Oh, The Places You'll Go
You'll look up and down streets. Look 'em over with care.
About some you will say, "I don't choose to go there."
With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet,
you're too smart to go down any not-so-good street.
Rosalie arrived at the garage early, hoping to get into the office and to work before Emmett arrived. One of the men from yesterday was there and he smiled warmly.
"Em's out the back signing for a delivery. Want me to get him?"
"No need." Rosalie assured him and went to the office, shutting the door sharply behind her.
By midday, no one had been to check on her, much to her relief. She had finished organising the papers and had begun the input on her laptop. Her stomach growled loudly as she finished the first six months and she searched in her bag for a cup-a-soup. There was a kettle in the small kitchenette just outside the office and she slipped out, watching as the two men, Tyler and Mike leaned over the hood of a car.
"Is that all you're having for lunch?" Emmett spoke from behind her and she turned sharply.
"I don't need much. I had a large breakfast."
"There's a box of doughnuts over there. Help yourself before those two idiots get into them."
"I'm hurt, Boss." Tyler clutched melodramatically at his heart and Emmett threw an oily rag at him.
Rosalie picked up her cup-a-soup and disappeared back into the office.
By seven in the evening, Rosalie had finished. She shut down her laptop, arranged the receipts in the boxes and left them in an organised stack in the corner of the office. There was still a light on in the garage and when she went out, Emmett was finishing off the paintjob on a car. She hesitated by the door and he noticed her, lowering his paint and lifting his mask to reveal his smile.
"Ready for dinner?"
"Goodnight, Mr McCarty." Rosalie said dryly, "I'll have Esme send you our bill."
Emmett tossed the mask to one side and wiped his hands clean, moving towards her. Rosalie averted her eyes, looking out at the street. It was misty, the air full of moisture that clung to the skin.
"How are you getting home?" Emmett asked and Rosalie met his eye.
"Cab."
"You don't have a car?"
"Not yet. I'm new to town."
"Edward mentioned."
"Then Edward needs to mind his own business." Rosalie said sharply, "Goodnight, Mr McCarty."
She started to walk away but Emmett caught her elbow.
"You don't want to go walking around a strange city in the dark." He warned her, "Give me five minutes and I'll drive you home. Text someone, if it makes you feel better, let them know I'm taking you."
Rosalie looked out at the darkness, at the unfamiliar streets and sensed the overwhelming loneliness that came with not knowing a person in a whole city.
"Fine. Thank you." She said and Emmett grinned, his hand brushing over her arm.
"Good. We can pick up Chinese food on the way."
"No. If that's what you want, I'll get the cab." Rosalie insisted and he laughed, his head thrown back. He had five 'o clock shadow over his chin and he rubbed it easily as his blue eyes sparkled in amusement.
"You'll say yes eventually."
Rosalie gave him a flat look and he continued to chuckle as he began to shut down the shop.
Outside Rosalie's apartment building, Emmett pulled over and offered her a warm smile.
"Sure about that dinner?"
"Very sure. Thank you for the ride."
"I'll probably see you around. I see Bella and Edward a lot."
"Perhaps." Rosalie fiddled with her door key, avoiding his eye. He leaned over and squeezed her fingers gently and she jumped, her gaze a little accusing as she stared at him.
Emmett settled back in his seat, looking at her with a softer gaze but still with that permanent smile playing around his lips.
"I like you, Rosalie."
"I should be going." Rosalie fumbled for the door handle, feeling a flush rise up her cheeks, "Thank you for the lift."
"I'll see you soon?"
"…Bye, Mr McCarty."
A/N: Thank you for the reviews and follows!
