Letty watched Emerson as she began to doze off. They were both at the bakery still since Letty was finishing off some homework. She held in her laughter rarely seeing Emerson this exhausted at work. Emerson has told her that she's had a hard time sleeping lately and she wasn't exactly sure why. Maybe it was due to the fact her sister was in town, but regardless, Letty was worried about Emerson. Ever since the incident at the clubhouse, there was a shift.
Angel wasn't subtle about visiting Emerson though the two never addressed the elephant in the room, most likely due to her presence. And if she was being honest, they both wanted her there so they could keep avoiding it.
"Finish your homework," she jumped at the voice that came from behind her. For a moment, she thought it was Emerson, but she realized it was from behind her.
Turning around, Letty found Sophia Andres. They had met a few weeks back and Letty hasn't been shy to show how much she disliked Sophia. She may be biased, but Emerson was her friend.
"Why are you here?" Sophia didn't miss the hostility in Letty's voice. She knew why Letty didn't like her, she got it, but why was this little punk so protective over her sister? Emerson wasn't her sister.
"Hello to you to Leticia," Sophia sat across from her. "I'm going home and I wanted to say goodbye to my sister," she turned back and found Emerson leaning against the wall, fast asleep. "But you know, she's asleep."
Letty just nodded her head, getting back to her homework. Maybe if she ignored her, she would eventually disappear.
"Why don't you like me?" Sophia knew Letty would be blunt with her, just like her father. Most of the people part of the MC or connected to them did not beat around the bush.
Never one to hold back, Letty spoke her mind. "Cause you're a bitch."
Sophia smirked, slightly shaking her head. "That's a bit biased."
"Maybe, but I'm also not the one who basically wage war with my own sister because of a guy." Letty didn't have siblings or anyone for that matter for a long time. She valued people who valued her more than others since she's never really experienced the love she had received from her father and Emerson. "I know, I don't know the whole story, but I don't give a fuck."
"I won't argue with you, I was terrible to Emmy." Sophia held her hands up in surrender. "But Emerson isn't innocent either you know."
"I know Emerson has a," Letty paused. "A darker side, but everyone does. Still no excuse for you to be such a bitch to your sister."
"Could you imagine growing up in the shadow of an older sibling that you could never reach? Even though your parents don't believe that they compare you two or they favor one more than the other, it happens. We're human, it's human nature." This was the reason Sophia and Angel clicked all those years ago. Standing in the shadows of their siblings, it was something they bonded over. She wasn't proud for sleeping with Angel, especially since she didn't really care much for the guy. But she knew it was what would hurt Emerson the most. She caught Angel during a bad time between him and Emerson, and she was able to sink her claws.
"And is that your excuse for being a bitch?" Letty smirked. "Nice one."
"Why do you worship the ground Emerson walks on? You don't even know her." It wasn't as if Emerson was a terrible person, but she hated how people made her out to be a saint when she had her skeletons in the closet as well.
"Everyone has a past, she's good to me, my dad and the club. I don't give a shit about her past." Whatever Sophia said to her, her opinion of Emerson wasn't going to change. She knew everyone had a darker side, but Emerson has always been kind to her and basically took her in, fuck her.
"Of course not, I'm not saying she's a serial killer, but don't worship someone you barely know." Sophia leaned back, crossings her arms over her chest. "I like you Leticia Cruz, I'm glad my sister has someone like you by her side. Unwaveringly loyal."
"And I don't like you, Sophia Anne Andres," Letty leaned against her crossed arms over her trigonometry book. "I'm sure Emerson is weary of your presence."
"Perhaps, but I am genuine in my intentions to repair my relationship with Emerson."
"I hope you are." Somehow, Letty didn't believe Sophia's words, maybe she was genuine, but at the end of the day, Letty didn't have a high opinion of her.
"Angel, has he been around?"
"I think we both know that Angel is a frequent flier here." Letty should stop talking to the enemy, she knew that, but she wanted to ask her about Emerson and Angel's relationship. She would ask her dad but he specifically told her to stay out of Emerson and Angel's business. "Why are you asking?"
