I'd really like to thank MJanie001 for her help with this chapter. Besides helping me decipher something Alex said, she's been invaluable in sorting out my "Britishisms."
Chapter 11 - Episode 72 in Alex's POV
While Emma was in Harriet's office, helping her with the surprise they had in mind for Martin, I wandered into Emma's office and thought about our date the night before. I gave her a bouquet of flowers (red and yellow roses; joy, happiness and excitement) when I picked her up. It was nice seeing her smile of approval.
We weren't like teenage couples sitting at the back of the theatre making out; we did actually watch the movie. That said, we did act all cute and couple-y, holding hands, occasionally looking at each other with googly eyes - as we were wont to do. It wasn't like my previous date with the woman who constantly talked about her ex husband's snoring habits. No, thankfully Emma was nothing like her.
Then dinner was really nice. Reviews said that among other things, the portion sizes were really great, especially for its price. I am like my brother - I know how to stretch a dollar. After having so much popcorn and cola, both Emma and I struggled to finish our meals, so we had them boxed up for us. I had my leftovers for breakfast.
Finally Emma came into her office with a cheesy grin on her face. As time went on that grin turned into excitement. It was fun to watch.
"Do you think she did it yet?" I just laughed, "How long has it been? What if he says no." Emma looked really panicky and I shook my head in amusement.
"Will you relax?"
She couldn't, of course, because of her very nature. But my eyes widened at the thought of Emma interrupting Harriet and Martin. Just imagine someone walking in on me and Emma kissing. She made to run there and "check on them" but I pulled her back, hoping I wouldn't hurt myself in the process.
I wrapped my arms around her from behind and she held her hands up in surrender. Thank goodness she was only kidding and sheer admitted she didn't want a repeat of that last time.
"Good! Because I almost put my back out last time." Funnily enough, that was to do with Martin and Harriet too. Turning her around, we hugged each other properly.
"Ohhh! That's what you get for trying to restrain a lady against her will."
"As if I can ever get you to do anything against your will. Seriously though, you're like unnaturally strong. It's kind of intimidating." An image of the incredible hulk came to mind.
I knew she was only concerned about Harriet and wanted the best for her but she just needed reminding of her promise to stay out of Harriet's affairs. I assured her she will be happy. Remembering there was a camera in Harriet's office, I told her not to watch the footage afterwards. I knew her too well to believe her when she said she wouldn't dream of it. She looked way too innocent to be telling the truth.
That brought me to think of her documentary and I asked her how long she wanted to keep that up for. Of course, she gave the answer I expected she would - until she accepts her award for lifestyle excellence.
"You know, I do think you have quite a bit of footage for a pretty exciting documentary already."
"Actually… I have been sending copies to a production company and they completely agree!"
"Wait, what? People are watching us?" I looked into the camera as if for confirmation.
"Yeah! And they have some ideas on how to make it bigger and better!" Uh oh. This sounds like the old Emma.
I was incredulous that she didn't include me in that decision! But she was equally incredulous that it was necessary to discuss that decision together. Going through my head were thoughts like, "Are we not a couple?!" and, "Does my opinion not matter at all?"
I didn't think she meant it when she said she was serious about making decisions together. We'd have to see about that.
I heaved a long sigh and broached the subject about her father. "Seriously though, there is a decision we do need to make together."
She cracked a joke about discussing my wardrobe. She very graciously allowed me to keep most of my khakis. But I wasn't going to let her change the subject again.
She looked panicked as I brought up her father. She may have thought something bad had happened to him.
"Have you told him about us yet?"
"No, but I'm sure he'll be thrilled. He loves you, he already treats you like a son."
"Yes but you know how your father feels about inter-office relationships. He's always had a pretty firm policy against them."
Of course I didn't care about that, but I reminded her that Mr. Woodhouse's opinion did matter because was a major investor and most importantly he was her father. I was right about her reaction to my leaving the partnership, telling me I can't do that. And that was the reason why we needed to discuss that together.
"I can. And I will if that's what Mr. Woodhouse wants. I would much rather be your partner in life than your partner in business."
"And I'd rather you be my partner in both. There is no Emma Approved without you. We're a team, Alex Knightley."
"You just keep me around for the boring stuff."
"And the eye candy."
Harriet came in and interrupted our private moment together to tell us she was gonna leave a little early that day. She put on the ruse that she was checking she didn't need to do anything else before she left. I looked worried at Emma's reaction - she was visibly disappointed. And then Harriet came back in and told her she and Martin were together. Emma was so excited that she gave Harriet a bear hug.
"How you doing, Martin?" I responded in a very civilized manner as we shook hands.
"Pretty good, man! Pretty good!" Emma surprised me and especially Martin as she gave him a bear hug.
Martin thanked Emma for helping Harriet with the paper cranes, but Emma disclaimed any credit to it. Then he agreed to have a picture of him and Harriet taken, prom style. She asked where the two of them were going.
"Martin has a coupon for a Mexican restaurant that just opened."
"You guys are more than welcome to join us."
"No! You two go alone and enjoy yourselves."
I told them we can meet up for drinks later and Emma asked for them to save us some nachos. Of course, anyone would be sick of nachos after having to eat it for a whole year, and their reaction gave that away. Besides, they would have gone soggy by the time we got there.
After they left I said, "So. You're OK with that?"
"Very."
I reminded her again not to meddle in their affairs and Emma had some notion that "BMart" had "turned out to be such a respectable man." I brought her back to reality, saying I didn't see he'd changed at all.
"Huh. Maybe I'm the one who's changed."
"Well that's for sure, because the old Emma woulda never settled for a guy like me."
"Hey! If this is settling, the old Emma was a fool that she didn't a long time ago."
"That's what I kept trying to tell her."
"Too bad she never listens to you."
"Guess I was right again."
We had that "was not, was too" debate again. I let her have the last word because I had more important matters on my mind - I was willing her to kiss me again.
