𝑴𝒆𝒍𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑰𝒄𝒆 | 𝒈𝒙𝒈

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒂𝒍𝒎 𝑩𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆

"We have to stop at a flower shop, I can't come empty handed" the panic in Emily's voice was almost starting to affect me. I don't think anyone has ever been this stressed to meet my family. Well, to be fair, she's the only one who gets to do that.

"Okay baby, we'll stop at the florist" I said with the most calming tone I could muster as I drew circles on the back of her hand with my thumb.

We were about to land at the airport, Heather and Wyatt were still sleeping in their seats. Emi and I in the other set of seats, a partition dividing the couples.

I think I should've brought her some Xanax, or Valium, literally anything that would calm her down.

The past week I was so in my head about my parents' situation, I forgot that Em was terrified of meeting my grandparents. She let me have my space up until this morning, but she's reached her limit now, and it's my turn to be there for her. 

"What if they think I'm just with you for the money? Or that I'm not good enough or smart enough? And I'm a girl—half jewish girl, and your grandma is like ultra religious" she was spiraling and I have not been successful in my attempts to calm her down. She's acting like Nonna doesn't already know all of this. 

"Are you with me for the money?" An amused smile played on my face, I knew it was exactly the opposite. I had to drag her to this jet instead of her commercial flight, and the only reason she agreed was because Heather and Wyatt are here too so it's not just for her. Needless to say she keeps trying to transfer me money for her "ticket", I keep declining. 

"Of course not" she bit her lower lip as she played with the ring on her finger, something she does when she is nervous. I remember how I first picked up on it at the cafe when we studied together.

"Then there's no reason for anyone to think that you are" I cupped her cheeks and forced her to look at me "You are amazing and I love you, there is no reason for my grandparents not to love you" I pecked her forehead and let my lips linger on her warm skin, her sweet scent filling my nose, I could never get enough of her.

"Besides, my parents love you, you're the only person on planet earth who managed to impress my mom, my grandparents are the easy part. Okay baby?" She nodded and I kissed her lips, a soft tender kiss that screamed 'I love you'.

"Miss Carmichael, please buckle you seatbelts we are starting the landing process" the captain said through the intercom and we followed the instructions.

The landing was smooth and we were in the car in no time. While we were in the air I realized that it's better to have two cars, given Emily's panicked state. She needed space and I needed to calm her down and it was better if we were in private.

"You remember we have to buy some flowers?" She reminded me for the 50th time and I nodded, I recognized the street and knew that we were already close to the florist, so I didn't bother reminding our driver.

"Miss Carmichael, we are here" he said and I squeezed Emi's hand. We got out of the car and into the store, she looked like she was possessed as she roamed through the store. I have never seen Emily so stressed before, it was terrifying and I felt completely helpless, nothing I did made it better.

"Does she prefer roses? Or hydrangeas? Maybe lilies?" She was frantic, I did not like her like this, not at all.

"Baby how about a mix? Look at this one" I pointed at the largest white bouquet at the store, it really was stunning "Nonna would love it" I said the magic words and I could feel her calming down for the first time today, maybe I'm brilliant after all.

"It's gorgeous, I didn't even notice it" of course you didn't, you are a lunatic right now babe.

I chuckled at my own thought and luckily she didn't notice me. I placed my hand on her lower back and felt her ease at my touch, finally.