"I'm sure you're aware they were engaged."
"Angel said they still are."
"You can't be engaged to someone who doesn't remember you." Sophia scoffed.
"You're not a fan of Angel."
"I am, to some extent. He made my sister happy."
Letty nodded her head. "Or you mean he kept her away from Elijah?"
Sophia really liked Letty. She kept calling her out and it was a bit refreshing. Growing up, she was used to people just nodding their head. But here was Leticia Cruz, with no fucks given on who she spoke to. She liked that kind of fearlessness.
"I shouldn't be surprised that you know Elijah."
"He and Emerson make a good couple." Letty made sure to make it a point to say that. They did make a good couple and Sophia could hear all about it.
Sophia laughed. "Don't let Angel hear that." Her eyes darted over to Emerson who was still asleep. "You don't like Angel for Emerson?"
"Elijah is just a better fit for her."
"And why is that?"
"He treats her so well and he obviously loves her."
Sophia nodded her head. "I'll let you in a little secret, Elijah definitely has unconditional love for Emerson but Angel definitely loves Emerson more than Elijah ever did."
"What makes you say that?"
"Because Angel didn't use Emerson as a way to appease his parents. Elijah loves Emerson because she was the perfect fit for him to his parents' eyes."
"I doubt that's the reason Elijah helps her so much."
"Perhaps, but you have to wonder why Elijah still chases after her even knowing she would never pick him."
"Because he really loves Emerson."
Sophia could tell that Elijah already charmed Letty. He wasn't a bad guy, but he was also a businessman. Manipulating people was the name of their game.
"I'll wake up Emerson," Sophia stood up and softly shook Emerson.
She opened her eyes, letting out a yawn. "Shit, Soph, what are you doing here?"
"Gotta leave for New York, duty calls." Sophia smiled. "You'll be there for my bridal shower?"
"We'll see," Emerson didn't want to make any promises she couldn't keep. She did not want to see her family, but she'll make the decision near the event. "Have a safe flight."
Emerson stood up and hug her younger sister. "Bye,"
"I'll be in touch," Sophia pulled away. She turned to Letty. "Bye Leticia."
"Hope to see you soon," Letty gave her such a fake smile that it made Sophia laugh.
The youngest Andres walked out of the shop and slid inside the car that was waiting for her. Once the door was closed, she looked over at her companion in the car.
"Angel is back in her life?"
"I don't know why you would think that he's not." Sophia sighed. "Let it go father, I thought you wished to reconcile with Emerson."
"I do," Eduardo sighed. "It's just not the right time."
Angel has been sitting on his bike outside of Emerson's apartment. He's been pumping himself up to talk to her. Letty was over for a few hours for dinner along with Coco and he made a deal with Coco to get Letty out by 10 so he could talk to Emerson. It was now 11 and the light was still on in her living room. He wasn't chickening out, but he didn't know where to start.
Taking a deep breath, he finally got off his bike and made his way across the street. Going up the steps 2 steps at a time, he was in front of her door before he knew it. He knocked on the door and the door opened revealing Emerson with shorts and a tank top on. Angel groaned internally, cursing her name for wearing such an outfit. Well, it didn't matter what Emerson wore, Angel always wanted her.
"Hi," Angel greeted.
"Hey," Emerson gave him a tired smile. "You're here late."
"I know, I was held up with pops for a bit, can I come in?" Angel questioned.
Emerson moved out of the way, letting Angel come in her apartment. They both made their way towards her cough, sitting on separate ends. Emerson wasn't exactly sure why Angel was here, but she has been avoiding him. It's been a week since Sophia told her that she knew Angel from a previous life. As much as she wanted to talk to Angel about it, to know more about her past, Emerson chickened out. She couldn't bare to see the hurt in his brown eyes as they spoke about their past.
"How are you?"
"I'm good," Emerson replied. "How have you been?"
"Good," Angel nodded his head. "Elijah told me that you spoke to your sister." He's never been the one to beat around the bush, he much rather just acknowledge the white elephant in the room.
