Ch 4
When Emma returned bundled up in her coat, Drew followed her into the garage. He was stunned to see rows of neatly labeled bins stacked against the wall, each marked with categories like Ornaments, Lights, Christmas Village, and Holiday Tableware. There was even a small artificial tree boxed up in one corner.
"Wow," Drew said, opening a few of the Christmas bins. "You've got enough here to decorate a shopping mall."
Emma smirked. "I really love Christmas."
"No kidding," Drew muttered. Then, as his gaze wandered around the garage, something dawned on him as he looked at all the other totes for various holidays. "This… this isn't just a place you're hiding away at, is it?"
Emma hesitated, glancing at him. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, you've got everything you need to stay here for years. You have no plans to come out of hiding anytime soon. You are making this your home."
Emma stiffened slightly, but then sighed, leaning against one of the bins. "Not sure what my plan is anymore. I don't think I can handle my old life again. I don't miss the acting or being in the spotlight. After everything that happened last year, I needed to get away. The tabloids, the questions, the pity looks… It was all too much. I came here expecting to only stay a few months. Now a few months have turned into a year. I keep adding more things making it my home. I have gotten very comfortable with my own company. I can just be myself. No worries of letting anyone down," she paused for a moment looking at him. "I guess that isn't true anymore I could let you down while you're here not be who you thought I would be."
Drew frowned, watching her carefully. "You're not going to let me down, just be yourself, Emma. I want to get to know you. The real you, not the woman you become to make Hollywood, your fans, whoever happy. Who are you, really? Tell me about you. "
Emma blinked, clearly caught off guard. "You already know the basics. What else is there to know? Actress, bad taste in men dating Chris SinClair for 2 years and almost marrying him proves that. Also I'm good at escaping."
Drew smiled gently. "I'm serious, we should get to know one another. Tell me about your life—your family, where you come from," he paused sensing her tension. "Emma, please share with me. It's really easy. I was born in Scotland and moved to England when I was 15. I've always loved wrestling. I moved to Florida when WWE signed me. I've had many ups and downs with my career, even got let go for a while. That was a very rough patch but WWE hired me back. Now your turn, start sharing."
Emma hesitated, then sighed, her shoulders relaxing. "Alright. I grew up in a very small town in New Jersey. My parents… they were amazing. Supportive, loving, everything you'd want parents to be. My Dad was the principal at the high school and my mom was the school nurse at the elementary school. When I was 18, they passed away in a car accident coming back from their 20th wedding anniversary trip to Atlantic City. My sister, Eva, was only 13 when they passed," she paused as tears filled her green eyes.
Drew's brow furrowed. "I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my Mom about 10 years ago. I know how painful it is. I miss her everyday. I couldn't imagine losing both parents at once."
Emma nodded, her voice quieter now. "I'm sorry for your loss too. It was shocking losing them both. Unfortunately we had no other family. My grandparents on both sides had passed away and we didn't have any aunts or uncles so I became Eva's guardian. I had to grow up fast—give up college, get a job, make sure she had what she needed. I worked multiple jobs for a few years then I got lucky with a few auditions, and things took off from there. After my big break, the movies started rolling in. It was overwhelming for ten years I barely stopped working. It felt like one movie would wrap and the next would start. The upside was I was able to give Eva anything she wanted. She never had to worry. After Eva's and Chris's accident, I had my agent cancel any upcoming contracts I had. I still have a movie that is being released next year. I'm avoiding dealing with that."
"I'm so sorry for all you have been through and that you lost Eva too ," Drew said softly staring into her tear filled eyes.
Emma's expression darkened, her voice breaking. "Eva was my world. I did everything for her. I would have done anything to make her happy. I never knew about Chris and her carrying on behind my back for over a year. I was more upset with her than him when I caught them. She blindsided me. I had no idea she was so unhappy with me. My last words to her was I hate you for stabbing me in the back. How do you come back from that?" Her voice cracked, and she buried her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking as she began crying more. Drew felt something he never felt before seeing her so upset. It tore at his soul seeing her like that. He didn't even think as he stepped forward wrapping his arms around her, pulling her into a comforting embrace. At first, she stiffened, but then she melted into him, clinging to his jacket as her tears soaked his shoulder.
