Last Flight Page 4

  ‘Emilia! Oh my, I’m so sorry! I didn’t think you would be up yet.’ She could have averted her eyes, but in truth, she didn’t really want to. ‘I’m an early riser.’ His towel slipped slightly revealing more of his hips. ‘I forgot to take my clothes into the bathroom, I’m not used to living with someone.’

  ‘It’s fine, Logan.’ He was clearly embarrassed, avoiding her gaze.

  ‘I’ll go and shower myself.’

  ‘I’ll make us some breakfast.’ His classic scratch of the neck told her he was very embarrassed and wanted to get out of the situation. She went into the bathroom. He could finally let out his sigh of relief. ‘Well, I couldn’t have made that more awkward.’

  Logan had changed when he heard Robbie crying, Emilia couldn’t hear over the shower. He went into the room and picked up the crying baby.

  ‘Hey, you. No need for all that, shh.’ He bounced the baby on his hip and took him into the kitchen. ‘Shall we make mummy some breakfast.’

  ‘M-ma-ma!’ He giggled.

  ‘Aye. Now, what does she like? Toast?’ Robbie laughed in agreement. ‘Toast it is.’

  Emilia came to the kitchen to see Robbie being lifted into the air by Logan, and some toast and a hot chocolate lay on the side. She smiled and sat down by the counter. Roger lay by her feet and she smiled, she really did find that scruffy dog cute.

  ‘Hey, you two.’ She smiled. He hadn’t noticed her arrive. ‘Looks like someone is having fun.’

  ‘Aye, we are. I heard him stirring so I thought he would want to help me cook breakfast.’ He smiled. ‘Speaking of breaky, I think he’s hungry. Alas, that is one job I cannot do.’ He smirked.

  ‘I’ll feed him in a minute. I need to thank your brother and Fiona for all the stuff. It really was too kind.’ She finished the last piece of her toast. ‘I can’t thank you all enough.’

  ‘Don’t worry, love. It’s our pleasure.’ I was wondering what you wanted to do today?’

  ‘I need to get some work done actually. You know, the reason I’m actually here.’ She chuckled.

  ‘Of course. So, what is your job? I never actually asked.’ She took Robbie from him and started to breastfeed.

  ‘I worked in a bar by the river in New York, to clear my head, before that I was a teacher here. I got a degree in English then went to do my PGCE. So, I’m going to apply to the local sixth form.’ He tried not to look at her, but everything felt so natural. Her being in his apartment, it felt as though he had his own family.

  ‘Wow, a teacher. No wonder you’re good with kids.’ She smiled.

  ‘I’m going to settle down again first. I have some savings. What do you write about?’ He asked.

  ‘Life. I’m a columnist, so a range of topics. My job here is to write about life in England.’

  ‘Rainy.’ He laughed.

  ‘I meant like events and celebrations.’ She chuckled.

  ‘We have Wimbledon coming up. I don’t know how much of a tennis fan you are, but that’s a pretty big event in the Evans household.’

  ‘I watch a few sports. Mainly baseball, but I do like tennis if it’s on.’ She admitted.

  ‘Maybe we could go over and watch some together.’

  ‘I would love that.’ She smiled. She really would. Any time with him sounded amazing, he was so funny, she could feel herself falling for him, but it just wasn’t the right time.

  Two weeks had passed, and they went to all sorts of places together. The grass field where people gather to watch the tennis, the park to feed ducks, swimming, out for dinner with all the family.

  Emilia sent her first few columns to Anthony about her eventful time settling into England. He could apologize enough about the disastrous hotel complication, which Emilia added with humor into her writing.

  Emilia was sitting at the kitchen island looking at apartments in a newspaper.

  ‘What’s that?’ Asked Logan, coming behind her sipping his coffee. ‘You’re leaving?’ He couldn’t hide the disappointment in his voice, even though he tried.

  ‘I can’t continue living here on your charity.’ She answered, circling apartments. Robbie was sitting on the floor entertaining himself with some paint Logan had got out. He had laid out a large roll of paper for him, he was dipping his hands in paint and hitting them on the paper. ‘It’s not fair on you. What if you want to start dating?’

  ‘I do want to start dating, however, the woman I want is talking of leaving me.’ He smirked, stepping closer. She couldn’t help her smile.

  ‘Well, what about bills?’