Emerson was not speaking to Elijah and even more so now. She was being petty, she knew that, but he deliberately hid things from her for his own benefit.
"I did," Emerson pursed her lips. "I don't know what to tell you. I feel terrible. I didn't even know who you were yet, I shared a life with you." She could feel the tears building in her eyes and she was trying her best not to cry. She told herself numerous of times that once she spoke to Angel, she didn't want to become emotional. But she knew that was a moot point, it was difficult to not be emotional. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"Honestly? I didn't know how to face you. You were a blank canvas that had no recollection of what we had together. I already thought our first run around was pure luck, just didn't think lightning would strike twice." He shrugged. It was the truth, when he first saw Emerson, without her father's watchful eye, he wasn't sure what he should do. So badly he wanted to approach her, to apologize, to hold her once again, but he knew that wasn't a good idea. It would frighten her and he knew how difficult Emerson could be. When he first met her all those years ago, she never gave him the time of day. At first he thought it was cause she liked EZ, but it wasn't that. She just wasn't interested. He accepted that to some extent, then at EZ's birthday party, before he went to jail, things changed.
Emerson leaned against Angel as she happily watched EZ and Emily play beer pong against one another. It was only the four of them left and as much as Angel appreciated the time alone with Emerson, he was having such a hard time since she was so clingy to him.
"Teddy, maybe you've had enough to drink." Angel took the red solo cup from her, placing it on the table in front of them.
"Psst, can't even feel it," Emerson scoffed, but made no attempts to get her cup back. "You're the only person that calls me Teddy who's not a family member."
"Oh yeah? Should I feel special you haven't killed me?" Angel called her Teddy since he knew it bothered her. It was childish, but it got her attention and he was all for that.
"Naw, I wouldn't kill you, like you too much for that." She poked his cheek before she giggled. "Want to know a secret?"
"Sure," he smiled at her silliness, waiting for her to tell him her secret.
"You're much better looking than Ezekiel," Emerson places her hand on his shoulder, resting her chin on the back of her hand.
"That's not really a secret, that's a known fact." Angel couldn't help it, but his smile grew when she said that. It was rare for him to be picked over his brother, but the fact his brother's best friend who he had a god awful crush on picked him? Made his fucking day.
"I wish you like me as much as I like you." That caught Angel off guard. He never expressed dislike towards Emerson. Sure, he could be an asshole, but he was an asshole to everyone.
"Of course I like you Emerson, you're the only person I would babysit besides EZ when they're drunk."
"No silly," Emerson moved slightly away from him then. "I like you, as in I think you're hot and 'I wish I was your girlfriend' like you." She giggled once again. "But you know, EZ told me you weren't interested."
"Did he now?" Angel looked over at his brother who was watching them along with Emily. He knew EZ was head over heels for Emily, so why would EZ lie to Emerson? "Is that why you're always a bitch to me?"
"Well you're an asshole, why should I be nice if you're not?" She scoffed. "Anyway, I'm never coming back to this town, fuck it." Emerson kissed Angel, surprising him, Emily and EZ.
Once Emerson pulled away, she smiled at him one more time before she basically fell against Angel.
"Emerson?" Angel called out in panic. "Ezekiel, what the fuck man?"
"This happens whenever she has too much to drink, she's fine, just let her sleep against you." EZ brushed it off.
"Why did you tell her I wasn't interested in her?"
"You don't want to get involved with Emerson. Her family would never approve of it."
"Wow thanks for basically letting me know I'm not good enough for her." Angel scoffed. EZ has never rubbed it in that he was the best at everything. They were able to keep their relationship the way it was due to that. But knowing that EZ basically tried to sabotage his chance with Emerson, that wounded him. "Nice to know my baby brother is on my side."
"It's not like that Angel," Emily interjected. "EZ is just trying to protect you."
"From what?"
