Holding On

ᴇɪɢʜᴛᴇᴇɴ

The April air of Chicago was colder than expected. Emma burrowed herself deeper into her husband's side as they walked down the fairly busy streets, wanting his warmth to while away not only the chill of the night but also all the chaotic emotions going on inside her that made her feel like she was about to lose her mind.

George was saying something but she just couldn't focus. Her mind was replaying all the events of the day that had shaken her to her very core.

Right after the rehearsals, she'd entrusted her daughter, Amy, into Eva's care, then returned to her office. And for the next half hour that'd remained for her to close, she'd cried. Cried with an intensity that startled her, cried without any sensible reason.

Had it been that unreasonable sadness his late return at play or tears of happiness?

She shouldn't be feeling this way; so emotionally wrecked and streaked with such raging uncertain feelings which refused to mingle. And Zain's visit shouldn't be having this kind of effect on her.

Now helping her aunt, Maggie by preparing the evening meal while she rested, Emma realized that the best reaction would've just been to be happy for Zain and his return. For the fact that he no longer had that syndrome by whichever means she sure didn't know.

God, why had she been unable to react rationally? At that moment she felt a lot at the same time; shock, maybe happiness and. . . fear.

“Emma?... Emma.”

It was a slight nudge from George that pulled her back to the present. It startled her out of her thoughts, and she looked at him, feeling her face flush. Fuck, they were on a date for their anniversary, and here she was, thinking about another man.

“Are you okay?” He asked, cupping her cheek. The cold of his palm sent a chill through her. “You weren't listening.”

“I... I'm fine. What were you saying?” She forced on a smile so fake that she nearly cringed.

A teasing smile stretched his lips. “You're doing that concentrating thing aren't you?”

She blinked at him. “What?”

“You know, that thing you do whenever you have an idea for a design and don't want it to slip away.”

Emma forced a chuckle out of herself, hoping she was imagining the cracks in her laughter. “You know me. But what were you saying?”

“You remember Fredrick?"

Emma pursed her lips, trying to recollect.

“From the support group.” George clarified.

Emma remembered, nodding. “What about him?”

“He's getting married.”

Grateful for the distraction, Emma clung to it. “Really? How wonderful.”

“yes, he's finally giving himself a chance to love again. Took him long enough.” George said with a fond smile on his face.

Emma had to smile too. “I hope the guy makes him happy. Hope he experiences something like what we have.”

George paused, and she saw his eyes brighten. “Thank you for loving me, Emma.”

“No George. Thank you.” Emma told him earnestly. She received his lips in a long, passionate kiss, thoughts of Zain buried

**************************

Except that those thoughts didn't stay buried for very long.

Emma had a sleepless night that particular night. After her and George's date, they'd returned and made love deep into the night.