Chapter 62

It was well past midnight when Will got home. Emma laid in her bed, trying to sleep but her eyes would not close. It was clear that he was trying to sneak around so as not to announce his arrival. She felt too drained to deal with him, and hoped he would just go to sleep. But to her surprise, Will crept into her room and into her bed. She closed her eyes and pretended to sleep.

​ Will snuggled up behind her, and hugged her. Had Emma not known about him being with another woman all day, she would have found the gesture to be sweet. But she was just irritated with him. He pulled her closer to him, and kissed her neck. She yelped in surprise when he kissed a sensitive spot at the base of her ear. She felt him smile against her skin now that he knew she was awake.

​ “I’m home,” he breathed, and continued to kiss along her neck. He started to undo her pajamas, and that was too much for Emma. He had the audacity to try and be intimate with her when he was out all day with someone else? She didn’t move, didn’t engage or give into him. She moved his hands away, and felt him tense up behind her.

​ “What’s wrong?” he asked, pushing himself up to look over at her. Emma brought the covers over her head so that he couldn’t see her.

​ “I’m too tired. It’s been a long day.”

​ Instead of arguing with her, Will kissed her cheek and settled back behind her.

​ “Good night,” he said, and it seemed he intended to sleep in her bed. Emma didn’t answer, but scooted away from him. Their reunion had been ruined by his dishonesty. She understood then that they would never be happy together. Those fantasies were just that: fantasies. She longed for him to leave again, so that things could be the way they were while he was gone. She had a taste of how they could be if Will wasn’t they way he was. Things would never be different.

​ “Good morning,” Will called to her when she got out of bed the next day.

​ “Morning,” she replied. Sun streamed into the apartment. It was warm, happy and bright. The usual industrial, harsh tones of the apartment were washed in dazzling light. The apartment felt welcoming and cozy. Will seemed to bask in the atmosphere. He was jovial, and inviting. Emma couldn’t feel more opposite. Her tone was cold and clipped. After a long night, Emma decided that she just needed to get through the rest of the year, and then she could be done with him forever. She had to just separate herself from him as much as she could emotionally.

​ Will frowned at her greeting.

​ “I know you’re upset with me for coming home late last night,” he said.

​ “Yeah, I guess,” Emma answered.

​ “It won’t make up for it, but I brought you some things from Italy. Wait here,” Will dashed into his room. She heard him rifle through his suitcases. He was excited when he returned and presented her with several items. Designer hand bags and jewelry, a gorgeous Italian leather jacket, and two beautiful dresses. But what he seemed most proud of, was a large book.

​ “I had Jason send me your measurements, so everything should fit. This here,” he motioned towards the book. “…is a book about Italian architecture. It’s filled with blueprints and plans of all of the famous landmarks and buildings. I figured you would like it.”

​ He was right. Emma loved it. She wanted to snatch it from him and spend the entire day perusing it.

​ “Everything is great, thanks,” was all she said.

​ “What’s wrong with you?” Will asked, losing patience with her indifference. Emma’s phone rang. She stared right at him as she answered it. She walked away, not wanting Will to be able to listen in on her call. All he’d be able to hear were her responses, which sounded much too bright and chipper for his liking.

​ “Who was that?” Will’s tone was sour.

​ “It was Spencer. He’s asked me to come and spend the afternoon at his studio,” she answered with a smile.

​ “And why would he do that?”

​ “Because he’s my mentor, and he’s offered me a job with him.”

​ “You don’t need him. I can help you get a job at any architectural firm you want. And besides, you shouldn’t be alone with him. We’re married. You can’t go.” He seemed like a petulant child, and Emma couldn’t help but laugh at him.

​ “You’re unbelievable. May I remind you that this is a marriage of convenience? A contract? You asked me to do this for you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a day to get ready for.”

​ Emma went to her room, and got dressed. She wore sleek black pants with a matching jacket. Red heels and a simple white shirt completed the outfit. Emma applied more make up than she normally would. But she wanted to annoy Will. And she knew that if she dolled herself up to see Spencer, it would really bother him. When she emerged from her room, Will tried to protest. She ignored him, and walked out.

​ “Wow, you look great,” Spencer greeted her as she arrived.

​ “Thank you,” Emma blushed. “This space is amazing,” she said of his studio.

​ “Do you think you could see yourself working here?” Spencer asked.

​ “Not so fast. I still want to try on my own.”

​ “Well, let’s see if I can’t convince you.

​ Spencer gave her a tour of his space. Emma was enamored with everything. The truth was that she would have loved to work with Spencer. And after seeing everything, she was almost ready to take him up on his offer. After the tour of the studio, they went to a small bistro for lunch. It was a cute place. The scent of warm coffee meshed with scent of baked goods and tea leaves. It was another unexpected combination, that worked well. Emma couldn’t stop praising him. It had been a while since she had felt so inspired.

​ “This is so great,” Emma said. “The way you mix art deco with Greek revival like that? I never thought to try a combination like that.”

​ “That’s what we do here. We dare to push the boundaries of what traditional design is, but still provide chic and functional solutions.”

​ “I love it.”

​ “Thanks. So, how have you been?” Spencer asked, taking a sip of his coffee.

​ “I’ve been great,” Emma answered.

​ “And Will?”

​ “He’s fine. Will is will, you know?” Emma played with the spoon in her teacup. The metal clinked against the ceramic cup. It rang like windchimes swinging in a summer breeze.

​ “Listen, I know it isn’t my business, but you seem to be, I don’t know, sad. You should be a giddy newlywed or something, but you aren’t. You’ve been sullen and upset ever since he announced your engagement. And it got worse after you got married. Is everything okay?”

​ “It’s sweet of you to be concerned,” Emma answered, still playing with her spoon and cup. “But everything is fine. We’re fine.” Her tone was final, and Spencer knew not to press the matter further.

​ “I know you have a driver, but I’d like to take you home. May I?”

​ Emma smiled at his sweetness.

​ “That would be nice. Let me let Jack know.” Emma called Jack and let him know that she had alternative transportation to go home. He wished her a good night and took off for the evening.

​ On the drive towards her home, Emma and Spencer continued their conversation about her working at the studio. She told him she would keep it in mind. Spencer pulled up to the building. They were surprised to find Will waiting outside. And, he seemed furious.

​ “Oh, boy,” Emma sighed. “Here we go.” Spencer got out of the car and opened the door for her. As she emerged, Will called over to her.

​ “Come here,” he said through clenched teeth. “Now.”

​ Emma rolled her eyes and looked at Spencer.

​ “Sorry about him,” she said. “I’ll see you…” before she could finish Will marched up to her and grabbed her wrist. She crashed against his chest and he wrapped his around hand around her back.

​ “I said, now.”
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