Author note:
Very short transition chapter. Thanks again for the encouragement.
CH 34-Walking on Eggshells
Linda left and Emma went back home. She had trouble sleeping without Clay beside her. That's why she was up at 1:30 on a Wednesday when she had to be up in 5 ½ hours. She reached for her phone. Emma hesitated momentarily before texting Clay.
-You up-
She waited for a few minutes before getting a response.
-What's up babe? Everything ok-
-Did I wake you-
-No can't seem to sleep-
-Me either. I miss you-
-I miss you honey-
-Can we FaceTime-
Almost immediately her phone indicated a FaceTime call.
"Thanks honey. I hope I'm not keeping you up."
"No Em. I'm too used to having you next to me."
"I know. I can't sleep without you."
"We'll have to get used to it."
"Can you just talk to me? Tell me what you're going to do the rest of the week."
"Em, you know what's going on, nothing special."
"I know. I just want to hear your voice."
He proceeded to tell her about hitting the gym, working on his truck and helping Brock fix the sink in his kitchen. Clay could see her eyes closing and hear her soft breathing. He whispered quietly, "Love you Em," and ended their call.
Emma made it through the next couple days until it was Clay's moving day. Much of the work was done by the guys before Emma could make it over there from school. It actually worked out well since the unpacking and placement of things was what was left. Emma jumped in as soon as she arrived and directed them on what boxed went where. Once everything had been carried in, she and Clay set about the unpacking process. As they were working Sonny and Trent got Clay's old bed and loaded it into Trent's truck. Soon after the furniture store delivered and set up the new, king-size mattress in the bedroom.
"Kind of a big bed for one guy, Cowboy," quipped Sonny.
Clay spoke before he thought. "Well, it won't be just me for too long."
Emma, who was putting sheets on the bed just stopped and went red to her hairline.
"I mean…well…" Clay stammered, and Sonny chuckled.
"You're just sayin' what's true and we all better get used to it. I'm gonna see if Trent needs any more help."
Clay turned to Emma. "Sonny Quinn, the voice of reason. Who would have thought? He's right you know. We're all gonna have to get to the point of talking about you as my girlfriend, not Jace's daughter."
Emma nodded. "I know, you're right."
"I'm not gonna say anything crazy. But, from now on I'm not going to walk on eggshells either. You okay with that Em?"
"Yea. I'm okay with that."
"Good. 'Cause I'm proud you're mine."
"I'm proud too honey. You know I am."
Clay wrapped his arms around her and bent his head to kiss her. Just then, Jason poked his head in. Clay lifted his head but didn't let go of Emma.
"Yea Jace?"
"I wanted to let you know that we're all going to take off now."
"Wait a sec."
Clay kept his arm around Emma and walked out to the living room.
"Thanks so much. Em and I will have a get together soon and treat you guys to steaks and beer." Emma echoed the appreciation. She gave her dad and Mikey hug and shut the door behind them.
"Let's go finish putting things away babe. Because I'd sure like to test out that new bed."
Clay smiled and winked at her. "I'd think that sounds like an excellent idea."
