleep Max cuddled up behind her. Rick walked up and lifted max up and set him down then slid up behind her. Emily stirred and he felt a tear hit his arm which was under her head.

“Em- you okay....” she wiped her face and nodded

“No your not...Em what’s wrong? Tell me?” she sat up

“What Mike siad...just got to me.” she stated

“What part...when he was about to pound my face in or when he was telling me off about touching you.” she looked down then into his blue eyes

“The latter.” she wiped away another tear and Rick stood up and wrapped her in his arms placing her head on his chest.

“Em everything he said I’m beging to feel the same way.” she looked up at him and smiled he wiped away a tear as it fell

“Same.” she stated

“It’s just wiered I mean ever since the first night a few days ago I’ve felt like I’ve always known you, like you’ve always been a part of me.” she smiled

“ I feel the same way.” she kissed him

“Mike knows he screwd up, he’ll be back soon.”she hugged him and he held her close and kissed her forhead. Then Emily decided not to tell him she had been in on the joke and sat down on the couch rick holding her tight as she fell asleep in his arms, still exhusted from this morning and last night. Rick fell asleep her in his arms and when mike got home and saw it he smiled.

“Soak it up, three days till you cant even kiss.” Mike sat down sliding the remote out of Rick’s hand flipping through the channels trying not to wake either of them, then about three hours later, Rick woke up and looked over at Mike,

“When did you get here?” he asked

“Bout three hours ago.” he stated “Shh... em’s still out.” Rick looked down and smiled

“Like a light.” he joked.

“Or so you two think.” she stated rolling over.

“She’s a light sleeper.” Mike stated

“Yeah and you two need to shut it.” she said her face nesteled between Rick’s head and shoulder. Rick smiled at Mike, who chuckled and turned on sports. Emily moaned in compliant. And Mike laughed
“Then go to bed.” Rick shot him a look like no! And it was to late Emily was already lazily walking up the stiars to her room, when Rick’s cell rang. He lept from the couch and grabbed it

“Richard Hughes.” he answered folowing Em- up the stiars Mike ignoring the conversation taking place on the phone yelled

“Am I gonna have to leave?” Emily flipped him off and walked into her room Rick close behind talking with his brother. Mike laughed at Ricks expression when he closed the phone it was like utter fatigue. Then when Rick entered Emily’s room she was sliding into bed her hiar messed up and her jeans abandoned on the floor in nothing but her tank. He smiled and slid off his shirt and placed it over her shoulders then abandoning his own jeans slid in next to her and wrapped her in his arms. She smiled and fell asleep in his arms, he however just watched her sleep until he realized that it was early evening , then he slid out of the bed pulled on his jeans and walked out of the room, and walked with no shirt to his room then as Mike walked up to his room, he bumped into him “So you two did it again.” he smiled Rick looked at him realizing he was bare chested

“No, we didn’t she was cold...”

“That tends to happen when your naked.” Mike stated

“She had clothes on, my shirt and...” Mike laughed

“Her bra and underwear.” then Emily walked out of the room in what she was asleep in she ignored them and walked down the steps.”C’mon Em- a little decency...”

“Shut up when I’m sleeping and then maybe I’ll think about it.” she stated as they heard her open the fridge and pop off a beer bottle cap.

“At 5 Em” Mike, Emily’s sweet laugh filled the room, and then she came up the stiars a green zipper pouch under her arm. Rick laughed as she took a swig of the beer and went into her room. Mike grabbed Rick as he was about to go in.”let her alone for a minute.” Rick laughed

“Don’t worry mike.” he opened the door and there she was, a large rubber band on her upper arm and seringe in her right hand sticking it into her left arm. Rick fell back shocked “You..your...” she shot her eyes up

“No Rick! It’s not...” he held up a hand and she removed the band and the seringe. He looked at her

“So you have to be high to deal with life...your...you’re an addict...you hide it well, Emily, why.” she looked at him

“It’s not what you think Rick.” Mike stated from the door. “Did you take it?” he asked
she nodded. Rick looked at him

“You know, and you didn’t get her help.” He looked at him in shock. Mike payed him no mind and grabbed a small pen like object from the bag... “Mike your furthering her addiction...” Mike turned on him

“SHE’S NOT AN ADDICT!” He yelled Rick moved back...fear in his eyes.

“I’m a diabetic.” she stated and took the pen from Mike priked her arm riasing a small blue box up to her arm and forced some blood out of her arm, and tested her sugar.

“I’m so sorry...I guess I just...” Emily smiled and showed mike the number he nodded and she closed the bag

“You don’t need to apologize... I know what it looks like.” she kissed him and walked out of the room placing the green bag above the fridge. Mike laughed at him and mocked him

“Your furthering her addiction...how could you not get her help....yeah like I’d let Emily be an addict...hello DOCTOR!” he stated pushing him back jokingly.
“Yeah...I guess I jumped to fast.” he looked down

“Hey, it isn’t somthing she publicizes...when it’s your only flaw and it’s a flaw that can take your life...you don’t tell many people.” Mike walked away and Rick hit his head and sat down on the stairs. He felt like an idiot he had done it agian ruined a relationship. Then he felt a cold drip hit his head...he looked up to see Emily standing over him with a beeer.

“Don’t worry about, I was going to tell you soner or later. So I guess I don’t have to have that conversation agian.” she smiled “Every time they think I’m pregnant...it gets annoying, do I look pregnant?” she asked Rick looked up at her, was it a trap...

“No, most definatly not.” she smiled and kissed him pulling his arms up so they were both standing. “Em- are you sure your stong enough.” she shot him a look

“Are you going to do that now, make sure my sugar’s right...cause I’ve been doing it for close to fifteen years now and I can handle it.” she stated kissing him “But it’s nice of you to worry.” she wrapped her arms around his neck and he moved her into his room. “ I think I’m the one who needs to ask you if your strong enough.” she stated sliding the door open
“Oh I think I can handle Emmy Banna.” she laughed and then looked at him and kicked him off. Pretending to weak she sat up and held her head and then a look of fear came over his face then she started breaking down in laughter.

“The look on your face... OH!..... pricless....!” she stated holding her sides.

“Oh that was just mean.” he grabbed her and tickled as she cried out...Mike meanwhile turned the sound on the T.V. to the piont where he coludnt hear any thing...

“Why in the house...go back on the boat...” he stated holding the volume button firmly down. Emily and Rick began to become close agian when the Rick’s phone went off Emily yelled when it did,

“It’s a sign once a day.” she smiled as he opened the phone

“Huges.” he stated still on top of her. She smiled and played with his belt, he shot her a look like please stop, she smiled and moved so she colud kiss his neck and chest. “Goslin....yes, uh it’s in the third.....” she slid his belt off his jeans. “Uh...cabinet in my office.” she played with his pants and he was fighting off making any noise. “Yep...no problem, have to go, good luck.....BYE!” he hung up the phone and glared at her “EMILY I SWEAR” she silenced him with her lips.

“ if it makes you feel better, you can do that to me when my phone rings.” she stated and then right on cue her phone rang. She gave him a look

‘Well well.” she smiled

“Doesn’t mean I’m gonna pick it up.” she smiled then as it stoped ringing and rang agian then she gave in. And picked up the phone. “Banna.” she stated as her boses voice rang in her ear.

“YOU...YOU....” She pushed rick off her and stood up. He came up behind her and played with her shirt.

“Me what?” she asked hoping she wasn’t fired. Her heart began to race as Rick played with her underwear

“You, my dear need to pay attention.” she turned on Rick and gave him a pleading look.

“I looked at you the same way and did you stop....um no.” she smiled and Jeff began to talk

“At the Dolce show this Friday you my dear have not told me that the guests you are bringing are under the age of sixteen....” she smiled and Rick kissed her neck.

“Does it matter really?” she asked placing a hand on Ricks head which urged him on.

“Well you will need to get a larger car, your itenerary will have to be expanded the gift baskets will be enlarged and it will interfior with your ability to oh I don’t know...DO THE JOB YOU DO AT THE SHOWS!” she smiled

“I come back with my notes give them to you and then from there the fashion department works out the spread and then we do photographs, we have a sitting, Alex interviews we are golden....what two girls and my......” she stoped she was hoping to make Rick a surprise, Rick froze and so did Jeff.

“What....?” rick asked, she covered the phone.

“I was hoping not to let any one scoop you, cause if they do we’ll have photographers everywhere.” she smiled

“Oh! So your not worried I won’t fit in or somthing else...?” he asked

“Of course not, if anything I’d change.” she uncovered the phone and Jeff stated
“So your boyfriend and his...little girls are comming....Emily you are dating and you didn’t tell me, I’m hurt...deeply hurt. But are you sure you can play the...” she stopped him

“There his nieces not his kids.” Rick smiled.

“If I had kids oh...god.” Rick stated, Emily smiled

“Oh so I wont be having you turn into the housewife...GOOD! Now your itinerary and your mock up will be delivered within the hour plus your tickets and the pick up time...Emily you will need to come in tomorrow that way the outfit they have for you and lover boy will be able to get dressed on Friday..bring him in I want to meet him. Oh and Dolce wants you to help with the walks so the models will be here.” she rolled her eyes.

“Fine, I will be in tomorrow, but for no more than two hours.” she smiled at Rick who gave her a look.

“Good, see you then.” she smiled and hung up.

“I have to go tomorrow and you are coming with me.” she kissed him and Richard looked at her,

“What do I wear?” he asked sounding genuinely unsure. Emily let out a laugh and pulled him into his room.

“Get out what you think you should wear to a high end fashion office on a wensday when your with me...well with what you have here.” she stated he smiled and grabbed a white button up shirt a piar of jeans a black suit jackett the one he had worn the Friday when he left from work and a piar of nike’s she smiled “Good, this is good... you know you have a good sense of fashion..” she sounded like she was doting on a 12 year old “But you are after all a man and there for there are a few things we need to change, I mean even Ralph Luaren has a stylist.” she laughed and then she took a black belt from the suitcase and told him not to tuck the shirt in and to leave the top three buttons un buttoned and not to wear an undershirt. He smiled then looked at her with awe

“So this is your job?” he asked “Giving fashion advice?” she laughed

“Only at times at other times it’s just how I get ready for work.” she smiled and kissed him “oh, prepare yourself for Jeff if gay had a posterchild it would be him.” she joked making Richard laugh really hard.

“You laugh at that...like that, jezz you’re an easliy pleased man.” she joked
“No, it’s just that he’s your boss right.” she nodded. “And you talk about him like he’s just some gay friend of yours where as me if I were to say one word about what the partners say I would be sacked in a secdond.” she smiled

“That’s the beauty of the fashion busness we don’t give a shit what people say when it comes to advice or critisiim as long as it is constructive.” she smiled and he grabbed her arm,

“Now this office how upscale?” she smiled

“Let’s put it this way, we screen everybody....EVERYBODY! The queen almost didn’t make it in last year because Harry was wearing last years Polo pants.” she stated in all seriousness “The world of fashion make look weak on the out side but trust me it is more high stakes and stress than American politics.” she joked. He laughed at her and then Mike knock on Emily’s door.

“OKAY YOU TWO I NEED TO GIVE THIS TO EM SO I”M COMING IN.” he waited and Emily heard him get mad when he found an empty room,

“Find anybody?” she asked as she waled into the hall he held out a large white leather briefcase to her she smiled and took it walking down the sitars to the kitchen placing it on the table then opening it took out her mock up and an itinerary which was incased in a black leather portfolio with the London label on the front of it. She opened it then walked up the stiars returning with a piar of glases on her face jeans on her legs, and her laptop under her arm.

“Woah you look like you actualy work.” mike joked Rick just smiled

“Oh, trust me this is a day long project.” she stated. Mike pulled Rick out of the kitchen and they watched television while Emily worked through modifications on the itenrerary and then walking around outside her cell headset on talking with the editing departmen a pen in one hand the book in the other, for about an hour Rick and Mike watched her and thought about what she must be saying.

“No if those shoes are there then the outfit clashes.” Mike mocked

“And if the pants don’t match the prada heals then heaven forbid we even publish it.” Rick added then as both men broke out laughing she looked at them and them and they quickly left the window and ran to the couch. Emily smiled and went back to work then she walked in the house.

“Alex...you cant just switch the colors the entire layout goes by color to switch prematurly will thorough off the reader than then we will lose them for the best of the week slots...not to mention through off the fashion week preview we have less than a month until we leave for paris and that is when we need to be on A game, my column is going to fashion advice and then to personal then the spread will feature the favs for the month and then when we hit fashion week we out sell Elle and Vouge..it’s fool proof....yeah I’m brining the book into tommorow compleate revisons it’ll be in editing in less than twenty four hours...oh and bump the cover girl ad to page seven and bump back the burberry softer colors are in this season so push them for ward....have a good night and I’ll see you tommorow.” she hung up and tore the earpiece out of her ears leaving her glasess on she grabbed the itenerary.
“So Alex got told off....” mike stated, emily began to talk under her breath the men catching just glimpses of it as she walked around

“Vile man....thinks he owns every thing...and thinks I’ll just lay down for him..... ultimate playboy, thinks he can get any girl...should try and get fired....Shit that wont work....”

“What getting him fired?” Rick asked she looked up

“I said that stuff out loud?” she asked Rick looked at her she looked so cute in her glaseses it was like a professional Emily.

“Yeah you did Em-....so your sore at him still.” she gave mike a look as he said this.

“When a guy sticks his hand up your dress and tries to get you in bed just so he can say he bedded you than he has the nerve to come to your hotel room, you do the silent hate...where you pretend your fine and then around his girlfriend of the week at the cocktial parties you sabatoge it, the chance he has at bedding her...call it a way to teach him a leasson make him change his ways.” she smiled and began up the stiars still going through the itenerary.

“So your going to change at least two men before next month...”

“Don’t even say it...” she stated

“Cause you know next month it’s that...”

“MIKE!” she began closing the book

“Huge birthday that you’ve been dreading...what age was it....” she set the book down took off her glases which sent mike to his feet.

“MIKE You have....”

“Thirty seconds...cause you know one for every year you’ve been alive cause in about a month and two days you will be oh yeah THIRTY !” She ran down the stiars and he bolted to the water diving in to the water Emily chasing after him Rick smiling as he walked out side Emily saw Mike surface mid way into the water, she dove in, and chased him then when he was trying to pick her up she pushed him under.
“You...I will kill you....” she stated as he surface and grabbed her wiast ahd threw her over his shoulder then as he grew close to the dock she slid out of his grasp and then after Mike seemed to be fighting somthing in the water Emily stood up about five feet away from him and walked out of the water mike looked shocked. She stood up holding somthing and walked toward the house.

“EMILY GIVE THEM BACK.” he stated she smiled and threw his shorts and underwear on the deck next to the door.

“You have to come get them...” she walked in and Rick laughed

‘She got you good.” he stated

“Yeah...Rick could you, you know...” Rick smiled and picked up the soaking shorts and tossed them to him “Thank you.... all she had to do was say iwas going to be forty god that’s coming up quick.” Rick laughed then they heard Max begin to bark as emily came running out side max close behind her in her hand max’s favorite ball. Mike sezed the opertunity as Emily ran stright into him. “Oh it’s payback em-“ he stated as he grabbed her Max jumping after the ball emily smiled as Max jumped for it hitting Mike who set Emily down then went for the mut. “Hey you...grimy.” the dog’s head sank Emiy hit his arm

“Hey he’s not grimy...he’s my max. Here boy.” she called the dog who jumped on her she lifted the slim dog and made his head look at mike “Look uncle Mike he’s so cute.” she then began to talk s if she were the dog. “no body could say I’m ugly...look at him...” the dog licked Emily’s cheek and then looked at mike Emily gave mike puppy dog eyes. “Take it back uncle Mike?” she asked in the same baby vioce.

“Fine, he’s not grimy just slightly dirty.” Emily satisfied turned to Rick the dog still in her arms.

“Hey Maxie...how you doing?” Rick said scratching the dogs ears as he jumped out of emilys arms leaping for Rick.

“Oh I think he’s just great.” Emily stated

“Mut’s living the high life he’s got the world revolving around him....this is like a huge dog house....he’s eating our food, sleeping in my bed and on my couch....this bugger wakes me up evry night when he has to pee.” Emily laughed

“Nobody said you had to let him you could of come and got me...”

“NOT LAST NIGHT!” he stated entering the house Rick smiled and looked at emily who smiled and walked over to him. He wraped her in his arms and kissed her forhead.
“No definatly not last night.” she laughed and placed her head to his chest. “I need to soak this up cause in three days if we so much as hug Maggie will be disgusted.” Emily held his back tighter and he squezzed her back. Mike threw the ball out the door sending max flying down the deck and into the water the dog yelped as he hit the water and Emily ran after it diving in to grab him. She resurfaced max wriggiling in her arms ball in mouth. She smiled as she set him down and he ran back to mike. She layed down on the deck Rick sitting next to her. “It scared you didn’t it?” he asked.

“Yep... we lost a dog once when he hit to shallow water to hard broke his back, he floated to the top.” she stated shivering. He looked at her, her eyes closed and hiar laying behind her.