  ‘Then rent out my room. Stay here, just pay me.’ He smiled hopefully, placing a hand on his shoulder. ‘I really like living with you. He looked at the floor. ‘Don’t you like living with me?’

  ‘Look at me.’ He didn’t. She stood up and lifted his head and smiled sweetly. ‘Of course, I like living with you. I just didn’t think forcing you to live with a baby was fair.’

  He picked up Robbie from the floor.

  ‘Don’t be silly, he enjoys living here, don’t you?’ Robbie covered Logan’s face in pain and got it in his hair. ‘Yes, you do.’ He smiled and blew a raspberry on his neck. He giggled loudly and wiped paint on his forehead.

  ‘He got paint all over you.’ She chuckled, wiping away some paint near his eye.

  ‘Where else would I get that?’ Please don’t leave. For me.’ He gave her puppy eyes which she found hard to resist. Those baby blues would be the death of her. ‘Plus, I can help look after Robbie.’

  ‘I have an idea. Work said they will pay for all my childcare, maybe if I hire you as a babysitter. We can make a bit of money.’ She laughed.

  ‘You know how to work the system.’ He chuckled. ‘So, you’ll stay?’

  ‘Go on then.’ He smiled brightly at her and gave her a hug with Robbie.

  ‘Thank you, love.’

  Three weeks had passed. Emilia was becoming part of the family more and more. She got on particularly well with Adrian as they had some similar interests. Mainly, making fun of Logan. Logan was babysitting Robbie when Emilia needed it, but they mostly did things together such as visit parks or going out with his nephew and niece. Her work was going very well, Anthony said the reception to her column was great and that people loved the stories of Robbie and Logan, particularly the ones with Roger. He had asked if she could write four a week. She agreed. The more money the better.

  On some days, they didn’t bother going out. Emilia would work, whilst Logan amused Robbie. Today was one of those days. She was sat on the couch with her laptop typing away, she started to add small pictures with columns which also got published. In her columns she never mentioned Robbie’s name for his safety from Daniel. She was writing about the Wimbledon build up in the Evans household.

  Her phone started to ring, and she took the call into the bedroom.

  ‘Hello?’

  ‘What the hell, Emilia. Who the fuck do you think you are? Taking off to another country!’

  ‘Daniel?’

  ‘Why haven’t you told me? Hmmm.’

  ‘What? I don’t even know how you got hold of me. Why should I tell you what I’m doing?’

  ‘Because you took my son away! You have to fucking right!’

  ‘Your son? You don’t have the right to call him that. You don’t even know his name! You’re not on the birth certificate, you left me! Alone. With a baby, I was terrified. Get out of my life.’

  ‘I’m going to get him, one way or another. I’m coming for what is mine.’ The phone went blank. Emilia didn’t know what to do, tears started to fill her eyes. She just wanted to be rid of Daniel, and he kept coming back and ruining her life. Now he was threatening to take her baby away.

  ‘Emilia?’ Logan walked into her room to ask a question, Robbie on his hip. He saw her in a state of distress. ‘Em, you okay?’

  ‘Get out!’ She screamed.

  ‘What?’

  ‘Get fucking lost, Daniel!’ His eyebrows furrowed in confusion. ‘Logan, I me
an. Get out.’

  ‘Uh, sorry.’ He shut the door wondering what the hell had just happened?

  Logan took Robbie with him and sat on the couch. He was slightly out of it, he had never seen Emilia like that before. Robbie started to cry. ‘Hey, shh. Something upset your mummy that’s all.’ He bounced him gently. ‘Come on, Rob. That’s a good boy.’ He wiped the tears from his eyes. He was starting to calm down and he gave him a cuddle. He soon wanted to play with his toys on the floor, so he let him crawl over.

  Half an hour passed, and Logan was still sat on the couch, Robbie was amusing himself with some blocks. He heard Emilia’s door open but didn’t look her way.

  ‘Hey.’ She sounded weak, like she had only just stopped crying. He didn’t look at her, he was upset himself and looking at her would make him worse. ‘Logan, I’m really sorry.’ She sat next to him on the couch. ‘I should never have shouted at you.’ He swallowed deeply, and his jaw trembled. ‘I was just upset.’ He looked at her then, his deep blue eyes pierced through her.

  ‘What happened.’

