A New York Secret

Chapter Eighty-Four

Emily hummed to herself as she moved food around in a skillet. Soft music played from the condo's speakers. Making her sway to it while she cooked.

"Something looks delicious." James said, coming up and hugging Emily from behind. "The food looks good as well."

A bright blush filled Emily's cheeks as she leaned into James' touch. "You're such a charmer."

"You bring out the best in me." James chuckled. He made no attempt to move when Mary and Steve came in. Instead, he leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to Emily's neck.

Emily held in the sigh she wanted to let out as Steve and Mary walked in the room. "Everything go okay?"

"I would say so, given the situation." Mary answered, not sure how much detail Emily might want. She walked over to the dining table and took a seat.

Staring at the contents of her skillet, Emily sighed. "How is he?" She couldn't help but be curious.

"He's... well, he's in rough shape right now, but he has finally agreed to let me treat him." Mary answered truthfully.

Emily nodded as she turned and added some spices to the simmering food. "That's good at least." She could feel James still wrapped around her, making her smile. He always seemed to keep her grounded.

"I'm basically going to leave it up to you with how much you want to know. I won't push it either way, so you just let me know and I'll tell you what I can." Mary said, not wanting to cross any lines.

"Thanks," Emily replied. "I'll let you know on that one."

"Take your time." Mary assured Emily, not wanting her to feel any pressure at all.

Emily nodded and sighed softly as she turned off the stovetop. "Thanks again..." Talking about Loki brought up a lot of feelings for Emily. But mostly just heartache.

"We are all here for you." Mary promised Emily.

"If you want to go sit, I can carry the food." James offered Emily.

"It just needs to be put on plates for us," Emily told James, turning to kiss his cheek softly.

"I will take care of it." James told Emily. He turned and pressed a soft kiss to her lips.

She returned his kiss and smiled at him before going to sit at the dining table, allowing herself a moment to breathe.

Mary reached out and took Emily's hand, on the table. "Hey, it's going to be alright. We will all help you." She said in a soothing tone.

"Thank you," Emily mused. "It's just... a lot."

"I know it is and that's why I want you to set the pace. Whatever you need and however long you need, you have all of our full support." Mary promised.

Emily smiled softly. "Thank you. That means the world. Really."

Mary returned her smile. "For now, though, I think we should talk about a girl's night. I don't think it will be much longer until the baby arrives."

"A girls night sounds fun," Emily agreed. "Would we stay in, or would we go out?"

"Staying in would be better for now. It's hard for me to move around these days." Mary said with a nervous chuckle.

Emily nodded, understanding. "That's okay. What would you like to do? Do you have anything in mind?"

"Maybe a movie or a board game?" Mary suggested, wanting something more relaxing.

"What about a movie and a board game?"

"That sounds perfect to me." Mary said happily.

"Do you have anything in mind?" Emily asked. "Romance, comedy, thriller?"