“Whats your favorite color?” he asked

“Huh?” she stated sitting up.

“I said I want to get to know everything about her so let’s start... Favorite color?”

“Purple. You?”

“Grey.” she looked at him funny

“Grey...I saw you as a red man.” she joked

“Movie?” he asked

“Oh that’s hard...um probably Roman Holiday...my mom and I used to watch that I guess it just makes me think of her. You and if you say any movie like Die Hard or Leathel Wepon I’m leaving.” she smiled and he looked at her.

‘Promise not to laugh at me?” she smiled

“Depends.”He gave her a look. “I promise.”
“Breakfast Club.” she looked at him with are you serious look “You cant laugh.” she smiled

“Why would I laugh that’s a great movie. Funny, makes me laugh.” she smiled “Like you.” he smiled and kissed her.

“Favorite song?” He wrapped his legs in his arms Emily did the same

“Come away with me.” she stated.

“What...Em-“ she smiled

“It’s a song, by Norah Jones.” she stated the look on his face went form shock to embarasment. “Your favorite song then?” She asked

NO such thing.” she smiled “John Meyer.”

“I know.” she stated rubbing her legs.


“Okay, birthday?’ he asked

“June 6th a month from today.” she stated “You?” he smiled

“December 20th.” she smiled

“So close to christmas either you got a lot for both or a little for both.” he smiled

“My mom used to spiol me on my birthday, my dad used to get me and Joe the exact same amount of presents on christmas. Joe was born really close to easter so he got extra stuff in his basket.” she smiled

“I was born in the heat of summer and Mike in the dead of winter...but our parents made every holiday seem like christmas....EVERY HOLIDAY! I mean we even celabrated this thing called friendship day...it was this day where you had to make a friend and then tell everybody about it...well that was like a sacred event.” she joked

“Your parents sound fun....” Emily looked at the water a memory flooding back of being a teenager mike in his twenties and them swiming being a happy family her mom and dad in love when everything was simple. “Em- you okay?” she looked back at him and wiped away a tear

“Yeah just miss my mom.” she stated “She was like my best friend.” she stated rembering her mom and her doing everything together. Talking, laughing, learning life lessons and such.

“That’s my dad to me. We do a ton of things together in the summer have since I was little.” she smiled and thought about him as a child. “What?” he asked looking at her face

“Just thinking about what you looked like as a kid trying to picture it.” she joked

“I was a nerd.” he stated

“I doubt it.” she stated

“No I WAS” he reached into his pockett and pulled out his wallet and pulled an old wrinkled photo out of the pockett...he handed it to her. She unfolded it and a photo of two young boys and an older man was reveald it looked to be in the early eightes. “That’s me.” he stated pionting to the second smallest boy who had red glasses and a ernie like sweater on....she smiled

“Welll you have changed...but hang on.” she stood up and went inside and came out with a large photo frame. She handed it to rick, and a smiling 10 year old emily looked back...she was beautiful to him even then.

“See you were the cute little girl evry guy wants to date.”

“I hope nobody wanted to date that...” she joked pionting at the frame.

“Well I mean in high school you must have been....”she handed him a smaller frame. A younger yet simmilar Emily stared out of the frame dressed in loose button up top blue jeans and her hiar hanging about her. “That.” he stated

“What, compleatly full of my self...yep.” she stated sounding ashamed.

“No, beautiful....were you homcoming queen, prom queen, did you run with the a croud?” she smiled.

“I was Prom queen but I didn’t hang with the A crowd I moved around when I changed my friends changed...I know I looked like a A-class bitch but I wasn’t...un like Christina.” he shot her a look. “What do you think mike asking me about a friend who happens to have the same problem as a recent letter then when he said your name and hers after she did the whole jealuos game with you..I figured it out...I’m not stupid Rick.” she smiled and he stood up.

“Your not mad?” he said grabbing her arms

“I’m a light sleeper Rick I heard what you said the other night.” he gave her another look.

‘You did?” she smiled and kissed him.

“I did...” he hugged her.

“God that’s a load off.” he joked she laughed and then they walked in Rick trying to slide the senior picture out of it’s frame

“You don’t want that.” she stated

“But I do, it’s you!’ he held it up. “I need somthing of you to put in my apartment so when I get home from work I have a sense the good life I’m living so far this of this month.” she smiled.

“Then before the end of the month we will each have a picture of us to put in our apartments.” she joked. “Maybe we could have mike play Paparatzi.” she joked agian only to hear

“HELL NO!” she smiled and rick laughed

“I know ever since I made you do that and caught the nieghbor doing that you wont do it agian.” Rick looked at her with a what the look. “We caught the swingers party going on next door.” she whispered, Mike came in the room and looked at the pictures

“Hey, Em- I still have your senior picture in my wallet.” he took out the wallet and the formal picture of Emily sitting in a chiar by a widow wearing a gold dress the sun hitting her.

“SEE!” Rick stated

“No! I was still not what your thinking...if you want my pro dress is still upstiars and I know I can fit into it you can see.” she joked

“OH that might come up later.” Mike gaged on his bear.

“NOT WHEN I’M IN THE ROOM OR DRINKING....I think I threw up in my mouth.” Emily laughed and punched him.

“Oh get over yourself, you and your girls we’re always talking like that.” she stated

“Well we had the decency to talk quietly.” he said through clenched teeth.
“NO, you didn’t...and you weren’t quiet at night either.” she stated

“Oh Em- like I ever...” she looked him dead in the eye.

“Wanna Bet?” she asked Mike looked at her like what are you playing at. “I stayed over at your flat one night and the sounds I heard still haunt my dreams.”

“OH that was Michelle she didn’t quite understand how to be courtios.” he stated leaving the room.

“You two need to calm down.” Rick joked.

“Oh we always have stupid fights or compations.” she joked looking at the time. “You need to look over this we’ll go over it with your nieces in the car...it’s nothing major just has all our passes and the times the cars will pick us up and what time the show statrts the press relaes contracts just leave it here or bring it up to me I need to go to sleep.” he nodded and opened the binder and read through everything for the next three and a half hours until he heard Emily’s phone ring on the stiars then her door swung open and an obviously exhusted emily walked out of the room. She stumbled down the stiars Mike chuckling at her. “Hello?” she asked sounding compleatly exhusted. “Go to bed Alex...I’ll see you tommorow...no!” she hung up and left the stiars Rick sat the binder down and followed her.

“So he’s trying to do what at this time. It is after all almost ten.” she looked at him like ‘what?” then she nodded

“He’s still trying to get me to lay down for him, tries everyday to get me to dinner. You wanna kill him for me, I’m not good at that sort of thing.’ she joked he laughed as she slid into bed.

“If he tries anything tommorow he’ll regret it.” he stated kissing her and then closing her door walked to his own room.

“Sorry she’s to tired mate.” Mike stated Rick looked at him with you ass look “I was kidding, it’s just I can’t wiat till you meet Alex, I think I’ll go with you two tommorow you know hold you back let her deal with him the way she always does.” he laughed
“What?” Rick asked

“Last time I went with Em- her and Alex were in a kinda of relationship he was all over her and she hated it....so she jabbed a heal into his foot then knocked him to the floor by kneeing him between the legs and then to top it all off she walked on him to get to the door in five inch heals...it was the mast amazing thing I have ever seen....neadless to say she and him pretend to be friends and then when he tries somthing she turns on her heal and he runs.” Rick laughed

“I would love to see that...personaly I want to meet Jeff.” Mike looked up at the sky.

“He’ll come on to you and try to do anything to turn you...stay away from the darkside.” Mike joked

“Homophobic Mike?” Rick asked

“No it’s just I don’t know I like my life just the way it is I don’t need those thoughts right now....I’m all for the right to chose your prefrence, just mine is solid.” Mike stated as he grabbed another beer.

“You should take it easy on the beer mate.” Rick stated
“Hello Emily how are you?” Mike stated

“He’s right Mike.” emily stated walking out of her room.

“Emily I’m not....” she shot him a look.

“Mike how many have you had today?” she asked walking down the stiars.

“Four.” he stated.

“Including that one?” she asked Rick not knowing what was going on.

“Yes including this one.” He gave her a look. She took the beer and sat it down grabbing his hands looking him in the eye.

“Mike, your worried about me when I drink....but you know what happened after Dad left.” he stood up and looked her in eye.

“I’m not going back down that road....” he stated kissing her forhead. The he left the beer walking away.

“You promise M?” she asked “You swear on a million red m &m’s?” she asked

“I swear on million red M&M’s, and two million snow caps E.” He left the house walking on the deck letting his head hit his chest she lost smiled Rick looked at her as a tear fell down her face.

“Em what was that about?’ Rick asked comming up behind her, she thought back to driving up to the recked car Mike sitting on the side of the road his head in his hands and his eyes stianed with tears. She remebered looking at his fiance’s body in the hospital bed knowing what had happened knowing what went on...she looked at her brother than at rick.


“A month after my dad left Mike and his fiance were out having a drink, she had, had a few less than Mike and she decided to drive home, mike was fighting off sleep when Vera lost control....” Emily looked at Mike as he walked away towards the beach. “I came two hours later to the hospital...Vera was gone mike had broken his arm and leg, but the emotional damage that it caused him killed even me...he’s never been the same. He tries to forget her but he still can’t she haunts him when he tries to move on, I just rember being the one who had to tell him, I had to walk into the room just two years and a month after he sat in the hospital with me and I had to walk into that room, him asking me how she was, having to look him in the eye and say the only woman he ever loved more than my mom and I was gone, and to top it off he could of saved her, if he had known that I was no more than two blocks over I could of saved her...” she was crying and her vioce wavering.

“Em- it’s not his or your fault...it was just her time to go.” she looked at him “We all have a time limit on this planet before we leave and when we do it’s because we’ve done what we need to do on this earth...I bet Vera is looking down on both of you right now wanting you two be happy, knowing that your eyes are far to beautiful to hold tears and mike’s far to good a man to beat himself up over something he couldn’t control.... I know that if I was close to jioning this family and then I was taken I know I’d want you two to be happy, live a good life with me in your memories.” Emily looked at him compassion in her eyes

“My mom said that just before she died, she looked me in the eye and she said... Emily.... when I go...at what ever time weather it’s tonight or a year from now, I want you and Mike to live your life to the fullest...don’t let my memory slow you down... always always live like it was your last day, and always know that I’m here.” she placed a hand to her heart, and then “And here.” she placed a hand to her head. “And I will never leave you never no matter if I’m dead and with god...I will always be with you, cause I’m your mother and you can’t get rid of me that easy.” she laughed through her tears. “And the last thing Vera said acording to the paramedics was ‘tell mike I love him...and my parents I love them, my sisters that I’m sorry and I love them and tell Em- that I wish we could have been sisters.” Emily looked at him. “Wow you come out for a vaction and then you learn every family secret there is.” she joked he smiled and hugged her
“Emily I said I wanted to know everything about you....EVERYTHING!” he stated looking at her. “Before I left, I thought it would take months to get over Christiana after what she did to me, what I let her do to me...I thought was forever going to have to live with her in my memory, but then I met you, and then just the way you looked at me, the way you treated me like I was somthing, somthing better than what I thought I was...you treated me like family from the second I heard your vioce in the car....Emily you have changed my life even though I’ve only known you for four days...but that’s what makes it so amazing the past four days are like a new life, a life that I want to keep living for as long as I can....” she smiled and looked at him

“Rick when I left my life was going in the direction I wanted it to go in, I had been promoted gotten a raise , everything was great...at work...but when it came to my love life, it wasn’t anything I had expected...I’m almost thirty and I have never had a boyfriend for longer than two years...and derek dumped me, I had just expected to be married to the right guy ir even the wrong guy...but I’m glad I wiated.” she stated kissing him, then when she parted from him her eyes still closed, she smiled and then looked out at her brother. “I need to go talk to mike.” she stated kissing his cheek.

“I’m going to bed.” he stated she kissed him goodnight then Emily walked out to her brother her bare feet crunching the wet grass in the dead of night. Mike was sitting on the edge of the dock his feet dangliling off the edge his toes skiming the water, his sky blue eyes fogged and filled with tears his shoulders hunched forward his hands grasping his knees his mind remebering everything about her the curves of her face, her voice, her mind, her body, the way she looked when he woke up next to her, the day he proposed , the life they had planned, the wedding they had planed, the world they lived in, the last time he saw her alive, and how he felt when he knew sombody loved him truly loved him, in a way different then a brother or a son loved him like a man wanted him to be the father of thier children, loved him enough to grow old together, how it felt to kiss her. It tore at him with each tear a new gash ripped into his heart. He heard Emily’s feet hit the dock as she came close to him her body shivvering. As her blonde hiar coiled around her face in the wind, her mind going over what to say. She slid one leg off the deck holding the other to her chest as she sat down next to him. He didn’t look at her he didn’t want her to see him like this, he was supposed to be strong, like a dad to her...at least that’s what he thought. She looked at him and placed a hand on one of his hands.

“ Mike....” she began but he grabbed her hand and then wiped away a tear, she grabbed his chin and turned it to her, “You don’t have to try and be strong...not for me....I know it’s hard, I cant even imagine how hard it is for you.” He looked at her then grabbed her other hand

“I just don’t want you to look at me differently then you do now... you look at me as if I was superman or somthing.” she stopped him

“Mike, you are the one solid thing in my life, you have been through everything with me, you have saved me from me and my fear, you’ve stood by my side through thick and thin, and though sometimes guys that I date say that you and I need to become less close, change our relatioship so we aren’t so in eachother’s lives...and I know if I stay with rick he’s going to be begging me to have you blocked from my phone or kick you out when you stay over, or have you commited....no matter what happens I never will cause with out you Mike, with out you I just don’t make sense. I’ve alway’s been Mike’s baby sister the annoying one the one had to follow your shadow and you know what I loved it, because from your shadow I found my own way to shine. Mike you are as much a hero as anyone could find, you’re a big brother and that is what a hero to me is...” he smiled and wrapped her in his arms.

“I don’t make sense with out you either Em.” he stated letting tears fall down his face. “Em- if I ask you somthing can you answer me truthfully.” he asked wiping his face. She smiled and nodded “Do you really hate dad?” she looked at him then at the water


“You can’t hate your father, you can hate his attitude or anything he everdid to you but you can’t hate him...I don’t hate dad, I just wanted to make him proud wanted to show him that I wasn’t a fialure that I could do somthing.....somthing to make him proud so he could just look me in the eye and say ‘Emily I’m proud of you.’ that would make my life complete to one day hear those words from him, to hear them and know he means it.” she stated as she met his eyes.

“Em- you know I’m proud of you right?” she smiled
“Yes and you know I’m proud of you.” he smiled and nodded then Mike grabbed her as she was about to walk away.

“You better stay with Rick...unless he does anything to hurt you.” she smiled

“I have a feeling we will be together for a while and I know he wont do anything to hurt me.” she smiled and helped him to his feet. “You know that Vera would want you to move on want you to fall in love again.” she stated he looked at her, with a I know but I don’t want to listen look. She hugged him and kissed his forehead then walked into the house...and thought lets lighten the mood. She walked up sitars and waited to hear mike enter his room when she walked into her closet and slid into the white dress with a red ribbon around the waist she had worn close to 11 years prior to that date. She smiled pulled her hair back into a bun and slid the shoes she wore on that night on her feet, then looked in the mirror, “God what was I thinking.” then it dawned on her...she slid out of the dress and slid on some slinky underarments that were the exact oppisite of the dress, pure black with no innocence in them whatsoever...then she slid the dress back on and walked down the hall and into Ricks room he was sitting his laptop in his knees his glases sliding down his nose. He looked at her then a look of shock rianed over his face.
“Emily...” he stated sliding the laptop off his legs and standing up in a piar of sweat pants and a white t-shirt. His glases made him look older more sopisticated where as the dress Emily was wearing made her look younger. “So this is the dress.” he stated grabing her wiast spinning her around.

“Yeah, I wore this eleven years ago...prom night.” she stated remebering.

“So how long did you wear it that night?” he asked placing a hand on her wiast holding the other as if to dance with her, his hiar messed up from running his hands through it.

“Through the dinner and the dance then about twenty minutes into the car ride home.” she stated laughing he let go of her and walked over to his laptop and hit a few buttons and then walked over to her and twirled her one more time and her favorite song began to play, “Oh so you are reaserching me now.” she joked as he came closer to her.

“No, but I just wanted to hear your favorite song and you know I like it...a lot Reminds me of you now..” he stated pulling her wiast close to his placing a hand on the small of her back and holding her hand and he began to dance with her to the soft tune of the song, she came closer and placed her head on his shoulder as the words surrounded them...he held her close and smiled to himself as she sighed. He pulled back as the song ended and the computer screen flew into it’s screen saver. “One minute I’m researching the next I’m dancing with you in this getup.” he stated playing with the red ribbon.

“Oh that’s better than what Josh said on prom night.” she joked as he kissed her, rubbing his hands up her back, as she slid out of the shoes he kissed down her neck and unzipped the back of the dress and slid off it’s straps he saw the black strap benath the white he smiled.