  ‘Daniel.’ Her voice wavered. Over the last month, she had told him more about Daniel, how at eighteen she had taken the fall and went to jail for him. He found her again and promised her everything, she had fallen for him again, she had gotten pregnant, then he left her. She couldn’t hate someone more if she tried. ‘He threatened to take Robbie away.’ The tears started again. ‘I can’t lose him, Logan.’

  He pulled her onto his lap, and held her tight, stroking her hair.

  ‘Shh, don’t be silly. You’re not going to lose him. Daniel doesn’t have any right to him’ He stroked her hair as she wept into him. ‘I promise.’

  ‘Why does he even want to know?’ He felt her tears come through his t-shirt, she couldn’t control herself and he knew not much phased Emilia Ford. But threatening her child was clearly the line.

  ‘He’s just being a possessive douchebag. Clearly he has nothing better to do.’ She gripped a handful of his shirt and tried to steady her breathing. ‘That’s a good girl. Shh. I won’t let anything happen to either of you.’ Emilia looked up at him, her eyes still teary, then leaned up and pressed a kiss to his lips. He kissed her back, until he felt something pulling at the bottom of his pants. ‘I think he’s jealous, love.’ He whispered, peering down at the baby.

  ‘I’m so sorry, baby.’ She pushed herself off Logan and picked him up. ‘Mommy was angry, that’s all. I love you more than anything. I do. I do.’ She kissed him all over and hugged him. ‘I need to finish my work.’

  ‘Have a break, let’s go out for a walk. Clear your head.’ He smiled.

  ‘But-’

  ‘Ah, ah. Come on. Work can wait.’ He stood up and offered his hand. She took it and pulled her up. He took Robbie from her. ‘Go and wash your face, love. Freshen up and we’ll go.’ He pulled her in with one arm and kissed her on the forehead. ‘Nothing bad will happen. I promise.’

  That evening, Emilia put Robbie to bed, and Adrian and Fiona came around for a while. Emilia had weaned Robbie off breast milk and he was now on formula and some solids. They were all discussing the Wimbledon final and their plans. The local park broadcasted it, and many went to watch and celebrate. It was a good final with Federer being the family’s favorite. They were long-time fans; hence the dog being called Roger.

  ‘Shall we have a bet, little brother?’ Asked Adrian, who had drunk too much wine.

  ‘You never win bets, Ade.’

  ‘I bet you that Federer will win Wimbledon without dropping a set.’

  ‘You’re on. What’s the bet?’

  ‘Fifty quid… and’ he whispered something in his ear.

  ‘Fine. You’re on.’

  ‘What was that?’ Asked Emilia. He just smiled and leant back onto the kitchen surface she was also leaning on, his arm relaxed behind her waist.

  ‘Nothing.’ He smirked. She raised any eyebrow. ‘Nothing at all, love.’ She pointed a finger at his chest.

  ‘I don’t believe you.’ He took hold her hand and squeezed it.

  ‘Maybe you should trust me more.’ He flirted. Both had big smiles for each other. Fiona nudged Adrian and gave him a signal for them to leave.

  ‘Well, we best be off. Don’t want auntie getting fed up of the kids.’ Smiled Adrian.

  The two were startled by Adrian’s comment, being too distracted looking at each other.

  ‘Oh, so soon?’ Asked Logan.

  ‘We’ll see you tomorrow.’ Smiled Fiona, kissing Emilia on the cheek. ‘I’ll make us a picnic.’

  ‘Sounds lovely, we’ll see you tomorrow.’

  Adrian hugged her and Logan goodbye. They followed them out and waved them down the street.

  ‘Night cap, love?’ He smiled, shutting the door. They walked to the front room and she sat on the couch. She heard Logan fumbling around in the kitchen, then some music came on. He walked over, two glasses of wine in hand. ‘Just thought some music would be nice.’ He smiled, handing her a glass. Emilia was starting to like the British artists he was playing.

  ‘So, what did Adrian whisper?’ She asked, playing with his hand idly. ‘I really want to know.’

  ‘I can’t tell you, it’s a secret.’ He grinned. ‘I keep my secrets to myself.’ Her casual attitude to holding his hand took him by surprise.

  ‘For me. Come on.’ That second Perfect by Ed Sheeran came on. ‘Oh, I love this song!’ She beamed, placing her glass down and standing up.

  ‘What are you doing?’ He smiled. The wine had made her relax, she hadn’t drunk in a long time and he was she could let her hair down.