He held her tightly, his hand gently rubbing her back. "I'm sorry I wasn't trying to upset you. I just wanted to know more about you. We can talk more later if you like. I would love to listen to anything you want to share. You don't have to go through this alone anymore," he softly spoke. "I can help you if you like but I don't want to overstep and upset you."
"Thank you, I guess I need a shoulder to cry on more than I want to admit. I'm not used to having someone around when I break down like this," she whispered against his chest.
"You're very welcome. After what you have done for me, the least I can do is be your shoulder and listen. Who knows, maybe you can help me with some of my demons and my bad habit of running my mouth," he said, making her softly laugh through her tears.
Later, as they trudged through the snow to find the perfect Christmas tree, Drew noticed Emma seemed lighter somehow, as if shedding some of the weight she'd been carrying. The small, genuine smile on her face made him feel like, for the first time in a long while, they were both exactly where they were meant to be. He wanted to keep getting to know her and exploring what she was making him feel.
As they walked through the grove, the crisp winter air carried the scent of pine and fresh snow. Emma pulled her coat tighter around her, glancing up at Drew, who was striding beside her with a playful smirk on his lips.
"So, what exactly are we looking for?" Drew asked, hands stuffed into his coat pockets. "Tall and strong, like myself? Or small and charming, like you?"
Emma rolled her eyes but couldn't help but smile. "First of all, I am not small."
Drew hummed, tilting his head as if considering her. "Compared to me you are. Would you rather I had said what I was really thinking that you're a beautiful sexy lass? Somehow I don't think we will find a short beautiful sexy tree."
Emma felt a warmth spread through her, but she refused to let him have the upper hand so easily so didn't say anything about his comment. "I think we need something full and sturdy. No weak, flimsy branches."
Drew gently nudged her. "Oh, so you like strong things, do you?"
Emma shot him a look, her lips twitching. "I like things that won't break under pressure."
Drew placed a hand over his heart in mock offense. "Are you questioning my durability, Emma? Because I assure you, I can handle quite a bit. I'm very good under pressure."
Emma laughed, shaking her head. "I'm sure you're very durable," she winked at him before turning her attention to one of the trees. "I think this one's perfect."
Drew circled the tree, rubbing his chin as if deep in thought. "You've got good taste. Time to impress you with my lumberjack skills."
Emma crossed her arms, watching as he grabbed the axe from the sled they had brought with them for the tree. "Oh, this I have to see."
With a cocky grin, Drew rolled up his sleeves, revealing his strong forearms, and got to work. Each swing of the axe sent chips of wood flying, and Emma had to admit, he made the task look effortless. She also couldn't deny how good he looked chopping the tree.
"Enjoying the show?" Drew called over his shoulder, shooting her a knowing smile.
Emma couldn't help smiling right back. "Maybe. Should I be concerned that you're this good at chopping things down?"
Drew let out a deep laugh before delivering the final strike. The tree wobbled before finally falling, and he stepped back, brushing a hand through his hair. "Impressed yet?"
Emma pursed her lips, pretending to consider. "Hmm… mildly."
Drew feigned offense. "Mildly? That was textbook tree-chopping perfection. You should be in awe."
Emma walked up to him, brushing a bit of stray pine off his shoulder. "I guess I'll give you points for effort."
Drew leaned in slightly, his voice lowering. "And what do I get if I really impress you?"
Emma's heart did a little flip, but she refused to let him win just yet. She smirked, stepping away. "Guess you'll have to keep trying and find out."
Drew groaned playfully, hoisting the tree over his shoulder tossing it onto a sled. "You're gonna make me work for it, aren't you?"
Emma laughed, nudging his side as they started to walk back. "Absolutely."
As they made their way home, she started matching his energy, brushing her fingers against his arm as she talked, shooting him teasing looks every time he tried to get closer.
Drew huffed dramatically when he put his arm around her and she didn't push away from him. "You're playing a dangerous game, lass."
Emma grinned, stepping away from him resting her hands on his chest for a moment. "What, afraid I'll win?"
Drew looked down at her with a wicked glint in his eyes. "Oh, I have every intention of winning. But trust me, you're gonna love losing."
Emma felt her breath hitch, but she kept her composure, flashing him an innocent smile. "We'll see about that, McIntyre."
Drew chuckled, shaking his head as they continued their walk back to the house. "We will definitely see."