“Oh so there’s a surprise under here.” he stated sliding off the dress as he pulled her out of it she wrapped her legs around his waist as he carried her two feet to the bed falling on top of her he slid off his glasses and set them on the table next to the bed...he looked at her as they climbed beneath the sheets sliding off his pants and then his t-shirt showing his muscular form, he wrapped her in his arms sliding off the slinky under garments she was wearing as she slid off his boxers placing them in the same position as the night before...she kissed him passion behind her lips, she wrapped his back in her arms, as he entered her not moving further he kissed her and afraid to move further knowing Mike might hear she whispered in his ear.

“Mike sleeps like a rock.” he laughed and kissed her neck slowly moving further causing a moan to escape from Emily’s mouth urging him on, slowly but surely thier hips fell in to a rocking motion as Emily’s and Rick’s breath grew heavier, then Emily’s body began to arch towards Rick...he loved this being pressed agiant her like this...to him she was perfection and to have her like this was his deepest disre. He kissed her neck and pushed further as both thier bodies began to convulse and they lost all power he fell to her side as she wrapped the sheet around her turning on her side, he did the same facing her as she smiled and drew close to her,he placed a hand on her waist as she placed a hand just below his neck, laying it on his chest. He moved his hand and held hers holding thier palms toghether. She smiled and placed her head close to his and closed her eyes. He played with her fingers then dancing his own fingers down her palm and her arm, then he kissed her and she fiantly kissed him back as she teetered between sleep and dreaming. Then he placed her hand on the pillow next to her head and then pulling her close entwined his legs with hers and slid his hand to the bottom of her back then as he fell asleep the last thing he saw was her asleep close to him a slight smirk on her lips and a at peace look on her face. He smiled and closed his eyes. In his mind he thought I could fall asleep to that every night. He felt her breath on his chest and the warmth of her body as he drifted to sleep his mind slowing down. Emily in the middle of the night opened one eye and looked at him as his hair fell on his face elegantly and she brushed a bit of it out his face he grabbed her hand. “Go back to sleep...I’m gonna....go...”

“I’m asleep and your not going anywhere.” he stated holding her hand tighter.

“Forceful.” she joked

“How can you make jokes at this time?” he asked his eyes still closed

“I’m not normal.” she stated he opened one eye

“No your perfect.” he stated she smiled

“You would know.” she stated

“Good come back, now sleep. And if I so much as feel you move I’m going to have to do this.” he ttickled her side and she giggled then slid close to him and he closed his eye and then she smiled ans closed her eyes, falling back into sleep. Then when Rick knew Emily was asleep he opened his eyes and looked at her soaking her in every inch of her he memorized her face the way she was right then the pale moon light glowing on her skin, her face at peace no stress, no fear, just as he wanted her, he never wanted to see her afraid or upset. She smiled

“Stop staring at me and go to bed...your freaking me out.” she stated slyly almost like he had earlier.

“I’m asleep and you woke me up.” he lied

“Uh- huh...you stick with that story...council.” she stated
“Oh, so you’re the lawyer now?” he joked

“How can you make jokes at this hour?” she asked

“I’m not normal.” he retorted

“ No, you’re perfect.” she stated opening her eyes. “But you need to stop staring at me.” she stated

“I’m not staring...” he began.

“What evidence do you have to negate my acusation?” she asked

“Woah, that was a good use of vocabulary.” she smiled and closed her eyes

“Fine you wernt staring but you need to bed.” she breathed deeply and he closed his eyes and both fell asleep until morning crept in Rick waking first sliding his arm off of Emily grabbing his glasses sitting up grabbing the cliam file from his bed side table he looked over at Emily then he slid his glasses on his face and began to review the file until Emily stirred and opened her eyes to see him sitting there she smiled and he looked down at her.

“Morning...” he stated setting the file down. She rolled on to her back

“Morning.” she yawned sitting up holding the sheet to her chest. “What time is it?” she asked and he looked at the clock

“Ten.” she shot him a look

“Shit!” she grabbed the sheet and ran out of the room, then he remebered that she had to go to work and he was coming. He too shot up showered and got dressed in what she had told him to. Then when he walked into her room she was wearing not what he expected, she was wearing normal clothes “I’m hitting the fashion department before the meeting.” she explianed. He nodded then walked out her close behind to meet mike dressed hamsoly in high fashion.

“In case I had to go with you somwhere...though you aren’t wearing normal work clothes.” she smiled

“Going to the fashion department when I get there. You two are going to wiat either in my office or Jeff’s depends on what I have to do when I get there she stated grabbing the briefcase making sure eveything was in it walking out of the house, climbing into her car Mike and Rick close behind Rick holding his glasses and file sliding the rims to his eyes he watched as emily slid a piar of pumps on and pulled her hiar back fixing her make up and then turning on the car and then zooming out of the driveway showing reclese driving.

“Em- c’mon it’s not worth killing your big brother.” she smiled

“If it would make you shut up than yes it is.” she stated pulling on to a faster road. She got them there in record time sliding the book out of the biref case and her I.D. badge held it up to the entry gate stating guests handing them guest badges and then walking into the elevator both men behind her. She looked at her watch. “Okay, Jess will rake you to Jeff’s office and then once I’m ready and have dropped this off to editing I’ll save you.” she stated as the doors opened and the white office busling with activity and fashion spralled out infront of them. Emily walked out to a woman in black pants and a tight black shirt. “Jess could you take these two to Jeff’s office I have to hit fashion and Editing.” she nodded

“The new gucci’s are in.” she stated Emily smiled and kissed Rick and Mike

“Be strong.” she whispered to both, and then walked off.

“Follow me.” Jess stated leading them down a different hallway, to a white elevator, she pushed the button and looked at them “He’s wiating for you...Emily should be up shortly.” the men borded and Mike smiled

“This is going to be fun.” he stated as the doors opened and four sets of glass doors seperated by short hallways flew open and the men who had opened them turned and the two walked down the hall way to meet a huge office and the dead middle at his large white desk Jeff sat his eyes shot up and he smiled

“Well Well, Micheal and....” he stated causing mike to want to hold back laughter

“Richard Hughes.” Rick stated as he out streched his hand and Jeff took it shaking it he smiled

“The boyfriend.” he stated. Rick smiled, and then stated

“Yes...” Jeff smiled

“I know that look...good, she needs you, speak of the devil...” the eleavator binged and the doors opened and Emily who had, had her back turned to the room turned around on her Gucci heal and walked down the hall her body clad in a piar of skin tight jeans, a sexy black top under a white jacket her hiar stright and flowing behind her, in her hand the white briefcase. Her apperence made Rick’s jaw drop he had never seen her like that she was like an angel in couture. She smiled at both men as she came into the office Jeff standing up and wrapping her in a hug.
“Oh if it isn’t my favorite little prodigy.” he stated she smiled and hugged him back.

“Hi Jeff.” she relesed him and he walked behind the desk Mike directed Rick to sit with him in the sitting area away from the desk as Emily opened the case and set the book down in front of him sliding her glasses on they began to go over her edits.

“Emily to move the dolce add up in the issue will....” Rick caught as he and mike flipped through the channels.

“Promote thier line which we are featuring in the pony.” she retorted.
“Very well.” Jeff stated as Rick listened to the television which was very low for about an hour, then it happened the elevator bell rang agian and the doors flew open and Mike and Rick watched as Alex entered the room, Rick looked at Mike as if to ask is that him and Mike nodded then he did it emily had turned from him and was filing thriugh the pages when he slid his hand around her wiast and brushed her hiar off her neck and then as Rick and Mike’s blood began to biol and he moved his hand up her arm she did it, she grabbed it and twisted it behind him making him spin losing his grip of her wiast.

“I’ll break it you know I will.” she spat at him. “And my doctor brother can reset if I I do.” Alex looked over to the men and she realesd.

“Hey Mike!” Alex stated moving to the seat furthest from emily.

“Alex.” he stated and then Emily dropped the book in his lap causing him to cringe, and mike to laugh under his breath. Rick smiled.

“Jeff I’ll go down to reserch drop off the walk tapes we have in fashion and have them messengered to the Dolce studio and then I’ll grab the reports sign the contracts and ask Jake if he’s free then get him his press badge and have the publicity team handle his itinerary.” Jeff nodded “Alex be a doll and drop that off for me.” she stated walking over to the men and they both stood up Mike smiling and Rick smiling even bigger, she smiled back and walked toward the elevator them close behind. Then as the doors closed she turned to mike. “DID YOU SEE THAT!” she asked. Rick and Mike Nodded, a smile on thier faces.

“Nice moves Em” Mike stated.

‘Yes you showed him.” Rick stated kissing her she smiled and Mike smiled finally understanding the attraction. The doors opened and Emily stepped off and began to her office. Rick slid his hand into hers and she smiled and squeezed it. He smiled as she opened the door to her office which was about half of Jeff’s but still large.


“Emily the really promoted you.” Mike stated. “She used to be in a 3 by 5 cubucle downstiars.” Mike explianed. Emily nodded.

“Yeah that smelled like rotten milk.” she stated as she sat down in her chiar picking up her phone. She dialed a few numbers then looked at the desk. “Yes Phiona can you send a messenger with the walk tapes to the dolce studio...thank you, I also need, publicity to check and make sure that Jake is free for Friday to shoot the show and then have the contracts I dropped off to the front desk filed and then I’m good.” She smiled and thanked Phiona and then hung up. “We’re done.” she stated standing up.

“That’s it?” Rick asked

“For today yeah...not that much goes into this show week, when I’ve done this about thirty times I can do it in my sleep.”she stated grabbing her purse a large prada sack. Then a knock came at the door... “Open.” she stated. And in walked a medium hieght man with deep brown eyes and dressed in a three piece suit. Holding to garmnet bags and two large leather bags. “Oh I almost forgort, thank you Fredrick.” the man smiled and handed her all of them and then left. She handed the larger of the bags to Rick and then one of the leather bags which he slung over his shoulder draping the bag over one arm Mike laughing at the expression on his face.

“Em- had me in a tux for the fashion galla last year.” He rolled his eyes and then as emily did the same grabbing her purse agian and then her keys, then she opened the door and smiled cocked her head and stated .

“It got you how many phone numbers?” she asked Mike laughed, and they walked out of the office Rick and Mike noticing the looks Emily was getting the looks of awe from interns, getting checked out by men and looks of hatred from other wemon who wanted to be her. She smiled as they glimbed on the elevator and the second it closed she tore off the coat and slid a sweatshirt over her shoulders zipping it up stuffing the coat into her purse.

“Don’t like the coat Em-?” Rick asked

“No, it’s itchy, it rubs me the wrong way.” the doors opened and they walked to her car where lone behold Alex was sitting on the hood just above the front tire.
“Emily I was just coming to apologize...” she looked at him with a disbelieving look.

“And...” she stated knowing a dinner invatation was next.

“And I’d like to know if you and your friends are up to dinner?” Rick got hot he was mad he had even tried. Emily sild a hand into Ricks calming him down stating I’m not going anywhere with out words.

“No, my brother my boyfriend and I have to be getting back to the house.” she stated at the word Boyfriend Alex’s face grew cold.

“Richard Hughes.” Rick stated with an out streched hand.

“Alex Richards.” he stated taking his hand and shaking it.


“Now if you’ll excuse us we have to get home, I said two hours and I’m at two and a half.” she stated. Opening her door climbing into the drivers seat.

“Well I’ll see you later then, bye Emily.” she smiled poped the trunk and layed both garment bags into the trunk and then the leather bags walked back to the drivers seat mike sliding into the back Rick next to Emily.

“Bye...ass hole.” she stated into the wheel as she pulled out and drove out of the city slowly having now hurry, then he saw her....Richard saw Christiana she was walking into Belsen and Fergason the largest firm in the city he took a deep breath. “What’s up?” Emily asked looking at him
“Nothing....” she gave him a look.

“Uh huh...spill.” she stated

“I know....” Mike stated

“Good for you.... it’s a first.” Mike hit her head.

“Hey....” she flew a hand behind the chiar smacking his leg. Rick jumped for the wheel as Mike grabbed her arm. She stoped the car and Mike let go. “I’m not moving till you tell me what’s wrong.” she stated looking at him.
“It’s just I saw christiana and it still hurts you know.” he looked at her, she smiled

“I know.” she statrted the car and drove toward the house, her mind wanting to find somthing to say and then out of no where Rick’s cell rang.

“Hughes.” he stated answering the phone. “Erie...what....oh I know....no it’s fine, she wont care I’m sure.” she looked at him and mouthed “What?” he looked at her and then he said

“I’ll tell you later.” she nodded, then she felt weak...she pulled into a Mcdonalds, parked and sat there. “Erie I have to go...I’ll ask her. You too bye.” Mike looked at Emily and so did Rick both didn’t say a word. Then mike started

“Em- you okay?” He asked, she nodded and held her head, with one hand.

“Mike Drive I need to lay down.” she slid into the backseat and layed down on the soft seat.

“Your sugar?” Mike asked she shook her head and rolled onto her back.

“My head.” she stated “Just gonna get a Migrane can feel it coming...the office does that to me.” she stated and closed her eyes. Mike and Rick drove home quitley talking while Emily slept soundly Rick checking on her every few minutes. Then as if out of nowhere she sat up and grabbed her bag opened it and found some meds to cure the headache.

“Em- no pill popin.” Mike joked she held the bottle in front of him it was perscribed for frequent migranes and stress disorder to her and Mike had perscribed it.

“Satisfied.” she stated taking them with no water.

“Ow! Em- I cant even do that.” Mike stated turning the car.

“You learn from ten years of migranes at fashion shows and office work where food and water are never in high quantitiy.” she stated laying back down, Mike rolled his eyes and a gucci heal hit his arm.

“HEY!” she smiled
“WATCH THE ROAD!” she yelled then held her head and slumped back. Mike swerved out of an oncoming car’s path.

“Good eyes Em” she smiled weekly and then closed her eyes and fell back asleep then Mike and Rick began to talk for a little longer.

“So, how are you two doing?” Mike asked Rick who was dosing off.
“Fine...no great, I think I’ve never been happier.” he said softly Mike smiled

“Em- has that affect on people.” Rick smiled and so did Emily, then as the house came in view Emily smiled and sat up bringing one foot on to the seat, Both men looked back at her.

“What?” she asked rubbing her temple.

“Better?” rick asked, she shook her hand to say so so and she was, titering between a migrane and being just fine.

“Well at least your that good.” Mike stated she gave him a look and he laughed, stoped the car in the driveway. Rick grabbed his things as did Emily and the three went inside.

“What was going on with Erica?” Emily asked hanging her garment bag up in the front closet Rick’s next to it.

“She wanted to know if she could get you to sign some things like pictures for her friends.” Emily smiled

“As long as it’s not her report card then yeah...not that she’s a bad student I’m sure she is a good student, just that a kid had me sigh his report card and I got a call from his school asking if I was his legal guardian....so I don’t do report cards.” she stated and walked up the stiars sliding her shoes of and setting them on the top step then as she entered her room she heard Rick open his door then ten seconds later came in her room holding her prom dress, she smiled took it and hung up back in it’s plastic wrap coffin in her closet. “You shall never see the light of day agian.” she whispered to it rick laughed...

“So that was a one time thing?” he asked

“I went to two proms and four homecomings I have more dresses.” she stated sliding into her bed. Rick chuckled and kissed her head

“Feel better, two days!” he whispered she smiled and kissed him then closed her eyes and moved into the position she could sleep in. Rick smiled and left the room and walked into his and sat down on his bed and thought for what seemed like hours about what the past five days had done to his life, his girlfriend who he had just seen in a new light after seeing her in her office setting. She was so powerful, so un like the laid back Emily he knew, she seemed to be an entirely different person, but he didn’t dislike it...in fact it was nice to see that she wasn’t just Mike’s baby sister and the girl who he had shared a bed with twice, kissed numerous times, held conversations that he could never hold with another person. He smiled as he remembered her face this morning when he woke up, he smiled and closed his eyes and saw it so perfectly in his mind...the slight sunlight peaking into the room, her soft skin beneath the tan sheets, her lips slightly parted and her hair the beautiful golden color of it falling about her not daring to touch her face, yet flowing behind her with a grace un achieved by anything he had ever seen. Then as if to pull him out of his state his phone rang.


“Hello?” he asked sounding tired.

“RICHARD! My dear boy...how are you my darling...” he laughed

“Hello Mom...I’m doing just fine, how’s Dad?” he smiled at his mother.

“Oh your father’s fine...being a bit over baring retirement dose not suit your father.” Richard laughed.

“Oh so he cant live unless he’s bossing someone around...I bet the poor interns miss him so much, tell him to take up golfing or boating...or...”

“Boating, that would be great...what brought that up? What made that pop into your little head...dear? You were never a sportsman.” Richard smiled

“You talk to Joe lately?” he asked hoping she hadn’t

“No but Erica called she was more excited then when she learned she was going to that show with you and your....well what is this Emily?” Rick looked up at the door and rolled his eyes got up and walked around. “Richard I asked you a question who is this Emily?” Rick felt a pair of arms wrap around his waist and all fear of admitting that they were together disappeared.

