When There Is Nothing Left But Love

“Neighbor?” This seemed to catch Emery’s attention. She asked hurriedly, “When was this?”

“Just yesterday.” I didn’t think she would be so surprised at the news. “He moved into that villa opposite my house.”

“Oh my god,” Emery gasped, placing her hand on her chest in apparent shock.

A moment later, she seemed to recover herself. “So you’ve met each other already? And I’m guessing several times?”

“Yes. We had dinner together last night too. Why? Is something wrong?” Now I was the worried one. I recalled yesterday night’s dinner situation. I mumbled to myself, “Marcus doesn’t seem to like Ashton very much.”

“Hmph, shoot me dead if he does,” Emery spat.

“What did you say?” I didn’t know if I had heard her correctly.

“Nothing,” Emery said before changing the topic. “What do you think of Ashton’s son?”

“He’s a very interesting kid.” I couldn’t help but smile when I thought of Gregory. “You know, a while back he used to call me Mommy.”

at my words. Staring intently at me,

into silence so intense you could hear the sound of

myself. Testing the waters, I asked, “Emery, you’re not pulling my

think Emery was

mask and answered, “I swear on my heart that everything I’ve told you is nothing but the

certainty began to waver at

knew she wouldn’t mess around when she dealt with serious issues. Her revelation was

of Gregory’s

I engaged to Marcus? Is Emery telling me that Marcus has

I hugged myself, trying to calm my nerves. “Does this mean Ashton

two of you were never

Clink!

against an ashtray on the table. Coffee spilled from the cup, staining the

know you have nothing to gain from lying

sentence, I