  ‘Dance with me.’ She smirked. She grabbed his hands and pulled him up.

  ‘I don’t dance.’ He pulled away from her or tried to. ‘Ford.’

  ‘Come here, I’ll teach you. Put your hand around my waist – good. Now, hold this hand.’ She swayed them back and forth, she never imagined she would be dancing with someone to her favorite song. ‘Yay, you’re dancing!’

  He couldn’t believe he was so close to her, she had pulled him in so close, he could smell her perfume and the fresh air on her hair, the wine on her lips. He was so close, he didn’t want the night to end. She rested her head on his shoulder and hummed into him.

  ‘This is perfect, Em.’ She looked up at him and smiled. ‘These last few weeks have been perfect.’ She stared into his eyes and smiled, her eyes glanced quickly to his lips. That was his cue. He reached down towards her and kissed her softly, not sure how she would react. She didn’t pull away but deepened the kiss. He could taste the wine on her lips and felt her smiling against him. He wouldn’t be the one to stop. The moment was too magical. Though she wasn’t giving up either.

  ‘Mmm,’ he laughed. His hands slid to her waist to steady himself. ‘You’re beautiful.

  Right on cue, Robbie started crying. He felt Emilia sigh deeply. She pulled away and they rested their foreheads on each. She was as much as a mess as him, he was glad to know.

  ‘I’ll go.’

  ‘Let me.’ Smiled Logan. He dropped her a quick peck and went to Robbie. He was crying in his cot, he picked him up and rocked him gently. ‘Hey, you. You’re ruining my chances.’ He laughed. ‘You get me and your mum all day. Sleepy time.’ He whispered softly. Emilia entered the room, she saw Logan comforting her son and her heart melted. She wanted to hug them both, she walked behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist, kissing his shoulder.

  ‘You suit holding a baby.’ He felt her smile on his back and her hands started to go under his shirt and feel his stomach, suggesting she wasn’t finished.

  ‘You’ve had too much to drink.’ He smiled, removing her arms. Though it wasn’t easy with a baby in one hand and Emilia’s death grip. Why was she so strong? He placed the baby back into his cot who was now asleep.

  ‘Come on, babe. I’ve not had any in ages. I thought you were a gentleman?’ She smirked.

  ‘Exactly. I would never take advantage of you like that.’ She started pepp
ering kisses on his neck. ‘Em, please. Don’t.’ He tried to push her away. ‘Emilia. I’m serious.’

  ‘Don’t you want me?’

  ‘That’s not fair. Come on, sleep.’ He lay her down and put the covers at the edge of the bed.

  ‘Stay.’

  ‘No, love. Not tonight.’

  ‘Please, stay.’

  ‘If I stayed, we both know what would happen. And I know you’d regret it in the morning.’

  ‘At least stay until I fall asleep?’ She smirked, pulling him down. He gave up and lay next to her.

  ‘No funny business.’ He was lay on his back with his arms behind his head. ‘As soon as there is, I’m going.’ She nodded and moved up to him.

  ‘Can I at least have a cuddle?’ She gave him sad eyes. He sighed and lifted his arm up. She smiled gratefully and snuggled her head into his shoulder and put her arm across his stomach. They lay in comfortable silence for a short while and he began to play with her hair idly. She inched closer, her nose snuggling into his neck. He felt her place soft kisses to his jaw.

  ‘Emilia.’ He warned. She stopped with an audible sigh. She soon fell asleep after that, when he was sure, he carefully removed himself from her and pulled the covers over her. Robbie was sleeping peacefully, he gave the baby a kiss on the head and went to his room. He wanted her so much, it had taken a lot of willpower not to give in, especially since she clearly wanted him, but it wouldn’t have been right. She would already wake up hung over, she didn’t need regret either.

  Emilia woke up. She was alone. Her head hurt as she remembered the events from last night. Had she tried to hit on Logan? She had. Robbie was asleep next to her, she got up and went to kitchen in search for coffee. The apartment was empty. No Roger or Logan. Was he upset? She had been quite drunk. How embarrassing. She had some breakfast and did some work, she never finished yesterday.

  She heard keys in the door. Time to face the music. Roger padded into the kitchen for some water, and Logan had some shopping bags. He placed them on the counter and smiled. Smirked? He looked proud of himself.