“Well Emily is...” she smiled and kissed his cheek wrapping her arm under the on which held the phone. “Mom, Emily is my girlfriend.” he stated wrapping a arm around her.

“THANK GOD! SO HOW LONG ?” His mother exclaimed from the other end. Emily laughed and sank into his chest.

“Four days...we met well six days ago.” he laughed as Emily gave him a look

“Oh Richard you sound happy...I’m so glad.” Emily smiled and looked at him

“So your love life is a family affair?” she asked he smiled

“I come with a perk package...” he joked

“That’s a bad joke Richard.” his mother responded “May I say hello to Emily?” she asked hoping not to push herself on this girl and drive her away.

“Emily would you want...” Emily stuck out a hand for the phone
“Sure!” she stated taking the phone “Emily Banna.” she stated into the phone

“Hello, I’m Ellie Richard’s mother...you must be the girl who sent my granduaghter the invitation that has the entire family aware that her future carrier will be in fashion merchandising...is that what your in Emily?” she asked

“Hi, I’m Emily and no I’m a columnist and assitiant Editor at London.” she stated in a professional tone “And I didn’t mean to cause any trouble it’s just Ric-Richard seemed wanted to see Erica and Maggie and since he was with me and my brother... I offered for them to come spend the weekend out here... I mean we have lots to do out here, we have a boat a couple of Jet-ski’s and I’ve always wanted to have little sisters and I don’t know I have a lot of stuff out here...I mean my office is like a teenage girls heaven and I get all this stuff that I don’t use for free and I just thought it would be a good idea.” She said in a please don’t think much of it...it’s really no problem tone.

“It was no trouble...I’m glad Richard found somebody like you....you seem to be so happy....full of life.” Emily laughed and thought about the comment.

“Oh yeah that’s me....no I’m only just waking up from a nap.” she stated in her little witty way which made Ellie launch into a fit of laughter.

“Oh! Emily you make me laugh... I will have to meet you in person....perhaps when you and Richard return the girls...then you should come over for dinner the whole family will be here, at our house.” Richard heard this and slid the phone from her hands just as she was about to accept

“Mom, can we not push the entire family on-.”

“Rick! NO! I want to meet them. I mean you’ve met my family.” she joked and Rick shot her a look like I swear no you don’t.. “Ellie I’m Coming!” she yelled so she could hear her, Ellie smiled and listened to her son.

“EMILY!” Rick stated raising his voice.

“Richard don’t raise your voice.” His mother said in a stern tone, Emily smiled

“Yeah don’t raise your voice.” She said getting a look like you better run.

“Mom..can I call you back..?” He said in a rushed tone

“Sure...” Rick threw the phone down and grabbed Emily laughing.

“I swear you don’t want to meet them....” he was on top of her on the bed and she was smiling, holding his sides.

“Nobody can be as bad as you think...” She said in a innocent tone. He rolled his eyes and looked in her eyes

“Yeah they can.”
“I’ll be the judge and I’m sure I’ll love them.” She said trying to convince him.

“Yeah, you’ll just love my family....” He said dryly, Emily smiled and grabbed his head.

“I’m sure I will.” she stated in a non joking manner which made him laugh

“Oh they cant be that bad.” she yelled making him laugh harder.

“Nope! They are.” He yelled back

“Well nothing beats Mike.” she joked in a raised tone.

“Yeah he takes the cake.” Rick agreed, she laughed as Mike yelled

“I heard that!” they both burst out laughing. Then Richard groaned as the phone rang again.

“Forget calling her back, Ellie gives you 2 minutes and then she’s back. Richard I’ll love them.” she joked then looked at his watch

“You give me chills when you say my full name.” he said as he picked up the phone, she smiled and looked at his watch again.

“Hello mom.” he answered as he gave Emily a look like what’s up . She placed a hand on her arm and mouthed.

“Insulin.” Richard nodded and smiled as she left the room leaving Richard alone with his mother.
“So is Emily still there?” Ellie asked as she pulled a cake out of the oven.

“No...she’s in her room. She just left...” Richard said laying back on the bed. “I really like her Mom. I really do...” Ellie smiled so glad to hear her son so happy. She sat down on the kitchen stool

“I like this Emily, though I have had scare words with her I like her, and an American too. Well Richard she will have to meet us.” Ellie laughed as she heard Richard sigh.

“Yes and if you or any other member of my family does anything to embarrass me and she ends up dumping me...your paying for the funeral.” He joked and his mother stopped playing with her lip.

“Richard is this serious? Are you in love with this woman? You’ve only known her six days....Richard?” The word love made his mind race, he thought about it...He could love her he wanted to but he wasn’t sure if he was in love right now. His mother worried as he took a deep breath.

“I don’t know... if I love her mom.... I mean, I want to love her...she’s just what I want in a girlfriend...or more...but it’s not like I’m insanely relationship deprived that I’m leaching on this one...we have a different situation you know. We spend every day together we have no work no commitments, we have a month just to get to know each other...just to be with one another. Emily is so different than any girl I’ve ever met...I mean she cares about every thing and everyone, she can hold a conversation and not bring up girl things old dates boyfriends unless asked...”

“You’ve asked her about her old boyfriends?” His mother asked in are you trying to ruin your relationship Tone.

“No, it was kinda a mutual talk at dinner one night. But mom, she’s just perfect...I mean I woke up next to her and it was just perfect...I sat there and just looked at her, took in all of her memorized her face...” he mused as he tried to stop realizing it was not the best conversation to have with his mother.

“YOU SLEPT WITH HER!” his mother yelled, Rick held the phone away from his face, rolling his eyes knowing he made a mistake. “RICHARD! IS SHE PREGNANT!?” Rick laughed as the earlier joke popped into his head.

“Um mom....We wouldn’t know...and mom it isn’t the fifties people do sleep together...and yes twice.” he admitted kicking himself after uttering it.

“TWICE IN FOUR DAYS!” she exclaimed, holding her head as her husband Gerald set a glass of wine next to her.

“Drink Ellie...it makes us all feel better.” He joked as he set the bottle next to the glass.

“Gerald not the time!” His mother yelled at her husband.

“Is that dad?” Richard asked sounding excited
“Yes it is...the man who probably created this unfathomable amount of lust in you.”

‘God knows it!” His dad yelled making Richard laugh out loud.

“Richard that’s not funny, stop laughing...” Richard tried and then couldn’t when his mother turned on his father. “And YOU!..Look what you have done to your son!” His mother yelled as his father picked up the other line.

“Richard! My boy what have I done?” The old white haired man yelled into the receiver.

“Hi Dad. And I don’t know” Rick said as he pulled off his socks.

“So let me guess there is a woman in the picture and it’s not that tramp Christina.” Gerald said as he looked at his wife.

“Dad.” Richard said as he stood up and walked around the room.
“Fine, the jerk Christina.” His father offered

“Better.” Richard said in a so so tone.

“Tell your father what you told me....” Ellie said taking a drink of the wine. “Listen to your Son Gerald...the good one, god what happened?” Richard rolled his eyes “The good one? If I’m the good one then what about the older one you know the engineer with two kids and the perfect life.

“Richard you’ve reduced your mother to actually take my advice? Let an old man in on the secret.” His father said pulling down his white dress shirt’s sleeves, and leaving the room...moving into the living room moving around until he could see his wife to watch her reactions.

“Just tell that your son...or as she has called me “the good one”, has slept with a woman he truly cares about twice in the four days of your relationship... and why am I talking to my parents about this?” He said hitting his head with his hand.
“Cause we’re the end all be all when it comes to that....don’t forget where yo-.”



“DAD! Not the best time...” Rick said as he saw a picture of Emily sitting on the book shelf in the far corner of the room.

“So you have found a woman worthy of you...that’s great!” Gerald said sitting down on a couch.
“But to sleep with her twice in four days Gerald....” His mother pleaded.

“Oh Ellie....” Gerald said as he placed his feet on the coffee table.

“Mom calm down. This isn’t a huge deal” his mom opened her mouth to speak “...I swear it’s not...please try to understand mom.... this is what I want, and I’m pretty sure what she wants...so in all essence what we as a couple want.” he tried to get her to calm down. Ellie took a deep breath, and then a large drink as Richards father laughed.

“I guess times have changed and I understand that, but do take it slow...” Richard laughed as the thought nothing about this relationship is slow...they had moved fast but heck fast was good they were living out on the edge, as if they were never gonna see each other again. Richard inhaled deep, the thought of never being able to see Emily again was terrifying. He looked at the picture and touched the outline of Emily’s smileing face. He nodded to himself then whispered.

“As slow as I can.” Gerald chuckled.

“Good job son...what’s her name?”

“Emily, Emily Banna.”
“Oh...good name strong, probably strong woman.” Gerald said as his wife refilled her glass.

‘Great woman...perfect, in every essence of the word. Beautiful, caring, smart, non self absorbed, easy to talk to, she’s just some one I can see my self with. ” He said as he ran a hand through his hair.

“Your falling for her.” Gerald said.

“I knew that when I woke up next to her.” Gerald laughed as his wife set the glass down.

“ DO NOT DO ANYTHING WHILE MY GRANDDAUGHTERS ARE THERE DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME RICHARD MICHAEL HUGHES?!” Ellie yelled as both men smiled and cracked up.

“Nothing I promise...I have to go....I’ve gotta check on Em.”

“OH! She has a nick name already...oh I’m glad....Em, it just sounds right from your lips...I love you.” His mom gushed in a sudden mood swing.

“You know I love you son.” His father said making Richard smile as he stood tall.


“I love you two...” Richard said pulling on his shirt looking around.


“Bye son and be good.” His father said making his mother smile.

“He’s not twenty any more Gerald.”

“Then don’t bug him about dating a woman we now know he is not just shagging!” Richard laughed and said.

“Bye.” They both said good bye and continued fighting as he hung up the phone laughing “Ellie and Gerald a comedy team in the making.” he set his phone on the dresser. His ears perked up as he heard his door open.

“Did you mean it?” Emily’s voice asked in a voice which sounded like she was on the brink of tears. His back went ridged and he stood straight. His mind raced what if she didn’t feel the same, what if he was moving into a another line of battle. He shook of the thought then another hit him...take a risk Richard, Emily is not Christina ten seconds ago you were contemplating the thought that you might love her... just try, she is the best thing that has happened to you since you turned twenty five.

Emily’s whole body was shaking, and it wasn’t cause her sugar was crashing...C’mon Emily, let him in more....he’s amazing he fits you perfect, you are falling for him, you can take this you’re a big girl! Just take a deep breath and let him answer. One part of her mind was yelling the other part was asking her questions. had he lied to his mom to get it... was he just in it for the night? or did he mean every word, is he falling for her too? Is he confused as confused as me? Emily had feelings for him she could not catagorize, they we’re strong, she was attracted to him yes...could she be in love with him yes.... and to know he was as equally confused made everything okay, to know they were in the same boat would be reassuring for both of them....it was for the first time in her life right to be confused. Her mind raced as she heard him stammer for words.

“Em...every word.” he stammered out, her mind relaxed and her body did the same as she let out a deep breath, which made him severally nervous so his reaction to hide took over and he didn’t turn to face her. “Em I understand if you...” with in a second she was in front of him a hand on his lips shushing him, the glint in her eyes held no lie. “Em, you...” she nodded and he smiled.

“Your confusing...” she joked as she ran a hand along his cheek and he closed his eyes and melted into her touch.

“As are you.” he smiled as a tear rolled down her face. “I thought we were happy to be confused? I thought it was okay...” She smiled and pulled her self into him as he held her tight.

“Who said anything about them being sad tears.” he smiled and kissed her lifting her up off the ground as she wrapped her arms around his neck and he squeezed her tight as if to make sure she was real. “Rick I can’t breathe.” she said as he kissed her.

“Live with it...I’m not letting go.” she smiled wrapped her legs around his waist, then she burst out laughing as his phone rang, and he groaned.

“OH BLOODY HELL GIVE IT A REST!” he yelled at the phone as Emily tired to break free.. “I just want to be able to bloody kiss you with out it interrupting. Oh and your still not going anywhere.” he stated she looked at it, and grabbed it as Richard squeezed her.

“Erica...” she stated holding it to him “You better take it.” he gave her a look like this isn’t Goslind ...”NO! I wont if you put me down...” she stated knowing what he was worried about. He set her down reluctantly still holding her close to him.

“ERIE! To what do I owe the pleasure?” he exclaimed into the phone to receiver.

“YOU ARE DATING HER! OH MY GOD! THIS IS AMAZING!” His niece screamed into his ear as Emily laughed.

“Here they think dating is like being engaged...In Chicago dating is low key.” she joked which made him roll his eyes and nod his head.

“I know.” he joked as he kissed her forehead.

“Know what?” Erica asked, which made Richard snap back to the phone.

“Nothing, so your at your grandmothers house?” he asked realizing she would know about him sleeping with her...what did I do God? I just want to have her in my arms, fall in love with her..m.... did the thought of Marrying Emily Banna just cross my mind...it did! God give me strength and kill my nosy family.

“No but my mom was... and she called me.... and I called all my friends.” Rick rolled his eyes. Spare my nieces but kill my brother!

“And let me guess all of Brittan will know before night fall.” he joked which made Emily smile. “Emily quick run!” Erica laughed, and so did Emily.

“I’m not going anywhere.” she said which made him smile.

“Funny Uncle Richard. So you are right?” she asked, Richard gave her this look like can I tell her or should I wait? Emily smiled and Rick saw the mischievous glint in her eyes.

“YES WE ARE!” Emily yelled and Richard gave her this look like wait till I’m off the phone as Erica screamed. Richard scowled and mouthed

“You did that on purpose.” she shook her head, and held one hand to her chest.

“I would never!” She said in a how dare you accuse me of such tone.

“Oh my dad want’s the phone.... BYE I”LL SEE YOU IN TWO DAYS....BYE EMILY!” she yelled

“BYE ERICA!” Emily yelled back.

“OH MY GOD SHE SAID MY NAME!” Richard and Emily burst out laughing.

“Rick?” Joe asked as his daughter rushed into her room

“Yeah Joe?”

“Your paying her mobile phone bill...oh and congrats on the girlfriend, Dad told me all about it.” Richard rolled his eyes and looked at Emily.

“News in this family spreads faster than...than...I don’t know...” Richard said as Emily smiled. “But it travels pretty damn fast.”

“So...she really is the one and only Emily Banna?” Joe asked making sure his daughter was telling the truth.

“Yes she is...the one and only.” Rick said looking at Emily with companionate gaze.
*************************************************************************************(This is the almost ending)
Mike looked at his phone on the desk as it started bussing. He laughed when it read Rick.

“Rick?” he asked as he pulled the phone up to his ear.

“Mike...hey, um I need to talk to you....can you meet me for dinner?” Rick said as he got in the car, Mike laughed.

“Can’t you talk to me now?” he asked looking at his schedule.

“Not about what I need to talk to you about.” Rick said turning the car on.

‘You got a case you need a medical professional on?” Rick chuckled and pulled out of his office parking lot.

“No...I can’t say it over the phone Mike...I need to just talk to you.” Mike was worried, somthing was different in his voice.

“Is Em okay?” he asked sitting forward. “Is she pregnant?” Richard cracked up and sat back.

‘No Emily is not pregnant...I wouldn’t be calling you if she was...I can gaurntee that.” Rick said with a jokeing tone which relaxed mike a bit.

“What’s so urgent?”

“I just can’t say over the phone...I need to be facing you, talking to you like looking at you.”

“Dude...we’re friends...but we aren’t that close.” Rick chuckled.

“I just know that if I sat it over the phone I’ll screw it up...so meet me for dinner?” Mike laughed and nodded.

“Yeah...I’ll meet you, there’s this resturant...you know where my office is right?”

“Yeah.”

“ before you get to my office park, Mcfarlen’s...it’s a good dinner place.” Rick smiled.

“I’ll meet you there in?”
‘Ten minutes...I gotta get outta here...there’s this new nurse...god, no idea what’s she’s doing.” Rick laughed and nodded.

“Okay see you in ten mate.”

“Cheers.” Mike said grabbing his coat.

“Cheers.” Rick said hanging up the phone and placing a hand in his suit pocket feeling the box, taking a deep breath. “Now or never Hughes.” he said as he pulled off at the exit which lead to the resturant. Mike was leaving in a hurry, cliaming an urgent dinner meeting.

“Nope...hand him off to anderson...Banna’s at dinner.” he said to the new nurse grabbing his suit coat, and his keys. Mike walked out of the building shaking his head and unlocking his car. “This had better be good Rick.” he muttered under his breath as he got in. “Cause I’m gonna have to come back to a mad house.” he pulled out of the parking lot and down the road...

“Oh god, oh god...what am I doing?” Rick asked himself as he grew closer to the restaurant. “Just get through it Rick...ask him...then pay and spend the rest of the day putting off getting home.”
“Table for two...my friends coming in a few.” the hostess nodded and lead him to a both in the back...

