Chapter 106 A Fellow Soldier
Much to Emily’s surprise, Teddy actually made it to the fashion show on her invitation. It was the show of another designer, a friend of hers, so Emily could relax and sit in the audience.
Although she was still not sure whether she was doing the right thing by encouraging the reunion, she was glad of the chance to talk to Teddy and get to know him more.
When she spotted him at the entrance to the fashion show, he was blending in with a fashionable shirt and faux leather trousers.
“I’m glad we could do this,” he said, “though I don’t want you to get in trouble for supporting Team Teddy. Not a very popular choice right now.”
“It’ll be fine,” Emily said. “Byron knows I’m trying to help him. I’ve had to fight him on certain issues before... But he was upset about you coming to his birthday.”
“I didn’t mean to upset him,” Teddy said. “I wish I could take a more gradual approach, but I don’t have much time. I can’t be away from my work too long.”
They entered the bustling lobby and found the hall where the show was to take place. Techno music played, and people chatted while taking their seats.
“What kind of work are you doing these days?” Emily asked.
Suddenly, she had a sinking feeling again, and she struggled to breathe. It was a woman in a row opposite them that caught her attention. Those big eyes, that round, child-like face... It was her old rival, Ruby. Emily would be able to live it down if she had a panic attack, letting Ruby see her weakness. She tried to breathe calmly, but her chest was compressed as if held by a vice grip.
She tried to picture a lotus flower as Dr. Williams advised, but it wasn’t working.
“Whoah, what’s going on here?” Teddy said, looking over with concern. “Try to breathe to the count of four.”
“I can’t...” Emily gasped.
“You can do it. Just breathe in for four counts, then hold for four counts, and breathe out for four... There you go.”
Emily felt a bit better when she counted out her breaths. Teddy ran off somewhere, but he quickly came back with a bottle of water for her.
“Thanks,” Emily said, “Already feeling better. How did you know how to do that so fast?”
“It’s a technique I learned in the army,” Teddy replied, “I’ve seen a lot of fellow soldiers freaking out, and I’ve seen myself freaking out many a time. I can definitely see the signs when it’s happening.”
“You saved my life,” she said, “I had a bit of a traumatic experience recently, and now anything can set me off. Do you still have panic attacks?”
“No, not anymore,” he said, “I’ve been feeling much more at peace now that I have my family and my farm. That’s what I do now, by the way, run a small farm in northern California.”
Teddy turned out to have a good eye for fashion even if he didn’t know some of the terms and conventions of style. They had a great time watching and commenting on the show. Emily wondered if Ruby would approach her, but her former nemesis left quickly after the show was over.
When they were about to go their separate ways, Emily said, “I’m definitely Team Teddy, but I can’t get in the middle of this anymore. Byron has to make his own decision. For what it’s worth, I hope he chooses to get to know his father.”
“Did you have fun at your fashion show with that relic of the 1960s?” Byron asked when she got back home.
“As a matter of fact, I did.”
“Yeah, he’s always fun, until he abandons you.” Byron seemed a little more relaxed than he did the last few days after his birthday. “I can’t let you have all the fun. I’m going to see him again, and if he lets me down, I guess that’s just to be expected.”
“Wow! What caused this sudden change of heart?” Emily wondered.
Byron ran a hand through his hair then shook his head as if he couldn’t believe what he was about to do.
“I decided to accept Teddy for who he is. Yes, he’s crazy and unreliable, but I would rather take a chance on him than let my own fears stop me.”
“I’m glad you’re not afraid to be vulnerable,” Emily said, though she feared what could happen if Teddy proved unreliable again.
