"Camille, you'd make a poster if someone fixed their broken shoelace." Everyone laughed at Sonya's remark but they all knew it was true. The staff all loved Camille.
***
Parker continued to walk down Seventh Avenue, hoping he could find a place where his worries would fall from him. He bought an Italian Ice from a street vendor and casually strolled up the street. The lights in the city were blinking, and the crowd changed to a younger one. Parker let his mind wander while he walked and wasn't even aware that he'd reached Times Square until he heard the music. He stood and smiled at the memories of concerts he'd attended with his brother. I would love to come here with Emily.
Emily helped Camille close up the clinic, then they left at the same time. The clinic was closed on Sundays and Emily was grateful for a morning to sleep in. The night was beautiful with the perfect breeze, so she got back out of her Jeep, leashed up Chance, and headed towards the lights. She felt safe around this many people. She found herself at a vendor buying a strawberry Italian Ice, and continued on her way down Seventh Avenue. The night was young and Emily couldn't help but feel the vibes from people around her. Chance, with his red bandana, got way more attention than she did. She walked along until she saw a sign. "Times Square". I'll be damned. She had read about it many times, and it was always on her bucket list, but she'd never left Colorado to do anything adventuresome. When Emily lifted the cup of ice to her mouth, Chance took off in a run, the leash quickly whipping out of her hand. She screamed and ran as fast as she could. Chance was headed right towards a man. She ran faster. The dog had never even growled at anyone before. No no no no no! Chance began barking loudly and before she knew it, he was in the air flying at the man. There was nothing she could do to stop him.
Parker put his hands in his pockets and turned around to walk back. He heard a dog barking, and soon the large shepherd entered his sight and went airborne. At first he was startled, but he'd know that face anywhere. He opened up his arms and caught the dog, then landed on the grass with the shepherd licking his face.
"Chance! Oh my God, sir, I'm so sorry! I don't know what got into him! Are you okay?!" Emily was totally out of breath when she reached the poor man and the dog. She grabbed his leash and pulled him off, hoping she wouldn't see a bitten face or something worse.
"Parker?" Her heart began to beat even faster.
Parker got off the ground and stared down at her. "Emily, what are you doing in New York? Not that I'm complaining, trust me." Parker wanted to press his body against hers. He hadn't been this happy in a long time.
"I live here. It's a very long story. Can we talk someplace?"
Parker smiled and took Emily's hand. "I bought a house. We could go there if you'd like."
Emily smiled up at him and let him lead the way. The drive was quiet, until she saw the huge house. "You live here??"
"Yeah, I know it's pretty funny. Come inside but don't trip on all the furniture." Parker chuckled and opened the front door. Chance took off to investigate. Emily just stood there with a concerned look on her face.
"Furniture...."
"I know. Good taste huh?"
"Parker, the place is empty. But it's lovely."
"I'll grab us a glass of wine. Sit anywhere you'd like."
Emily walked over to the only place available other than the floor. She sat on the couch and Chance soon came to lie by her feet.
"You named him? Chance is a perfect name for this guy."
"Parker, I have so much to tell you."
"Say whatever's on your mind, Emily, I'm all yours."
More than you'll ever know, thought Parker.
Chapter 20
At six in the morning, the living room became brighter as the sun began to rise. They talked about all that happened, their fears, and mostly how much they'd missed each other. They moved closer together on the couch, where Emily rested her head on Parker's shoulder while he softly played with her long hair. They hadn't even exchanged a kiss.
"I think you should just live here with me. You can decorate the place however you'd like. Just go easy in the floral department."
"I have to pick my Jeep up, and all of our things are back at my place. Would you mind taking me there? I think sleep is in my near future so I'd like to go home."
"Emily, you can sleep here. We can go pick some things up for you, but I don't want you being away from me."
"I'll come and see you this afternoon if you're not busy." The last thing Emily wanted to do was rush things. Every time she'd been with Parker there was some sort of crisis or deceit. She needed to be sure that it was meant to be.
"I'll definitely be free."
Emily unlocked her door and let Chance in. She changed out of her clothes and climbed in bed. She fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
Parker drove to Russell's house after dropping Emily off. There was no way he was going to be able to rest. His nieces rarely cooperated in letting Rhonda and Russell sleep past seven, so he wasn't worried about coming over too early. He let himself in the house and was quickly greeted by two very active little girls. He hugged them both as their mother rounded the corner.
"This is a nice surprise. I'm glad we're not the only ones who aren't allowed to sleep in." Rhonda stared at her girls and smiled.
"Hey, Rhonda." Parker kissed her cheek. "Where's Russ? Don't tell me he's staying in bed and letting you do all the work."
"No chance in that one, bro." Russell laughed, then stared at his brother's face. "Wait a minute, I know that look. Did you talk to Emily?"
"She's here. I mean she lives in Manhattan. Long story but yeah, we talked all night." Parker had the biggest smile.
"I'll be darned." Russell got the atta boy look from Rhonda for not swearing in front of the girls.
"You'll have to bring her over for dinner, Parker." Rhonda was just as excited. She had been so worried about him.
"Actually, she's coming over this afternoon. I'm just nervous and excited at the same time."
"Parker, get some sleep. You're a real blank when you don't get enough rest."
"Russell, you're very funny when you talk like this. I think I might stay over here for the day just--"
"Close it, Parker. Stay for some good food, then get your butt to bed."
"Actually, I had some other plans I wanted to discuss with you." Parker let his smile widen.
Parker stayed for a delicious spread that Rhonda made. Her Sunday morning breakfasts were nothing short of a feast. He made an important stop, then drove back to his house but wasn't able to go upstairs to his bed. After making several phone calls, he lay down on the sofa where Emily had been, trying to recall her scent, her warmth, and sweet voice. Parker slept like a baby.