“What name should I ask for?”

“Banna.” Mike said sitting down unbuttoning his jacket.

“Thank you.” the hostess smiled then made to turn around then turned back and opened her mouth.

“She’s my sister.” he said looking at the menu.

“Really?” she asked.

“Yep...my baby sister.” he said looking up.

“Then your Mike, the caring big brother who took the role of dad after your father’s quote “flight back to Chicago.” Mike smiled at her.

“Yep Michael Banna.” he said holding out a hand, the hostess shook it.

“She telling the truth?” the waitress asked letting go.

“Yep...why?”

“Cause a lot of times writer over compensatie for people.” that stung,

“Well Em and I are all that’s left of the Banna family over here..so her, me, and her boyfriend are all eachother have...that’s not over compensation...that’s the hard truth.” he said to the flimsy teen who took a step back.

“Sorry Mr. Banna.” Mike smiled.

“Don’t be sorry, just beliave what Em writes.” He said as she turned and walked away. “Teens.” he chuckled under his breath then dropped his head to the table. Rick laughed as he saw him do this from the hostess stand.

“I see him back there...thank you.” he said walking past her, he approached and stood hand in his pocket, the opposite which held the box. “Bad day?” Mike lifted his eyes and then reluctently lifted his head.
“I’m turning into my father.” he said handing Rick a menu.

“How so?”

“That hostess...she was being all I don’t beliave in what I read crap...she walked away and I did the whole teens these days thing.” Richard chuckled and unbuttoned his suit coat. “Now lets get to the matter that brought us here. What is so important we had to speak in person?” Rick sighed and grabbed the water and took a sip...he then reached into his pocket and wrapped his hand around the box and pulled it out...his hand shaking as he placed his hand in front of Mike and set it down...reluctently releasing his fingers, he slid his arm back across and watched as mike looked at him then the box then back at him.

“Just open it Mike.” he said taking another drink of water.

“A jewelry box...hmm a birthday present for Em?” he asked Rick shook his head. Mike was still compleatly unaware as to what might be in the box.

“Just open it god damnit.” he said placing his hand on the white table cloth feeling the cold hit his hot palm. Mike rolled his eyes and grabbed the box up in his hands then opened the box not looking in it. “Look at it.” Rick said as Mike cracked a smile.

“You only told me to open it...”

“Now I’m telling you to look at it.” Rick said pulling on his tie, Mike rolled his eyes agian and looked down then shock rained over his face.
“Richard I’m flattered but I don’t think it’ll fit.” he said now it was Ricks turn to roll his eyes.

“Do you realize why I had to ask you here?” Mike smiled and pulled the ring out of the box. “Don’t you dare drop that...I’ve been carrying that around for a month now.” Richard said in a waring tone

“Rick are you trying to get across what I think your trying to get across?” Rick nodded.

“Mike...I need your permission.” he said no comedic face anywhere in sight.

“My permission to what?” Mike asked suddenly realizing what was happening.

“Mike I need to have your permission to ask Emily to marry me.” he said in a ruched voice.

“What?” Mike asked as he sat the ring down, back in the box.

“Mike I love Emily...and I know she loved me...but I need to know your okay with me asking her to marry me...”

“Why?”

“Because you’re her big brother and you’re a father figure to her...and I know she’d want it to be okay with you.”

‘No why do you want to marry Em?” Mike was testing him.

“Because from the very first time I ever kissed her I knew somthing inside both of us clicked...because I know I can’t live a morning without waking up to her face...I know I can’t sleep at night unless she’s there...I know she’s the only woman I will ever love with all my heart...and I know that I can’t go another day with out knowing that she will one day be my wife.” Mike slid the ring back across the table a smile on his face.

“I would have settled for an I love her...but what you said was better.” Mike said waiting for his reaction. “I told you rick when you were going to first ask her out back at the house I have no objection. You want to marry my sister?” Rick nodded. “You go right a head...you have my blessing...” Rick closed the box and slid it back into his pocket.

“You mean it?” Rick said relaxing his shoulders.

‘Yep...’He said with a smiled. “When you asking her?” he asked taking a drink.

“Tonight.” he said looking at the tabel.

“Rick you love my sister right?”

“With all my heart....” he said looking up, and Mike smiled.

“Then I’ll be glad to call you my brother...even though that’s kinda what you’ve been like one for a while now...”

“Do you think she’ll say yes?” He asked fear in his eyes along with a hint of utmost thanks toward Mike.

“If she doesn’t have her call me...”
“I don’t want you talking her into it...if she says no...I’m moving back to my parents....” He said afriad, Mike placed a hand on his friends wrist.

“Your old room is gonna be empty...she’ll say yes.” Rick smiled at him and then the waitress interuppted.

“Can I take you order?” A flash of Em and Rick’s first date passed in front of Rick... the flirting...the statement of how they should change thier carrears, Max...newleyweds...it was perfect.

“I’ll have the ham and cheese plater.” Mike said handing her the menu, pulling rick out of the memory.

“I’ll have the hamburger, and can I have extra fries.” the waitress nodded,

“Any drinks.”

“We’ll stick with water.” Mike said looking at Rick, who nodded. The waitress walked away and mike chuckled.

“What?” Rick asked slightly relaxing.

“Did you ever do the ordering thing with Em?” he asked playing with the watch latch.

“On our first date.” he said with a smile.

“Which was when? You guys didn’t go out after the show...you got back quick cause Mags was tired....”

“When you went away for those two days...we went out to eat the first night...that was our first date...then the next day...we went into town and bought some stuff to have a movie night that’s when you came home...remeber and we shushed you during the last part of The Godfather part three?” Mike laughed.

“That’s a date?” he asked with an are you serious look.

“We were improvising....it was romantic.”

“The godfather is romantic?”

“Hey it was a movie we both agreed on...” he said with a smile.
“Suprised she didn’t make you watch an Aubrey Hepburn movie.”

“I had to watch Roman Holiday last week.” he said getting Mike to laugh.

“Oh god welcome to the rest of your life.” he said holding up his glass.

“It’ll be a good one.” he said clinking his glass agianst mikes.

“I’m sure it will be. Welcome to the family Rick.” he said taking a drink.

“I’m not in it yet...but thanks.”

“Must you always get technical?” Rick laughed remebering the exact same tone from Emily’s voce while he held her shoe.

“Lawyer.” he said with a smile.

“Doctor.” Mike retorted in the I’m a six year old mocking you voice.

“Lady with the food.” the waitress said setting it down in front of them.

“Thank you.” they both said with a smile and she nodded and left.

“So how you gonna ask her?” Mike said taking one of his fries.

“Why I got extra fries.” he said pionting to the fries.

“Huh?”

“You and em both eat off my plate.” he said biting into the burger.
“Oh the seagul.” Mike joked, Rick nodded and smiled.

“You know she told me about that but I never heard you call her it...”

“Cause she stopped scamming off my plate when she wouldn’t eat...that’s somthing you gotta watch...she’ll go through these times when she wont eat as much as normal...you have to make her eat.”

“I’ve been living with her for four months Mike she gave me the diabetic lowdown already.” he said taking a fry and placing it in his mouth.
“Still I’m the big brother I get to do this it’s therapeutic... helps with the separation.”

“What you’d do to Derek...”

“I hated Derek he didn’t ask...he just asked her...not even romanticly he asked over the phone...” Rick scoffed.

‘Wiat you?”

“Em.” Rick looked at him like what? “Em bought a dress two weeks later...and the day they set a date...he made a date with Elaine....Rick you have to understand, I don’t think Emily loved him...she just was excited about someone wanting to be with her...they only dated for three months then he poped the question...my opinion...he wanted to bank in on the fame...” Rick looked Mike then down at the table.

“Em never told you did she?” Rick nodded. “Rick...” he looked up. “She didn’t tell you because it hurts to much...Rick after she moved out of thier flat and into mine for a week she was destroyed...she hung up that dress crying cause the store refused to take custom orders back....then on the day I went out she forgot her insulin... she colapsed on the kitchen floor...Rick he nearly killed her...do you understand why she wouldn’t let anyone know about it?” Rick nodded.

“I know...she told me that she needed me to help her forget him...that she was faling in love with me and she needed to forget he ever existed.”

“Rick I had to sit next to her for nearly a week...praying she would wake up...I broke derek’s leg...he didn’t press charges...cause he’d heard of you...”

“You used me as a threat?”

“You’re my lawyer.”

‘I’m your friend.”

“You’re my future brother in law.” Rick smiled.

“He was afriad of me?”

‘You had just put Gregson away...you remeber the case that pushed us all into a drunk state for three days.” Rick smiled.

“Oh yeah.”

“Oh yeah...Rick I was there you were like...WOW!” Rick waved him off.

“So he really was afriad of me?”

“He was afriad of losing.” Mike said taking a fry.

“So how you gonna ask my sister?”

“I really don’t know...I’ll probably turn off the chick flick my two thousand dollar T.V. has been featuring non stop for about two days... sit down in front of her on the coffee table, grab her laptop and set it aside, pull her to her feet and out on the terrace, then say the speach I’ve been creatinng in my head and then ask her.” Mike smiled and sat back.

“Bring it on.” Mike said moving his hands in the bring it on motion.

“What?” Rick asked biting into a fry.

“I wanna hear the speach.” Rick laughed as Mike said this.

“No you don’t.” he said eating the rest of the fry.

“Why not?”

“It’s kinda private.” Rick said with a please don’t make me tell you look in his eyes.

“Okay...so back to me giving the if your gonna marry my sister you better let me tell you a few things.”

“Oh do go on... seeing as I’m not already on the brink of vomiting I’m so nervous.” Mike laughed.

“Agian Em has that effect on people,” Mike said grabbing a fry...Rick made the seagul sound. “Hey not bad...okay you know the peaunut thing...no peaunts unless on ice cream...” Rick nodded. “You know chick flicks when she’s stressed...”

“Yep and since her manuscript gets back from the editors in a few days...she’s defenitly stressed.” Mike laughed.

“I still can’t beliave she’s writing a book.”

“Want another shock?” Rick asked with a smile.

“There’s a sequal?” Mike asked biting into his sandwhich.

“I’m getting my teaching degree...” Mike chocked on his sandwhich and sat forward.

“What about...” Mike asked refering to Em and Law...

“I’m going become a law professor...I already have an offer from oxford...in a year when one of my old professors retires...I’m still going to practice so I’m raking in two sallarys...”

“You gonna be able to be home with Em?” Mike asked worried.

“I’ve thought about it...and I’m minamizing my cases, I’ll take on no more than three, it takes me no more time to research and prepare a leasson plan than it takes you to handle a normal week.”

‘I’m home at 7 every night...”

“I might work late on some nights, but Em’s the one who put this inside my head...Mike I’ve been going to school online for the past two years I’m done in another month since I have both a law degree and a regular college diploma...I sat in a class last week...and taught one monday...I love it....Mike it’s what I think I need to do...and I think because of Em I’m doing it.”

“Does Ellie know?” Rick shook his head no. “OH GOD!” he said with a laugh.”She’s gonna take you head off.”

“Well I’ll start with that then tell her that Em and I are getting married...” Mike laughed.

“Start with the bad end with the good.” Mike said with a smile.

“Not to push salt into a wound but how did you ask Vera?”

“Em told you about Vera?” Mike asked looking down.

“Yeah...she loved her Mike...like a sister.”

“I know she did...”
“She blames herself.”

“What?!” Mike asked his eyes shooting up.

“She told me that she had just gotten off the phone with you before you guys left...this was when she wasn’t drinking...and she knew you were close and if she had offered to come get you Vera would be alive.”

“And you told her it wasn’t her fault right?” Mike asked tears welling in his eyes.

“Of course I did Mike.” Mike nodded and wiped his eyes.

“Good.” Rick smiled.

“How did you ask her?” Mike smiled.

“I woke her up at dawn...we had a huge window it over looked the city...there was a window sill, I had been up all night...I layed out a blanket and wrapped us up in it, we watched the sun rise and then when I felt right I pulled a sly move.” Rick nodded.

“What’d you do?” He asked fully engulfed in what he was saying.

“I asked her if she could give me her opinion on somthing....”

‘On what?”

‘On marrying me....” Rick sat back.

“That’s pretty damn sweet Mike.”

‘She cried and said she had a very good opinion on it, then I asked her and she said yes.” Mike felt a tear run down his face, and Rick grabbed his wrist.

“You’re a good man Mike...It was just her time...god has a plan and well it may be cruel at times...but it only puts us back on the path...” Mike looked at him and smiled.

“Em tell you that...sounds like somthing she would write.” Mike said in a voice which made Rick weak...he hated seeing Mike like this...hurt...in pain...haunted.

“No I told her that...when she told me about Vera.” Mike looked up.
“Thanks man... but you can’t steel my line...” Mike said with a smile sitting up and biting into his sandwhich.

“I won’t...I have my own speach any way...no go back to what you were saying...your little rant....” Mike laughed.

“Watch out for her when she’s in one of her cleaning modes...especially with company.” Rick laughed.

“I had a few guys over to watch the cup...she cleand the apartment for six hours...” Mike cracked up...

“Oh and that time of the month.” Rick shook his head and made the eek sound..

“I know...I know...” Rick said eating the last bit of his burger.

“And the books....”

“Don’t touch the books.” the both said at the same time. Then they started laughing, and Mike’s cell went off.

“Banna?” he asked as Rick downed the last of his water. “No, in a dinner meeting can’t talk.”

“Nice.” Rick said and then the waitress set another water down in front of him. ‘Thanks.” he said as mike hung up the phone.

“I love being able to get out of stuff cause of you.” he said with a smile.

“Glad to help..” then Rick’s phone went off and he pulled it out the picture of Emily flying across the screen. “Hey honey.” he said into the phone getting a scoff from mike.

“Hello sweatheart.” Emily said as she walked into her office a hint of exhustion in her voice.

“What’s up?” he asked looking at Mike.

‘Nothing my sugars just low...and don’t lecture me I’m drinking a juice...” she said as she opened the orange juice she kept in the mimi fridge under her desk.

“I’m still gonna tell you to relax and that’ll help.” She smiled.
“You sound like my brother.” He smiled and bit into a fry.

“Where are you?” he asked as mike rolled his eyes.

“In my office...why?”

“What you doing...”

‘Rick I’m not doing that...”

‘NO! I know that I’m just wondering...” he said eating another fry.

“I’m drinking an orange juice and taking off my heals waiting for mike to call me back.” She said grabbing her keybord and her computer jumped to life.

“Why don’t you call his cell?”

“Cause I call the office first and they said he was in a dinner meeting, and I’m not screwing up his carrer.” she said with a laugh.

“I’m sure he’ll call back soon.” He said pushing the fries over to mike, who smiled and began to eat.

“He better.” she said as she positioned her phone and began to answer a letter.

“Did you call me to pass the time Em?” he asked looking at Mike.

‘No I needed to hear your voice.” he smiled.

“What do you need to hear Em?” he asked looking at mike who was pretending to want to throw up.

“You know...” she said as she opened up her photos and pulled up one of her and Rick...she had paint all over her face and so did he...it was from when they had painted the bed room, the brown handprint on her stomach made that clear.

“I love you.” he said in that voice which drove Emily insane, and made Mike cover his mouth and laugh.

“I love you too Richard.” She said giving him chills.
‘Two years and I still get chills.” he said with a smile.

“Emily...” the new coloumnist John asked from the door.

“Hey hon I have to go...” she said getting rick to laugh.

“The new guy?” he asked with a smile.

“Yup.” she said taking a drink of her juice.

“I’ll see you later...I might be home a little late...Jack’s forcing reorginazation on us.” he lied getting a look from mike....

“It’s fine I have a few things I need to clear up at home any way so you want me to make dinner?”

“I’ll pick somthing up...don’t busy yourself...you need to rest.” he said looking at Mike who was giving him a thumbs up...she laughed, at him sounding just like mike

“Okay sweatheart I’ll see you later.” She said sliding her feet into her heals and grabbing her juice agian

“Okay love you...see you at home...” he said pulling an ice cube out of the glass getting a don’t you dare look from mike.

“Love you too.” she said sitting up.

“Bye...” he said placing it in his mouth

“Bye.” she hung up and looked at John. “What can I do for you?”

“I just need you to look over this...I just want your opinion.” She smiled and took placing her glasses on her face. Meanwhile Rick bit into the ice and Mike whinned.

“Why do you do that...?”

“It’s just refreshing.”he said with a smile.

‘Why aren’t you going home right away...?” Mike asked puting a finger on the tabel.

“I’m nervous Mike...I need to clear my head, go back to her ready to ask...I can’t just go back there and ask...I have to have it all planed out.” he said looking down. Mike flipped through his keys and slapped one down.

“Go back to where it all started Rick...that’s what I did the day I knew I was gonna ask Vera...I went back to campus.” Rick looked up at him... “Go back to the house Rick.” He smiled and snatched up the key, he smiled and dialed his office.

“Jen...hi Richard, I need you to hold all my calls tell anybody that I am unable to come to the phone...just say that okay...or say I’m in a meeting.” his secretarty smiled and nodded.

