Waves - Book #2 [completed]

29 ~ Lacuna

Lacuna
noun
A blank space or missing part

"Oh, I missed you too Baby," I coo, welcoming my yelping and whimpering ball of fur and big floppy ears into my arms as I drop to one knee on the stony pathway leading up to Sonya's house.

While I've been gone, Sonya, Emma's mom, took care of Baby. I always thank her by not billing some of Emma's lessons. Way more than probably needed, but I appreciate her for taking her in when I'm away since my mother is allergic.

"Thank you, Sonya," I tell her, slowly getting to my feet again. Baby hasn't calmed down yet and wags her tail against my thighs repeatedly.

"Oh, no problem. Baby's such a laid back dog." She smiles, holding her front door open. "You look relaxed too. Did you have a good time?"

I did have a really good time in more than one way, but I'm not going to disclose that to her. I'm not ready to disclose what went down to anyone. So, I give her the PG version of our trip while Baby shakes off her excitement, finally calming. I wish I could do the same with my internal tension. But instead, I just smile at Sonya, sneaking my arms behind my back to flick the elastic around my wrist in hopes it'd distract me.

"Mom," sounds in the background before Emma's face pops up behind her mother. Sonya turns around and I feel like I can finally take a clearing breath.

Emma stops in her tracks upon seeing me, the corners of her mouth twitching with a slight smile. She's still a little mad at me for letting her side down in front of her celebrity crush. Teenagers can hold grudges. Oh, if she only knew I'm having a similar stupid crush on the same person.

I swallow my smile at the thought. I've admitted being attracted to Mason. I kissed him, told him about my past. I came on his tongue not too many days ago. But I've yet to admit feelings for him. He said he likes me and he can't seem to stop touching me when I'm around. But something inside me is holding me back. The physical I can deal with, crave it even. But the emotional is still boxed and locked up somewhere.

"Hi Ems," I say, hearing how dry my voice sounds. "You want to check up on some qualifier events soon?"

Emma smiles, lips thin. "Sure."

"How about now?" Sonya chimes in. "Want to come in?"

Nodding, I make my way inside. Baby follows me hot on my heels so that I have to be careful to not step on her paws. If she wasn't too big to take her on a plane cabin, I'd take her everywhere with me. But she'd have to fly in a cradle in the cargo-space and I don't want to do that to her if it's not absolutely necessary.

Sonya's backyard consists of impeccable white wicker furniture sitting on a greener than green patch of neatly cut grass. As soon as my butt hits the also white cushion, she places a glass of lemonade and plate a of fresh Lamingtons on the table in front of me. Thanking her and hoping that the sugar will help appease the flutter in my stomach, I grab a bite and wait for Emma to start up her laptop.