"Look, I'm sorry I interfered, but I really am trying to protect you. But if you're willing to find out cause you like her that much, then by all means, go ahead." EZ was really trying to protect Angel. The Andres family would never accept him. Not even because of his nonexistent degree, he just didn't have the money or status for their eldest daughter.
"Did you know ever since the accident?" Emerson questioned.
"I did, I tried to see you, but your father basically had the hospital stabilize you and he immediately had you transferred to a hospital in San Diego." Angel hated looking back at how easily he gave up on Emerson, on how great it felt that he didn't have to deal with the Andres anymore. As much as he loves Emerson, as much as he wanted to fight for her, he let her father get under his skin.
'Emerson would never be truly happy here with you. Do you honestly think Emerson is going to stick around this god awful town? One day, she's going to wake up and realize she made the wrong choice. Are you going to wait for that, Angel? You should just let her go.' He had told him one day after he requested to meet with him in attempt to save his daughter's life. 'Emerson is just trying to make a point, once she makes it, she's going to leave you. I could ruin you, you know. Take all of this away, get your MC indicted.'
It was then that Angel decided he was going to ruin his relationship with Emerson. He couldn't call off the engagement, he knew Emerson would try and fight him, so he did what an asshole would do. He slept with her sister and made sure she caught them.
It was one of the biggest regrets of his life.
"I don't blame you for not coming after me," Emerson's heart ached. She wasn't sure if it was her sympathy towards Angel for not remembering him or realizing that her father deliberately tried to ruin her relationship with someone she obviously loved. "My father could be intense."
"You can say that again," Angel mumbled under his breath. "I should have fought for us."
"Yeah, you should have," Emerson's eyes went wide at her own words. "I'm sorry, I'm not sure where that came from."
"Do you have any recollection of us?" Angel chose to ignore her comment since he knew where it came from. The comment came from his Emerson.
"No, I mean, I don't think so. I have bits of pieces that come back to me, but the faces are always blurry." Emerson frowned. "But I've had with dreams with you lately and I'm not sure if they're memories or just dreams."
"Nice to know you dream of me," he winked at her.
Emerson laughed. "Glad to further inflate your ego."
"Tell me about them, I can tell you if they're real or not."
"Did you ever visit me in Stanford?" She questioned.
"Almost every weekend since we visited EZ at prison together."
"Did we live together?"
"When you graduated, you came to Santo Padre to live with me since your father disowned you. We got a place together." Angel was a bit surprised how much she was giving him. But from what he heard, she was eager to figure it out. After Sophia told her of her past, Emerson was more open to know things about herself. Before, she didn't care about her past since it didn't seem like she left anyone behind, but knowing she shared a life with Angel, things changed for her.
"My sister said we're no longer engaged, is that true?"
"No, we still are," he sighed. "Listen, I'm not going to pretend I'm a saint, I'm not. We were going through a rough patch at the time of your accident, but know that I love you and our engagement never ended." Angel knew that was a bit reaching. He remembered the day Emerson caught him, the look of devastation on her face still haunted him to this day. Now, he was choosing to be selfish, he wanted Emerson back and if it meant saying a white lie, he would do it.
Emerson just nodded her head and she wasn't really sure what to say. What was she supposed to say about that? Sophia told her they were no longer engaged but finding out they still were, she felt awful. Even though she never knew about him, she still felt terrible knowing that she left him behind and basically left their relationship in limbo.
"You must hate Elijah." Emerson now understood why the two seemed to have such tension between them. They never fought in front of her, but she knew anything could trigger one of them.
"He is a prick." Angel smirked. "Listen Teddy," he paused, assessing her reaction and she was waiting for him to finish. "I'm here for you, whatever you need. I would never pressure you, but whatever I felt for you then, it's still here. Whether you need a friend or whatever it is, I'm here."
"Thanks Angel,"
Emerson always felt so at ease with Angel. When they first met, she remembered that she was a bit intimidated by all these bikers, but Angel always seemed to make her feel at ease. She always thought it was due to his jovial mannerism, but it made sense now.
Even though she lost her memories, the connection she once had with him was present. Her mind might not have remembered him, but her heart did.