“Yes Mr. Hughes.” He smiled and hung up.

“I have to go now other wise I’ll be really late...call Em.” He smiled and left two twenties on the tabel.

“I got the tip.” Mike said as Rick stood up, making a joke.

“Thanks agian Mike....” he said holding out a hand, Mike looked at it

“Rick, don’t put it off too long...tell her what you told me.” he said taking his hand then pulling him into the guy hug. “And don’t call me first...I’m going to be watching home movies.”
Rick laughed and pushed back.

“Like a mom when her kid’s getting married?”

“My little baby’s all grown up.” Mike said wiping his eyes, the fake tears dissapearing.

“You’ll be second in line.” Rick said with a laugh as he fixed his jacket and made his way out to his car Mike behind him.

“Your gonna cry when you get out there... I can gaurntee it.” Mike said as Rick got in the car.

“They won’t be sad tears not out there.” he said as he placed the key in the cup holder.

“Good luck Rick...” Mike said as his fried turned on his car.

“Thanks Mike.” Rick said as he buckled his seat belt...Mike held the door open and placed a hand on his shoulder.
“The second you see her...you’ll be nervous...the second she realizes what your doing...you’ll be fine.” he said closing the door. Rick nodded and waved a hand at Mike who waved and pulled out his phone, he smiled and pionted and mouthed. “Emmy.” Rick smiled and rolled down the window.

‘She’s not Emmy.” Mike laughed and answered his phone.

“Hey Em.” he answered

“Hey...um I’m wondering what I should buy for food..Rick’s brothers are coming over in a few days and I need to know what to stock up on.”

“Em...just go home and relax...make Rick prepare for his brothers...you need to slow yourself down..the editor will not destroy the book...” She breathed deep.

“I should go home early...” she said as she placed her revised copy of her new co workers coulmn in his mailbox.

“Why?”

‘My sugars low...not very but enough to make me tired.” She said finishing her juice.

‘You drink juice?” he asked her as he climbed into his car.

“Yeah...”

“Go home Emmy...get some rest you’ll feel better if you do.” she smiled and closed her laptop and slid it into her bag.

“Your right.” she said, walking out of her office and into the elevator.

“Woah no I’m not Emmy?” he asked with a laugh.

‘To tired.” she said as the doors closed.

“Go home...I’m going back to work.” She laughed.

“So you had a dinner date not a meeting.” Mike chuckled.

“ It wasn’t a date...I was meeting with a collegue who just happened to be a Man...”
“Oh your cruel.” she said stepping off of the elveator and making her way to the car.

“How so?”

‘You had me thinking you’d found a girl friend.”

“Ha ha...we can’t all have the perfect relationship.” She smiled as she slid into the front seat.

“It’s not perfect.”

“Yes it is.”

‘No it’s not.” She said as she pulled out.

“Emily you both love eachother...you are perfect together...and he needs you as much as you need him.” She smiled and pulled onto the road moving toward her’s and Richard’s apartment.

“Okay it’s close to perfect.” she said as Ricks favorite song came on the radio.

“Fine..” he said as he got out and walked into his office a nurse running at him with a pile of papper work. “Em I gotta go...” he said with a groan.

“Have fun bye.”

‘Bye.” he hung up and reluctently walked back to his office. Emily made her way home humming to the song...she pushed open the door and Max came running at her.

“Hey Max!” she said walking into the kitchen smiling at the picture of Erie and Mags from last christmas that was on the counter. “Hungry boy?” she asked grabbing his bowl. The dog danced arounf the kitched as she poured his kibbles and set them down... the dog about tackled her as he made a dive bomb for the bowl...Emily jumped out of the way and laughed as he pushed the bowl around the kitchen. She grabbed up a book and walked into the bedroom. She was to tired to make somthing to eat, but she knew she had to...so she reluctently put the book on the bed and pulled on a pair of sweat pants and one of Richard’s shirts, she walked back into the war zone where max was licking the remians out of the bottom of his dish. She opened the fridge and found the spegettii they had made the other day. She reheated it and sat down on the counter and ate it out of the tupperware contianer, Max sitting in front of her begging. “No.” she said and he wagged his tail and cocked his head to one side.

“No.” he moved his head to the other side. “Umm No.” she said and he whined and she tossed him three noddles. “Happy?” she asked getting a bark out of him. “Good you little pig.” she said as she finished and made her way back to thier room Max following her. “What should we watch?” she asked sliding into bed Max jumping up placing his head on her thigh. “News?” he didn’t move. “Drama.” she asked no movement. “Sports.” he wagged his tail. “Typical male.” she said opening her book.

It took Richard an hour to get out to the house he sighed as it came into view...he was already getting nestolgic just looking at the drive way...he remebered the time they came back from the store...he chuckled as her face flew into his mind...

The first time you’re never ready for.... he grabbed the key out of the sup holder and ran up to the door...he felt the rain coming on...he pushed open the door and looked around...it was all flodding back to him how much his life had changed in one month...he remebered meeting her...every thing...her and Mags running around the downstiars...Mike and her fighting then making up...He walked up the stiars and into her room, he laughed as he remebered her chasing Mike out of the room...her and Erica talking on the bed...Her Erie and Mags in the bed sound asleep with Max protecting them....he walked over to the closet and opened the door looking at the ground.

I need you to help me forget he ever existed Rick...I’m falling in love with you I can feel it... he looked at where the dress should be then laughed as he remebered them tieing a rock to the hanger and tosing it over bord. I guess that’s the last I’ll ever see of that... it the last you ever need to see... He felt a tear run down his face...he was just so happy...he had two more stops then he was bolting home.

He left the room and walked back down the stairs the couch. She’s out like a light...or so you two think... He looked out the window and saw the dock.... Can I be so bold as to ask the name of the resturant?....well there go the Prada’s.....Emily....I love you...I do, you don’t have to say anything...but I am in love with you...Rick I love you...I know that now...I love you. The boat...he walked out and climbed on...his hair sticking to his face as the rain poured down...he walked down the stairs...memories of thier first time flodding back.... I think you need to tell me what’s in the bag...he took a deep breath...it was slowly getting dark...Em would be in bed with a book and Max, he smiled to himself and stood up on the dock and let the rain hit him....he looked up and yelled. Just a whoop..no words...just letting out all his stress.

“I’m gonna marry her!” he yelled running into the house and locking the glass door behind him. He raced through the house slapping the wet mass of his hair back over his head as he locked the front door and looked around. He looked down and then turned around and looked at the house. “You brought her to me.......No! No Mike...Mike brought her to me....Mike my brother...Emily my wife...” he was rambiling as he got in the car Remebering her gunning to the office and the trip back. He forced the rain to fly behind his car one hand firmly on the ring box...he hit the city and suddenly came down with Em’s road rage as at seven o clock it was as black as it would be in three hours and a sea of red lights were blocking him...he honked furiously... “move before I loose all courage.” he yelled getting a look from a woman in the car next to him... “I’m asking my girlfriend to marry me.” he said to her as if she could hear him...but appearently she could because she smiled and when the sea began to dispurse she let him in front of her and he darted to the building....he saw the living room light on and smiled...was she still up?

He got out of the car still sopping wet and ran out into the rain agian sliding his key into the door. He ran into the buliding and pushed the elevator button...he heard the old lift make it’s way down he was jumping up and down...his adreniline was coursing though his body...he needed her...he had to hold her...that house did somthing to him...brought back the man he wanted to be when he was with her...the doors opened and he ran inside...he raked his hands through his hair drops falling out of his hair and then after what seemed like to short the doors opened he looked out his hallway was in front of him...he slowly stepped off then the second he saw his door he bolted for it and pushed his key in and then thrust open the door it hit the wall with a loud thud which caused Max to start barking...he heard the crack of a baseball bat on the T.V. in the bedroom. He smiled as the dog came out of the room and rushed over to him.

“Hey max...where is she?” The dog barked and jumped around in the direction of the bedroom. Rick heard Emily stir and get out of bed.

“Max...you mut...what am I gonna do with you...the spegettii’s gone we ate it all, the cubs are winning....what’s going on with you?” she came into the room and Rick took her in...her hair was hanging about her in the curls that the rain created...she was wearing his T-shirt...the one Erie had got for him...it had somthing to do with Euro Disney...She ran a hand through her hair and looked over at him. “When’d you get home?” she asked looking at him with a weird look.”And where have you been your soaking wet?” she smiled and walked over to him... “I know it’s raining but what did you do walk home?” he laughed and wrapped her in his arms. He threw her over his shoulder and walked into the bedroom. “Rick...what’s gotten into you?” she asked as he sat her down on the bed and he sat on the window sill.

“You...you’ve gotten into me...” she laughed and stood up. “Sit....please sit...” she looked at him and sat down.

“Rick...what’s going on are you okay?” he smiled and nodded.

“I’m fine...Emily....I went to the lake house today...” she looked at him quizically.

“How’d you get in?” he laughed
‘Mike gave me a key....” She looked at him and cocked her head to one side.

“When did you see Mike?” she asked in a what the fuck are you doing tone

“At Dinner...” she crossed her legs and arms.

“So you were the collegue?” she said with a huff “What happened to reorginazation?” he laughed.

“Little white lie...” he said with a smile...

“I thought you didn’t lie out side the court house....” he laughed.

“Only when nessecary...but Em just let me get this out...”
“Rick honey are you okay?’ she asked grabbing his hand...her touch sending a whirl wind of memories through his mind and he knew what he had to do, he just needed one thing to have all the courge he needed.


“I’m fine...Emily I need you to look me in the eyes and tell me you love me.” She grabbed his face and ran a hand through his hair and held his brown eyes in her blue ones.

“Rick....Richard, I love you...now what’s going on?” He grabbed her hands and kissed her, and in that kiss he found all the courage he needed.

“I love you.” he said holding her neck... “ I love you but I can’t do this anymore.” he said slyly... she looked at him shocked.

“What are you saying?” she asked tears in her eyes he was hurting her...

“I’m saying you can’t be my girlfriend...” she pushed him off... and he had to force back a smile as he knew what she was thinking.

“Why the hell not?” she yelled standing up covering her mouth and looking away from him.

“Because I need you to be my wife...” He said slyly smiling as she went week and fell back on the bed he had shocked her even more...

“What did you just say?” she asked a tear falling down her cheek, she wanted to make sure she had heard him right.
“I can’t wake up another morning next to you not knowing if I’ll marry you...I can’t go on with out knowing that one day I’ll look at you and know that you’re my wife...Emily I love you with all my heart...I could never love any one as much as I love you...” he began to fish around in his pants and he grasped the box. “I’ve been carring this around for a month...trying to figure out how to ask you...I was at dinner with Mike to ask his permission..” he got down on one knee and held the box up to her and opened it.

“Oh god!” she said covering her mouth with her right hand as he took her left hand

“Emily Marie Banna, will you do me the immense honor of Marrying me?” she had tears falling down her face and she was smiling. He held the ring on her finger “Emily marry me?” She let out a laugh, on of those oh my god laughs and then Max barked and they both laughed. “I need an answer Em...every second is torture.” she smiled and through her tears she said.

“Oh! Oh my god...Yes...yes I’ll marry you.”He smiled and felt tears roll down his face, as he pushed the ring all the way on to her finger and then pulled her up into his arms and kissed her...She kissed him back as hard as she could and he held her close, and swung her around.

“Your not going anywhere...not as long as you live...” He whispered as she laughed and a tear fell down her face. “I love you...” she kissed him and they fell back on the bed...Emily laughing at the feel of his wet suit on top of her.

“I love you...but what did you do go swimming in the rain?” he smiled and pulled off the jacket.

“I just walked around Em...it started to rain, while I was on the boat...” she smiled and pulled off his tie.

“Good memories?” she asked as she moved deeper into the bed.

“I cried Em...I was that happy.” she felt another tear fall down her face as he pulled off his shirt the white t-shirt below clinging to his muscles drenched in water...Emily memorized that picture...he was just so perfect, and he wanted her...which made it all the more perfect.

“That house has that effect on people...” Rick shook his head and laid him self on top of her.

“No love, you have that effect on people, you have that effect on me....” She felt a few tears run down her face as he kissed her and she pulled off his shirt which she was wearing and he held her sides then as she pulled off his pants and he was about to pull off her underwear a growl came from beside the bed....they both looked over and max was growling at them...
“What’s daddy doing Max?” Emily asked getting Rick to laugh.

“Back off boy...she’s mine.” he said getting a bark. “He’s protecting you...” Rick said sliding off her gettting a whine from Emily. “I’ll be back...just got handle our mut...”

“He’s not a mut...” she said pulling off her socks and tossing his wet clothes off the bed.

“Ok Max...it’s me...you’ve seen me do this before...what’s up today?” he asked scratching his dogs ears, getting a bark from him.

“You interrupted our date...” Emily said from the bed laying on her stomach looking at them.

“You cheating on me with our dog?” Rick asked getting a laugh out of Emily.

“We had spaghetti and watched the tigs, cubs game...”she said laughing.
“You fed the dog spaghetti?” he asked in an are you serious tone.

“He knows I cant resist the eyes...” Max barked and wagged his tail.

“Proud of yourself are you now?” he barked and jumped up on the bed and cuddle up behind Emily placing his head on her back. “Hey...” Rick said standing up placing his hands on his hips. “My side of the bed...” Rick said getting a bark. “Emily...little help?” he asked getting a groan from her as she sat up.

“Come here Max.” she said opening her arms...the dog wriggled up and up to her and she scooped him up and walked him out into the living room turning on the T.V. then in less then ten seconds she ran back into the room slaming the door shut getting a barking fit and the sound of Max’s claws on the floor. Rick smiled and stood behind her as she locked the door. He slid his arms around her waist and she leaned back into him. He walked infront of her and kissed her as passionite as he could feeling her arms move around. Then when he opened his eyes he saw her pressed up agianst him...not a scrap on her body.

“I love you.” he said as she pulled off his shirt.

“I love you.” she said as he picked her up bridal style and laid her down on the bed and placed him self on top of her scooping up the covers and coverd them. His boxers were abandoned on the window sill and her hair was sprawled out widly on the pillow driving him wild. He kissed her pulling her neck up with her head. She whimpered as she felt him against the inside of her thigh. Then with a whine from Max he entered her, and she let out the gasp that drove him insane. He pushed deep and pulled her hands over her head and entertwine thier fingers. She moved her waist up toward him and thier eyes locked. “Richard, I’m yours and no one elses....” she whispered as they slowly began to move.

“And for that...I will forever be thank full.” she smiled, and ran her hands through his hair. “Em while I was at the house I realized somthing....” he said as they were moving she looked in his eyes.

“And what’s that?” she asked wrapping her legs around his waist.

“We both met when our lives were going great in all but one area...love...then we both found out that we needed... each other...Em in that house I found my soul mate...I knew that the second I walked into it agian...Emily, I realized that in that one month I found the person I need to spend the rest of my life with...When I walked into the house I saw you and I all the things we did in that month, all the things we discovered, all of the things you did to me, how you changed me, and I hope how I changed you.” she nodded as they stopped and she felt a tear run down her face. “...and it just made me think...Emily I want to be your husband, be the father of your children, be everything you make me, every thing you’ve made me...tell me you want me to be those things.” Emily’s tears fell down her cheeks, he was holding her his mind racing, looking at the woman he was going to marry...the woman he would grow old with...she smiled and grabbed his neck, causing him to let a tear fall, as she opened her mouth to speak.

“Rick, I want you to be everything you just said and so much more...I want you to be the only man I’ll ever love, cause you are the only one I have ever truly loved...Richard...I can gaurntee that one day you will be the father of my child...that one day very soon you will be my husband, and then for the rest of your life your stuck with me.” she said pokeing a finger into his chest. He smiled, and kissed her.

“Then I’m the luckiest man alive.” he said wiping away her tears. She smiled and re lived the proposal laughing at how sneaky he was...

“Rick if you ever do that again to me...I’ll break you arm.” she said as he moved deeper.

“What be romantic?” he asked with what is wrong with you tone.

“No...I can’t do this anymore...you can’t be my girlfriend...you had me thinking you were breaking up with me....”She said quoting him and hitting him, getting Richard to laugh.

“I was doing the exact opposite Honey.” he said kissing her.

“I know but sweetheart at the time...it wasn’t nice to play with my emotions.” he smiled into her neck and placed a hand on her hip, getting a little more excited as she shifted then let out the sound which drove him wild. He moaned and moved slowly and gently like he always did never hurting he had never hurt her before in their relationship...and he never would. They moved in complete synchronization....as if doing a dance that only the two of them knew how to do...about half way through Max started a barking fit.

“Cool it...you can come in, in the morning mut...” Rick yelled getting a laugh from Emily and Max hitting his head agianst the door, then barking. Rick made to go and get him but Emily pulled on his arms.

“Do you wanna go yell at the dog or do you wanna be here?” she asked wrapping her leg around his waist.

