If Not For Her

Chapter 44. "For quite some time"

"You look beautiful," Emmalyn said as Annabeth got in her car. "You are the one to talk you look amazing," Annabeth said. Emmalyn held her hand, "Where was the one place you always wanted to go but never visited?" Emmalyn asked. "That is a strange question, but there is this one art gallery on the other side of the town the gallerist is an alumnus of St. Clare's Academy of Art, but it was always too crowded and we never visited," she said. "Why do you ask?" Annabeth asked. Emmalyn just smiled, "you will see as I have promised the best day of your life," she said, taking Annabeth's hand. Emmalyn started driving.

Annabeth was clueless about where Emmalyn was taking her. "Where are we going Em, could you just tell me, give me a clue at least," Annabeth tried. "Have patience my love, you will see" Emmalyn said as they passed the outskirts of their little town, that part of the town was always beautiful. Annabeth spent a lot of her time sketching there with her parents. Emmalyn stopped in front of the art gallery Annabeth loved.

Annabeth was at a loss for words, it was more mesmerizing than the pictures she saw. "Come on," Emmalyn said opening her door and gave her, her hand. Annabeth took it, as she took in the sight in front of her. It was beautiful. "Let's go inside," Emmalyn guided her in. The art gallery was always filled with people but today it seemed empty. "Where are the other people?" Annabeth asked. "Oh, it's just us today," she said nonchalantly. Annabeth stopped Emmalyn, " You emptied one of the most crowded places in our town, How?" Annabeth asked, still not believing. "I might have called a friend of a friend and it is just us today. Just enjoy it, will you?" Emmalyn said.

"Miss Cole," came a voice, an old man with white hair and a navy blue pressed suit walked towards them, it was the gallerist himself. Emmalyn smiled as she looked at Annabeth's shocked face. Annabeth glanced between them, her mouth hung open. "Mr. Walter" Emmalyn extended her hand. He shook it and then he gave Annabeth his hand. Annabeth was still in shock, he, that gallery was one of the main reasons she wanted to become an artist or open her gallery. "This is Annabeth Reed" Emmalyn introduced them. "Nice to meet you, Ms. Reed," he said. "The pleasure is all mine, sir," Annabeth's voice came shaky.

He turned back to Emmalyn, "I was not expecting a call from Mrs. Cole," he said. "Well, Mum wanted me to learn as much as art I could" she spoke in the calm and professional voice she mastered over the years. After all the Cole's were the richest in the town. "Follow me, I would like to show you both the best pieces" he walked ahead. "Loosen up, sweetheart," Emmalyn whispered. "You shouldn't have," Annabeth said. "Of course I should have," Emmalyn said.

"Miss Cole," his voice came from ahead of them. "Coming," she called back, her voice echoing in the white doom shaped hall. "We need to get rid of him... soon," Emmalyn said, following him. They spent nearly half an hour looking at the best pieces before Mr. Walter turned to them, "Are any of you two young ladies planning on attending St. Clare's Academy of Art?" he asked. Emmalyn looked at Annabeth, "actually we both are but let's see" Emmalyn said. The time passed with Annabeth asking him questions about nearly art piece and he seemed to enjoy answering too.

"Mr. Walter," Emmalyn said, he turned around. "Do you mind giving us some privacy please, we would like to enjoy these brilliant pieces and take a few notes" she said. "Of course," he said and walked away. No one has ever said no to a Cole, and that to the future heir. Emmalyn knew her power and made sure to use it. She turned to Annabeth, "Tell me about these pieces, I know you know about nearly all." Annabeth smiled  as she pulled her girlfriend to each piece, vividly explaining every painting in details. Emmalyn loved hearing her voice. She watched her as she went about. "Are you getting tired of listening?" Annabeth asked. "I don't think I can ever get tired of listening to you," Annabeth smiled, "you are turning cheesy," she said. Emmalyn dramatically  made a clutched her heart, "how could you say that?" Emmalyn  asked. Annabeth shook her head and with a smile she continued

After they were done, Annabeth walked out, beaming. "So,?" Emmalyn asked. "It was one of the best days for sure" she was nearly jumping. "Calm down, we are not done yet," she said. "What else could you plan next, it was the best date I ever went," Annabeth said. Emmalyn just laughed. "It wasn't adate yet," Emmalyn said opening the door for her. Annabeth got in. "This was not? it was the most thoughtful thing anyone had ever done for me. It was amazing" Annabeth said.

"Thoughtful and romantic are different" Emmalyn started the car and led them to the beach. "We are going to the beach?" Annabeth asked. "Near it," Emmalyn asked and led her up their spot as a white tent came in view. That part of the beach was secluded and no one could see them. Inside the tent was a table with two chairs and a few white flowers decorating the whole tent. Emmalyn's butler stood next to it, he pulled out their chairs.

"Since when were you planning all of this?" Annabeth asked, amazed at the preparations. "For quite some time, " Emmalyn smiled.