Emma was overwhelmed. Even though the human trafficking conference did not have to be dealt with until after the Boxx opening, she couldn't help but divert some of her attention and mind power to it. That was how Emma worked, and it usually worked very well for her. Right now, however, it was supremely frustrating for her to be juggling so much at once. It seemed like nothing got her full attention – they might have to bring on a temp to complete all of the work. Of course, if she wasn't so keen on keeping tabs on the development of Harriet and Frank's relationship, she could probably get more done, but how could she help herself! Frank seemed to be hanging around the office more and more, Emma couldn't help but be a little giddy on Harriet's behalf. Finally, a man worth Harriet's time and attention – unlike Senator Scumbag. As it still caused her such chagrin to think of what had happened, she banished it from her mind and went to get some coffee from the office kitchen.
As she passed Alex's office, she heard the unexpected sound of laughing. Intrigued, she poked her head in the office. Maeve Nolan was speaking, excitedly and emphatically about something, while Alex smiled at her over the top of his coffee mug. Emma was confused.
"Oh! Hi, Maeve – what are you doing here today? I thought we agreed to meet after the Boxx opening? What are you doing in her with Alex?" Emma asked, looking back and forth between them. When she saw the slight blush on Alex's face (not enough for just anybody to notice, but she, being his lifelong friend, definitely noticed) she smiled largely at Alex.
"Emma! Good to see you! Alex called and wanted to know if I would like to go over the budget concerns with him. See if there was any way we can maximize our budget for the conference. He also had a great idea of turning the conference into a human trafficking awareness event. So it isn't just for scholars and policy makers. That way we can reach a wider audience… isn't that a great idea?" Maeve was clearly excited about all of this.
"REALLY?" Emma's eyes expressed her disbelief as she looked at Alex, who was turning more and more red by the second, "well, by all means, keep brainstorming you two! Can't wait to hear what turns up. Alex, when Maeve leaves can I have you look over some numbers? In my office?"
"Do you need me now?" Alex looked confused.
"No, finish your meeting – I just need you for some boring stuff," Emma waved him to sit back down, "I think this is much more important right now," she smiled and winked. Emma continued on the kitchen, smiling to herself. Alex had a crush and she was going to rib him for it!
After she got her coffee, she passed back by Alex's office quickly and glanced in. Maeve looked better dressed than she had when she visited before. A boat neck sweater showed off her nice clavicles and clung to her better than the t-shirt, showing curves that men must be interested in. The top was a lovely green that showed off her clear pale skin and set off her dark wavy hair and green eyes, even behind those yucky hipster glasses. As Emma passed, she saw Maeve touch Alex's arm and then throw her head back to laugh. She was very expressive, but, Emma thought, Alex was never that funny.
Back in her office, Emma became absorbed into the Boxx opening. So absorbed that when Alex knocked gentle on her door before walking in, she jumped.
"Are you ok?" He asked smiling, "Where are these "numbers" I need to look at?" He looked skeptical and he had every right to… there were no numbers.
"Sit," Emma commanded and he sat next to her on the bench, "so… would you like to tell me what is going on?"
"With… what?" Alex pretended to be confused.
"With MAEVE!" Emma practically shouted, "You have never had so much interest in a client before this?"
"I am trying to make things easier on you, Emma… you know, helping out, being a team player," Alex was carefully not meeting her eye.
"You like her, don't you?" Emma rested her hand on his arm. Alex looked down at her hand, swallowed, looked her in the eyes and said, "Yes, I do like her."
"Well, what are you being so coy about? She clearly likes you too!" Emma pasted her too bright smile on her face, "she seems smart and funny, she's really pretty too. What's not to like about her? Have you asked her out on a date?"
"Not yet," he sighed and shrugged. He looked up at Emma and some complicated emotion flittered across his face. He seemed to resolve something in his mind.
"You're right," he stated, "She's smart and very beautiful and so much fun to be around. I'm going to ask her out. Why wouldn't I?"
He looked at Emma challengingly, like he expected her to answer his last question.
"No reason not to, Alex!" Emma chirped, "No reason to waste your life living like a monk. You should invite her to the opening of Boxx! Really show her the best side of yourself!"
Alex looked dubiously at Emma, she was acting quite happy. A little too happy, but he wasn't about to look too closely into it. There was a small knock on the door, Maeve was standing in the doorway looking a little chagrined. Emma noticed that she had on a cute, high-waisted black skirt to accompany her green top. The girl might not need so much help in the clothing department as she originally thought, Emma mused silently. Alex jumped up and smiled warmly at Maeve.
"Maeve, what can we do for you?" Emma was the first to speak.
"Sorry, Alex, I may have left my cell in your office – could we have a look," Maeve looked embarrassed, both at having interrupted and having left her cell phone.
"Yeah, sure!" Alex moved out of the office with her, his hand on the small of her back steering her into his office. As they moved into the office, Emma heard Alex clear his throat and begin to ask Maeve to the Boxx opening.
Emma was experiencing some unexpected complex emotions. She was so happy for Alex, that he finally found someone worthy of his attentions. She also did not like that he was asking Maeve out. She was far too protective of Mr. Knightley, she was afraid that he would get hurt. Who knew how stable Maeve was? Yes! That was it… these emotions weren't complex at all! She just wanted to protect those she loves. She was just protecting Alex, right?