‘Umm here.” he said kissing her begingig to move agian. They continued thier dance for another hour and a half until it go to the piont where neither could make a sound they needed the release so bad, Emily’s nails dug into Rick’s arms which made him both cringe from the light sting and moan at her passion. Then as he pushed him self deep resulting to force as a last resort Emily’s back arched and she let out this sound this cry which probably woke the little old lady next door...about thirty seconds later Rick felt him self relase, he moaned an oh god and fell to her side both thier bodies drenched with sweat. She smiled as she heard max bark and run at the door. “He dosen’t bloddy give up.” Richard said out of breath.
“Why don’t you let him in?” she asked pulling her hair up.

“Cause I’m to tired.” he said laying on his back and arm around her waist.

‘Then I will...” he chuckled.

“You can try.” he said tightening his grip, she laughed and got off the covers and stood up Rick still holding on to her as she pulled agianst him, “Oh your not getting with in a foot of that door.” he said as she reached for the handle laughng at how strong he was.

“Come on...he misses us.” she said as she lost her footing and slipped hitting the floor with a thud. “Ow.” she said in a dry unhurt voice. Which made Rick laugh.

“You alright?” he asked as she rolled over a smile on her face.

“Yup.” she said standing up and racing to the door. He hit the floor with his palm.

“I fell for it...” she laughed and opened the door and Max came bolting in and started barking at Rick bearing his teeth yet wagging his tail. “Oh max she’s mine...your not getting her.” he said getting up on his knees. The dog barked and jumped up.

“I think he’s chalangeing you.” Emily said grabbing his boxers off the window sill and sliding them on and grabbing one of her tank tops.

“Those are mine.” he said grabbing Max around the collar getting the puppy sound he makes when they rough house.

‘They’re comfy.” she said getting in the bed. He stood up and grabbed her underwear off the foot board.

‘Then I’ll wear yours.” he said putting one leg in.

“Stop you’ll rip it...” she said as he got them half way his legs then the thong snapped and Emily laughed and fell back on the bed. “Told you...” she said looking at her ring...she was amazed, it was beautiiful...a pure white gold band with a large circular dimond in the middle of a ring of square cut dimonds...each one seemed perfect, she smiled and moved her fingers around it looking at the light from the city out side get caught inside the stones, she was amazed that it was on her finger, she looked at it harder knowing where it was from... “did you hear me talking to Annie?” she asked as he pulled on a pair of boxers fighting off Max.

‘What?” he asked not looking up. She moved on to her knees.

“Did you hear me talking to Annie about the Tiffany rings...” he looked up with a smile and saw her looking at it.

“No...I went into Tiffany’s told them I needed to find an engagement ring...and the second I saw that I knew...that was the one.” she looked up at him with a smile and a tear, rolling down her face. He smiled and kissed her not comming onto the bed completely, it was just a light kiss but he did it three times before being knocked over by a charging Max.

“MAX!” Emily yelled getting off the bed and rushing over to them only to see Max licking Rick’s face while he tried to force him off.

“Em save me.” Rick said with a smile as Max tried to get him to rough house...

“He wants you to play with you.” she said getting Max’s attention and then in two seconds she was the one fighting off Max.
“Maybe he’s congradgulating us?” Rick asked as he pulled Max off Emily.

“Maybe.” she said standing up and petting Max’s head. Rick grabbed the back of her head and kissing her.

“I’m gonna marry you.” He whispered getting a bark from Max.

“I’m gonna Marry you...” she said as she kissed him.

“Now let’s get some sleep.” he said picking her up and setting her in bed and covering her up then having a Max bolt up into bed... “NO!” he said loudly and Max jumped down and lowered his ears.

‘Hey...” she said as he slid in.

“Okay...here boy...” Max jumped up and currled up at thier feet.

“This is perfect.” she said turning around so she could face him.

“I know...this is what I want for the rest of my life...” She pulled close to him and placed her hand on his chest. He held her as she gazed at her ring. “You still in shock?” she nodded, “But it’s good right? The ring it’s is?” she smiled and kissed him feeling the light stubble growing on his chin.

“It’s amazing....your amazing” she said rubbing up and down smiling at the stubble.

“You having fun...or do I need to shave?” He asked moving his head, getting her to laugh.
“No I like it...” she said as he smiled at the feel of the metal ring hit his face. “It brings back memories.” he smiled.

“Like being trapped on the boat for almost two days.” She smiled and nodded. “Em your too sentimental.” He whispered as he closed his eyes and placed his head on the pilliow laughing as Max barked in his sleep.

“He even barks when he’s not awake.” Emily said as she snuggled up laying her head underneath Rick’s as he held her close.

“Maxwell.” Rick said moving his body to go get him to stop. He laughed as Emily groaned and pulled him down entertwineing thier legs. “Mommy and I want to sleep.” The dog shot awake and yawned.
“He was asleep Rick.” Emily said as she placed her hand on his chest, he smiled and layed on his back...Emily curled up next to him.

“Well if he could sleep quietly I wouldn’t have to wake him up.” Rick said as Emily rolled on her other side. “Oh no you don’t” Rick said pulling her back and pulling himself on to his side.

“What?” she asked her eyes closed...

“Your not sleeping like that...”

“Why not?” she groaned.

“Cause I cant see you.” she smiled and kissed him.

“Fine.” she said as he wrapped his arms around her and smiled kissing her forehead.

‘How do I tell Ellie?” He said as Max moved and laid his head on Ricks side. “Hey boy...” he said scratching his dog’s ears.

“Ellie doesn’t even know we’re living together...none of your family knows that...”

‘You want them to know?” he said grabbing the phone. “You tell them.” Emily laughed.

“I know why you don’t want them to know...but Rick honey...we’re getting married”

‘We’ve been engaged three hours.” he said with a laugh.

‘Well...’ she said with no argument.
“Your argument?” he asked gazing at her with a smile while her eyes were closed.

“I don’t have one...but I do I have a request...” he smiled, and pushed her hair off her shoulder, sending it flying behind her.

“And that is?”

“You tell them in the next week.” he smiled and kissed her.

“I shall do it for you my love.” he said mocking her old movies.

‘Oh don’t mock me...”
‘Why you gonna give the ring back?” She opened her eyes and smiled.

“Yeah right...” she said pulling her hand into her chest protecting it.

“Good....” he said pinning her and kissing her.

‘I’m tired Rick.” she said as he kissed her.

“So am I...I just want to kiss you.” he said kissing her agian remebering thier first kiss...how it entrapped him...she smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck and kissing him fervently... “And it appears you want to kiss me...”

“I’ll always want to kiss you.” she said making him laugh...

“I love you.” he said as Max barked. “What’s with him?”

“I love you... and I have no idea.” she said as Max nuzzled his hand. “He wants to Rough house.” Emily laughed and Rick smiled and kissed her. “Go play with your son.” she said pushing him off. Rick smiled and grabbed Max and Max barked happily.

“Oh your dead mut.” he said as max and he fell on the ground. Max barked and jumped over Rick sliding into the wall, then bolting over the bed forcing his way under the covers his tail sticking out Emily laughing at how fast it was moving. Rick laughed as the dog crawled to the edge of the bed and poked his head out to meet Rick’s face...he barked and made to move back, only to have Emily grab him and scratch his belly. “No!” Rick said grabbing her. “Mine.” he said getting a bark and a growl from Max. “Oh She’s fine.” He said kissing her, Emily pulled away and looked at him. “What?” he asked afriad.

“Nothing...I thought my ring fell off...but it’s there.” She said smiling.

“Emily it’s not going to fall off.” he said laying on his side pulling her into him.

“I know...now can we please go to sleep.” she begged as Max curled up in between them at thier legs...

“Yes Em we can....” he said as she rubbed his biceps and he kissed forehead. “Night sweetheart.” she snuggled up to him.

“Night honey.” she said tiredly. Max whined at being forgotten.

“Night Max.” they both said in unison the dog huffed and yawned laying his head back down. Rick and Emily fell asleep in each others arms...the world at peace for them in thier perfect world...unaware that they had both miscounted the days and Rick’s brothers Joe and Dan would be arriving at 5 the next morning. The night moved quickly while Mike sat up in his room thinking about Em being married to Rick...I mean they we’re already basically joined at the hip, but she wouldn’t just be his sister anymore...she’d be a wife and one day a mother...

“I knew this would happen...eventually but now that it’s here...now that I know right now she’s asleep in his arms, wearing the ring, being the future Mrs. Hughes....ha how’d this happen...if this was two years ago, Rick would be hiding in the men’s room at the courthouse...afraid of Christina, and Emily would be up working way to hard....now they are asleep...their future set in motion...happy...that’s what they both deserve...to be happy.” Mike fell back his head hitting the pillows a million memories of his life flashing through his mind, a tear falling down his cheek...he was happy yet he was losing his best friend...the territorial instinict taking over... He feel asleep knowing his phone would be ringing very soon...if not the second he fell asleep. Joe and Dan we’re however talking that night...since Dan had to work earlier that day he wanted to make sure he had everything clear for the next day.

“So your comming here and we’re going to Ricks, right?” Dan asked as he walked in seeing his dad watching a futebol match, his mother cleaning.

“Yeah I still have a key so we can let Rick sleep in...he won’t mind...probably will need it...”

“Why?” Dan asked grabbing a water.

“He’s been taking night courses online to get his teaching degree.” Dan chocked on the water and rushed into his room.

“He’s what?!” Dan asked getting online.

“Well aparently he and Em made this sorta pact that if she ever sent a book in he’d become a law professor...and so he’s getting his teaching degree...he already has an offer from Oxford...I mean have you ever seen Rick in court?” Joe asked as Jess groaned and went to bed.

“No...why?” Dan asked as he checked his email.

“When he get’s going his amazing...it’s like watching a movie...you forget he’s your brother for like five secon and you realize he’s amazing at what he’s doing....but I talked to Emily who sat in on his class and said that he’s amazing...he just seems to belong there...” Dan laughed.

“Well I have news...” he said looking at the boxed up room.

“What?” Joe asked turning off the office light.

“I’m moving out...I got an apartment...”

‘Where is it?”

“About thirty minutes away from where Rick’s living.”

‘It’s not as big as Rick’s place is it?”

“No I can’t afford to own an entire floor...un like him...”

‘Hey...he works hard for his money...”

“Well when I get outta school I’m gonna be working pretty damn hard...”

‘What you going into?” Dan laughed.

“Don’t tell mom but Art.”

“Really!” Joe said excitedly knowing it was Dan’s passion to draw, paint and capture everything and he was bloody awsome.

“Don’t say it like that you know mom’s gonna kill me..” Dan said looking at his sketch book.

“No...I’m proud of you...and mom’s gonna kill Rick when he tells her... but Dan... you need to listen to me...this is your big brother, you are an amazing artist, don’t you ever let mom tell you...that you can’t go after it...ask Rick...he’ll agree with me...” Dan rolled his eyes

‘How do you two know I’m a good you’ve never seen my work?” Dan asked as he pulled on a pair of sweat pants and a t-shirt.
“Um actually we have...” Joe said grabbing a beer from his fridge and walking up the stiars.

“How?” Dan asked as Joe opened Erica’s door and smiled at her sleeping form.

‘You have a website Dan.” he said with a smile... “I told Richard that mom was worried about you so he did the lawyer thing...he researched you...”
“You know that picture you drew of him and Em?”

“Yeah...I drew it after they came over for dinner last year...”

‘He has it in his office Dan...he printed it off and hung it in his office.”

“Wait has Emily seen it?’

‘I’m sure. Why?”

‘Cause I didn’t think I did her justice in that drawing.” Dan said as he grabbed his sketch pad and slid it into his bag for the morning. Joe chuckled as he took a drink.

“I’m sure you did a great job...”

“Joe I have a question...” Dan said as he turned off his computer.

“Yeah?” Joe said turning down the T.V.

“Can I have you and Rick on speed dial for when I tell mom...” Joe let out a huge laugh and set down his bear looking at the clock...

‘Yep... Rick and I will be waiting by the phone.” Dan yawned.

“Okay well I’ll see you in a few hours...and thanks...”

‘No problem little brother..” Joe said pouring out his beer.

“You guys know I love you even though I can be a pain in the ass...right?” Joe smiled and looked at the photo on the kitchen counter all three of them in birth order...standing Rick’s arms around both of them.

‘We know...and we love you too...even though you’re a pain in the ass.” Joe said as Maggie walked in.

‘What?” the six year old asked.

“Nothing I’m talking to uncle dan Mags.”

‘Hi Uncle Dan!” Maggie said as she walked over to her father who scooped her up.
“Hi mags...”

“Hows mima?”

“Mima’s great so is Grandpa....”

“Mag’s uncle Dan and Dad gotta go to bed we’re going to uncle Richard’s tommorow....”

“How long are you gone daddy?”

“ A week...but I’ll call every night...”

“Okay night uncle Dan...love you...”

‘Love you mags...night honey...”

“Night Dan...” Joe said as he walked Maggie up the stiars.

“Night Joe.” Dan said as he hung up and ploped down on the bed. “I’m the baby, gotta love me...” Dan said as he looked around...he was finaly leaving 21 years in this place and he was finally leaving....moving on...growing up, it was daunting yes...but a nessecary step. Dan closed his eyes and fell asleep while Joe slid Maggie into bed and covered her up laughing at the thought of what he was doing at 21...well he was dating his wife but...they were a young couple and had lived life to the fullest. Joe kissed maggie’s head and she hugged his neck.

‘Night daddy.” she whispered and he smiled.

‘Night sweetie.” he said as he left the room and walked into Erica’s room. She was curled up in her bed his oldest who was growing up way too fast, she looked so peacfull and un teen ager ish, he walked over to his daughter brushed the bits of dark hair off her face and kissed her temple. “I love you.” he whispered as he pulled her covers up to her chin. He stood up and walked to the door then as he pulled her door closed he heard her say.

‘I love you.” he smiled and walked across the hall into his room smiling at his wife asleep in thier bed. He pulled off his pants and shirt and slid into bed with his wife, who when she scooted over was surprised when he pulled her close and wrapped her in his arms.

“Joe I’m to tired.” his wife moaned Joe smiled and kissed her.

“I know...” she opened her eyes and looked at him.
“Then what are you doing?” she asked as he tightened his grip on her.

“I’m holding you in my arms...” he said closing his eyes.

“You don’t want anything?” He smiled.

“Not tonight...I’m just gonna be at Rick’s for a week and I need to remember how this feels...holding you.” Jess felt a tear run down her cheek . “Now I have to get up in four and a half hours so let’s sleep.” Jess snuggled into his chest and fell asleep. Mean while Ellie and Gereld were laying in bed, Ellie was fixing a sock while Gerald was reading a book.

“Gerald our nest is going to empty soon.” Ellie said as she set the sock down.

“I know dear...it’s shocking...” Gerald said closing his book.

“We have three son’s one is married with two children and has a carrer he loves, one who is a top lawyer and in love with an amazing woman, and one who’s just starting out the world at his feet...Gerald, how did we get here....I don’t remeber them being this big...” she said tearing up. Gerald wrapped her in his arms and kissing the top of her head as she cried into his shirt.

“Ellie...we did good...we did good.” he reasured her and she smiled and kissed him.

“I know...” she said as they both laid down the life they had lived together flshing in front of thier eyes, making them smile as they fell asleep. Emily stirred at 2 am and opened her eyes thinking it had all been a dream, then when she went to pull her hair up she felt the ring, and smiled...it hadn’t been a dream, she looked at her hand and then at Rick who was asleep his mouth was open and she just smiled at his hair falling in his face. Max huffed and she smiled at him and then laughed as he snored.

“Go to bed Emily.” he said shifting his weight as he tried to fall back asleep.

“I was asleep but your snoring woke me up.”

‘Did it now.” he said as Max crawled up behind him and nuzzled his head under his side “what are you doing dog?” he asked as Emily brushed his hair back behind his ear. “What are you doing?” he asked as she curled his hair around her finger. He opened his eyes and saw her smiling at him. “What?” he asked shoving the heal of his hand into his left eye. She kissed him and holding his face.

‘I love you.” he smiled and rubbed her sides.
“Somthing’s gotten into you if your up at two...” he said with a smirk. “What could it be...?” he asked tapping his chin.

“Maybe it’s that I’m engaged to the most amazing man on the face of the earth.” she said as Max barked.

“If Max says it’s the truth then it’s the truth.” Rick said as she moved her legs entwining them with his.

“I don’t need Max’s approval to know it’s the truth...I know....” he smiled and kissed her.

“There’s a reason I cam home soaking wet today...I came home wet because I knew that tonight when I fell asleep...which was about an hour ago...I’d been engaged to the most amazing woman I have ever met, and in my opion the most amazing woman there has ever been.” Emily smiled and kissed him and then he wrapped her in his arms so thier was no space between them. “Now that I’m going to get a cold...I need my rest...sleep!” he said pulling the covers up. Emily smiled and closed her eyes. Rick looked at her and thought I get to fall asleep to that every night. Then he too closed his eyes and fell asleep.


The next morning Joe woke up to the sound of a screaming alarm clock. He moaned and hit it getting up...

‘Do you have to go?” Jess asked as he pulled on a pair of jeans.

“It’s tradition...I have to go...” He said as he kissed his wife, “I’ll call tonight....I promise.”

“Call when you get there.” Jess said as she sat up holding the sheet to her chest.

“I will...” he said as he grabbed a pair of flip flops and a t-shirt.

“Joe?” he stopped and looked at her.

“Yeah?” he asked as he pulled on the shirt.

‘I love you.” she said standing up and wrapping her arms around his neck.

“I love you too.” he said holding her sides placing his forehead on hers. “I love you so much.” he said kissing her.

‘Your gonna be late.” she said as he kissed her agian.
“I know.” he said reluctently pulling away from her and walking out into the hall. Erie was standing there. “Hey honey it’s to early for you to be up...” he said hugging her.

‘I heard your alarm and I just wanted to say goodbye.” She said sqeuazing him back.

“I’m only gonna be gone a week.” he said kissing the top of her head. “Your getting to old.” he said pulling back. “Jess look at her...she’s not my little girl anymore.” he said holding her.

“I’ll always be your little girl dad...I’m just an older version.” Joe laughed and picked her up, she gigled at his strength.

“You stop growing up...you hear me...STOP!” he said setting her down, his cell buzzing in his jean pockett. “I’m on my way dan.” he said getting a laugh from the other end.

“Do you want me to call Rick?”

‘No let him sleep. We’ll wake him up like we used to.” Jess laughed as her and her daughter followed him down the stiars and out to the pre packed car.

‘Ok see you in a few bro.” Joe laughed and said goodbye, then hung up.

“So you’ll call when you get there?” Jess said as he turned the car on and rolled down the window.

“Yes Jessica I will call...” he said rolling his eyes and wininking at Erica who laughed.

“Don’t laugh at that he’s being arrogent...”

“Oh I’m arrogant...” he said pulling out of the garage. “It’s better than being a worry wart...” he said blowing her a kiss.

‘BYE!” the both yelled as he drove down the road purposely speading up to a too fast level Erica laughing at her mother curseing him under her breath.

“Recluse.”

‘You married him.” Erica said walking inside.

‘Okay smart ass get in bed.” she said as her daughter laughed and ran upstiars. It took joe ten minutes to get to his parents house...and when he got there Dan was standing outside his one suitcase under him as he held his messenger bag.

“Your late.” he said as he threw his bags in the trunk and then climbed in the front seat.

“I was delayed by my over protective wife.”

“Oh...well lets get there I wanna wake him up.” Joe laughed.

“You hoping to relive the old times.”

“Yep just hope Emily isn’t there...”

“If she is we get to tell mom...”

‘Oh that’ll be good.” They drove for forty minutes until the arrived at Em and Rick’s apartment. They lugged thier bags up to the door and Joe tried three different keys untill he opened the door and dan smiled at the apartment. “It smells like girl.” Dan said getting a laugh from Joe.

“How old are you?” he asked as they sat thier stuff down.

“21...hey I can have a drink this year!” he said walking around stopping at the white laptop with London’s logo on it. “Why would Em bring her work over here?”

‘Maybe she was house sitting or somthing...now which one is his?” Joe asked looking at the one door on the left side of the apartment... Rick and Em’s room, and the the other two on the right side.

“Probably that one.” Dan said walking over to the slightly opened door...he opend it a little wider and waved Joe over

“Is it?” Dan nodded and pionted to the bed. Joe saw his brother looking at peace he smiled as he saw Emily in his arms.

“Do you think they?” Dan asked Joe chuckled and pionted to the scattered suit parts and the broken thong.

“I think they did.” he said and they both laughed as Rick snored and the dog at the end of the bed huffed in his sleep.
“I didn’t know he had a dog.” Joe smiled.

“Max...they found him.” The dog raised it’s head at it’s name and wagged it’s tail. “Here boy.” Joe said as Max jumped off the bed and trotted over, “Let’s let them sleep...” the two men walked into the living room and when Max could see them in full light he barked, and Joe and Dan tried to hush him by turning out the light so that the very faint bluesh grey light from out side poured in. “Shhh! It’s okay max.”

“Who are you?” Rick’s deep voice asked from the door, the tone he used was frightening.

“Rick...” Joe said trying to dissarm his brother, Rick sighed and flipped the switch on the wall and set down the baseball bat he had in his hand.

“What are you two doing here?” he asked as he looked back in his room Emily still sound asleep.

“We’re here for the week.” dan said sitting on the coffee table.

“Off.” Rick said pionting to him. Dan laughed and moved to the couch. ‘Aren’t you supposed to be here next week?”

“Nope it’s the first week in August today is the first.” Rick looked att his watch, laughng at the date.

“How’d we both miscalculate that?” he asked as he smiled and then realized he was shirtless. “I’m gonna grab a shirt and check on Em....I guess just make yourselves at home...Em and I’ll call into work, change a few things...but there’s no sense in you leaveing now that you’re here.” he said as he opened the door and Max huffed. “Can it mut.” Rick yelped as the pilliow hit him and they laughed as they heard Emily say.

“He’s not a mut.” Rick laughed and they heard him kiss her.

‘Sleep banna.” he said and she moved the covers and Rick came back out pulling on a white T-shirt bearing the London logo.

“You a walking billbord for her?” Dan asked as he turned on the T.V. Rick grabbed his remote.

“No...it’s a free shirt.” he said turning the channel.

“So is Emily here regularlly?” Joe asked in a so your getting action now tone. Rick smiled and yawned, sitting down between them.

“Emily lives here.” he said them both looking shocked, he just chuckled to himself.

“Wait hold on...like you mean she’s here all the time so it’s like she lives here?” Joe asked turning towards him.

‘Nope...she lives here, she sleeps in that room with me...she eats in that kitchen with me...all her stuffs in here with mine...she lives here.” Dan smiled and Joe hooted. “What? And shut your mouths she’s asleep.”

“So you and her live together...” Rick smiled and ran a hand through his hair, the two men laughed at it’s length.... “You need to cut your hair mate.” Dan said pulling on it mocking it as it nearly graced his mid neck.

‘I like my hair.” he said standing up.

“Why?” Joe asked like how could you have your hair longer than your ears.

“Cause it drives Emily wild.” He said raising an eye brow, they all laughed “But there is something else you should know...but I’ll wait till Em get’s up and then I’ll see if you can guess.” He said rubbing his hands together.

“Oh so there is a challenge!” Joe said standing up getting a bark from max. “Does he ever shut up?”

“Nope.” Rick said walking into the kitchen pulling his hair back in the pony tail he only wore before he took a shower.

“He even wears it up Joseph...” dan said in a femy voice.

“Sod off.” Rick said starting the coffee machine.

“I like it.” Emily’s voice said from the bedroom door, all of them jumped and looked over at her. “Hi.” she said waving. Rick smiled and mouthed don’t tell them...they have to figure it out. She nodded and Joe stood up, and hugged her. “How are you Joe?” she asked hugging him.

“A little surprised that your living here.” she smiled.

“Well it’s been four months.” she said shrugging.

“Richard! Four months and I don’t even know...I know about the teaching but I can’t know about this...next thing you two’ll be engaged, and you won’t even tell me your doing it.” Emily laughed.

“What’s so funny?” dan asked as she hugged him Emily held up her left hand and Joe looked at Rick shocked and Dan hugged Emily agian.

“You did!” Joe yelled,
“I was nervous enough, it took every once of my fiber to do it... and I didn’t need Erie calling Emily asking if I had yet.”

‘So how long?” Dan asked as he let go of Emily a smile on his face.

“I asked her last night...you lot are the first to know.” Rick said wrapping his arms around her waist.

“CONGRATS!” they both yelled bombarding the couple they laughed and Emily hugged her future brothers Dan kissed her cheek and, Emily held on as Joe spun her around then as he set her down. Emily looked at Rick.

“Call your brother.” he said as she kissed him and Ran into the other room.

“Your getting married.” Joe said placing a hand on his brother’s shoulder. Rick smiled and looked at him.

“I am.” The guys all laughed and Rick shushed them as he heard Emily talking.

“Yeah he cried!”

‘YOU CRIED!” Dan yelled getting a laugh from everybody but Richard.

“Yeah I cried you gotta problem?” he asked stregthing up looking at his younger brother, who quivered at the menicing figure of his brother..

“Just never thought you could cry...”

“HE CAN CRY ALRIGHT!” Emily yelled getting a laugh from Mike and the guys.

“Not Helping sweetheart!” Rick said.

“Em .and yes I’ll give you away, nothing would make me happier.” Emily smiled and said she loved her brother and hung up.

“Ohh Emily we need a full recountment of the proposal!” dan said sitting on the table getting a look from Rick. “Right sorry...why so protective of the table.” Rick walked over to it and lifted the glass, it wasn’t attached.

“I’m not protecting the table.” He said looking at him.

‘Oh!’ Emily came out in a pair of jeans and the same top.

‘What my boxers not comfy anymore?” Rick asked as she let her hair down and sat down.

“No thier always comfy but I love my jeans.” he laughed and kissed her.

“You live in them.” he said as he walked into the kitchen and began to cook breakfast.

“So how’d my romantic brother ask you?” Joe said sitting down crosssing his legs Dan edging in closer.

“And I’m the one who gets the jokes about my hair? I get the girly man jokes look at you two...your like a couple of her girlfriends.”

‘And what’s wrong with my friends?” Emily asked as she finished her hair, setting the five bobby pins on the glass tabel

‘Nothing I just don’t think my brothers should become Annie and Kate.” Emily laughed.

‘Who?”

“My fashion consultants and co coeditiors at London...”

‘They might not be that in a few weeks.” Rick said from inside the fridge

“It’s not gonna happen Rick.” Emily said pionting to him like your turn.

‘Yeah it is..” he said closing the fridge

‘No it’s not.”

‘What is or isn’t?” Dan asked.

“Thier is a rumor in the fashion world that my boss is retireing and that I’m first in line to take over the magazine...and it won’t happen because if my book does come out he would’nt...” Rick cut her off

‘Oh but he would.”

‘Your writing a book?” Dan asked looking at her

‘Yeah...” She said with a smile.

“She’s written a book...it’s just at the editor’s.” Rick said placing a pan on the stove.
‘Being ripped apart...” she said looking at the table.

“Emily it’s thier job they won’t destroy it!” Rick said as he cracked a few eggs.

‘Should you be letting him cook?” Joe whispered.

‘He can handle breakfast...but nothing else.” she whispered.

‘I heard that.” he said as he re pulled his hair up so the pony tail hanging from the middle of his head.

“I don’t want hair in my food.” Dan said.

‘Then you can make your own.” Rick said with a smile.

“What are you making?” Emily asked looking over at him.

‘Eggs, bacon and what did you and mike call them...flap jacks?” Emily laughed.

‘Well we might have to help him.” she said smiling at Joe...‘Don’t start the pancake batter untill after the eggs are done...then start the bacon ahlfway through the pancakes...don’t flip the pancakes until you see bubbles on the top.” He nodded.

‘I know.” he said as scrambled up eggs.

“So how’d he ask you?” Dan asked as he pulled off his shoes.

“Well last night I came home early cause I wasn’t feeling well...”

‘Tell them Em...they’re gonna have to know now that their here.”

“Your not pregnant are you?” Joe asked getting both Emily and Rick to break down laughing.

“Every time they think I’m pregnant I told you that!” she said as Rick dropped the bacon on the frier.

‘That you did...”

‘I’m a diabetic...so last night I came home early cause my sugar was low...Max and I we’re enjoying a nice night of spegettii and baseball when at about eight...he comes bursting through the door soaking wet...”

“I went to the place we met...it started raining and I think I might have ruined a dolce suit.” he said as he put eggs on a plate.

“Anyway,” Emily said as she pulled her feet up so she was sitting yoga style.”He came home and woke me and Max up...then when I went to see him he threw me over his shoulder, then he set me down on the bed and made me tell him I loved him...”

“Then he asked you?” Dan asked Rick shook his head.

“Nope he was sly about it...he told me he loved me but he couldn’t do this anymore...that I couldn’t be his girlfriend any more...”

“Oh Richard!” Joe said like he was yelling at him “way to torturre her.” Emily smile and held a hand as if to say see.

“Finish your story Em.” Rick said as he poured pancakes.

“Then after I screamed at him and asked him why not...he told me because he needed me to be his wife...then he asked me and I said yes...”

“And that’s all you get.” Rick said as he poured coffee.

“You want help?” Emily asked making to stand up.

“I’m good.” he said as Emily walked into the kitchen.

“You have to check and take yout insulin?” Joe asked as she grabbed her testing pouch.

“Mmm hmm.” she hummed as she layed out her needed instruments away from the food. She tested her sugar and wrote the number down...then took her insulin and put it away.

‘That was quick.”

“Over fifteen years of it...you can do it in your sleep.” she said grabbing plates and placing them in front of the guys.

“You two really don’t have to make us breakfast...you can go back to bed.” Rick smiled and rubbed the bottom of his chin with the back of his hand.

‘We’re up...you woke us up...so you can deal with the dog when he gets cranky.” Max barked and Em and rick not looking at him said.

“Shut up max.” in perfect unision.
‘That’s not normal.” Dan said as he took a bite of eggs using his hands.

‘Hey fork!” Rick said pionting to the cup of silverware on the island counter.

‘Ok mom.” he said only to have a spatula hit him in the head. “Ow....”

‘Don’t mock me...” Emil grabbed his collar.

“Don’t hurt your brothers.” he kissed her and she let go. Rubbing his chin, smiling.

‘Do I need to shave and cut my hair.”

‘You better not cut your hair.” she said as she grabbed the coffee mugs and set them down like a skilled watriess.

‘Were you ever a waitress Em?” Joe asked as she hopped up on the counter.

“In middle and high school I worked at a diner.” she said grabbing a piece of bacon off of the plate rick had set next to her.
“Like an American happy days diner?” Dan asked crosssing his legs.

“Kinda...it was a fifties diner but it was called Moe’s not Als and I didn’t wear a poodle skirt I worked the counter and the kitchen...I learned how too cook breakfast for a table of eight in ten minutes flat.” She said taking a sip of coffee.

“Oh she’s making breakfast tommorrow.” Joe said biting into the eggs. “Good eggs Rick.”

“Thanks.” he said as he leand up agianst the counter in front of Em and she wraped her legs around his waist and set her plate on his head. “I’m not a table.”

“You are now.” Dan said as rick leand his head forward and caught the plate.

“Here max.”

‘Hey!” Emily said pushing on his back.

“He’s hungry.”

“Then you feed him.” she said as she moved her legs.

“No...that’s dangerous.”
“It’s dangerous to feed the dog?” Joe asked as he took a piece of bacon.

“Shall I?” Emily asked Rick nodded and walked over to where his brothers were. “Max kibs.” she said and the dog shot up and grabbed his bowl. Emily walked over to where his food was, she grabbed the bowl and filled it up then jumped up on the counter as max began the running and eating routine. The whole room errupted in laughter.

“Dose he do that everyday?” Dan asked as he laughed.

“Yep..we’ve tried like ten different bowls each one he manages to get it around the island like five times...”

‘Well he works off what he eats.” Rick said eating Emily’s plate of food.


‘Hey my food.” Emily said pionting to it...

‘I think it fell out of the sky...” Rick said bitting her bacon getting a whine from her. “There’s food right there...” he said pionting she huffed and grabbed the last three pieces of bacon.”See.” Rick said with a mouth full of food.

“See.” Emily mocked getting a laugh from the guys

“Don’t laugh at that...” rick said as he turned on ESPN.

“Go ahead laugh.” Emily said as she grabbed thier empty plates and did the dishes.

“Oh he’s our brother Em..he’ll kill us...”

“Yep.” Rick said with a smile.

“I have a brother too..and he could kill rick.”

“True.” Rick said as Emily showed them a picture of Mike.

“This...this is your brother...” Emily nodded.

“Dr. Mike.” she said with a smile.

“The body builder is a doctor?” Dan asked.

“He’s not as mean as he looks he’s actually a sentimental fool.” she said placing the picture back on the couter.
“So when you telling mom?” Dan asked turning around looking at Rick.

“As soon as you tell her your going to art school.” he said turning his head and smiling then looking back at the t.v. “EM!” he yelled and she dropped a plate.

“WHAT?” she asked knowing it wasn’t anything important.

“Um...how far ahead were the cubs when I came home last night?”

“Up by four in the bottom of the sixth why?”

“And didn’t the tigers win a game and the cubs won a game?” He asked looking at her.

“Yeah why?” she asked looking at his brothers, and mouthing I have no idea what he’s going on about.

“Emily darling...you just won that bet...” She dropped the spatcuala.

“Huh?”

“Tigers 10 Cubs 7....” Emily laughed.

“What you bet on the Tigs and the Cubs?”

“I bet a signed baseball.” she said looking at rick

“Oh big deal...” Dan said looking at his

“It’s signed by babe ruth.” Rick said putting his hands on his sides.

“Wait! Hold On! That’s worth like...”

‘Over ten thousand....” Emily said