Older || 18+

25. Emma

I sit at the table, my stomach churning with nerves. My mom and Archer are chatting, talking about their honeymoon and how wonderful it was. Ares is sitting next to me, his thigh pressed against mine. Every so often, his fingers graze the inside of my thigh, the touch sending a shiver through me. He's so casual about it, not even looking at me. While it's taking everything in me to not squirm.

"So, Ares, how's business?" Archer asks, taking a sip of his wine.

"It's going well," Ares replies. "I've had a few deals come through recently and I've been able to expand the company."

"That's good to hear," Archer says. "I'm glad things are going well."

"Emma, how are your classes going?" Mom asks. "I hope you didn't fall too behind while I was gone."

I swallow hard, my mind racing. I can't think when Ares's fingers dance along the inside of my thigh. "Um, they're going well. I've got a lot of projects due soon, so I'm a little stressed, but I'm managing," I say, keeping my voice steady.

"That's good," she says, a small smile on her face. "And you're still doing well in school?"

"Yeah, my grades are fine," I say, reaching for my glass of water.

"Good. That's important," she says. "Now that my wedding it out of the way, I can help you find a husband." She laughs, but I know she isn't joking.

"Mom, I don't need your help finding a husband," I say, shaking my head. I really wish she wouldn't do this, especially right now.

"Of course you do," she says, waving her hand dismissively. "Look at you, you're almost twenty-five and you have no prospects. Your eggs are aging, you need to start looking now. Am I ever going to be a grandmother?"

I roll my eyes, trying to keep my irritation at bay. "I'm not worried about finding a husband or having kids, mom," I say, trying to stay calm. "I'm just focused on school and my career."

"Emma, you need to find a husband and settle down. You're not getting any younger," she says, her eyes boring into mine.

I grit my teeth, trying not to let her get to me. She's acting like she is the expert on love and relationships. Does she not realize that Archer is husband number four? I know her divorces weren't completely her fault, but still. She hasn't had the greatest luck when it comes to men.

"I'm sure Emma will find the right guy when the time is right," Archer says, a small smile on his face. He places his hand on hers and gives it a squeeze.

I'm glad someone is finally defending me, even though I don't really need defending.

"I agree," Ares says, his hand resting on my thigh. "When Emma finds the right guy, she'll know."

I feel a blush creeping up my cheeks and I can't help but feel butterflies in my stomach. I glance at him, his eyes locking with mine. There is so much emotion in his gaze.

My mom raises her hands in mock surrender, a small smirk on her face. "Okay, okay, I'll drop it for now. But Emma, we are going to talk about this."

I nod, knowing it's futile to argue with her. My mom is stubborn, and once she sets her mind to something, it's hard to change it.

"So, Ares, how much longer do you think you'll be here?" Archer asks, changing the subject.

Ares swallows his mouthful of food and wipes his mouth with his napkin. "Probably a couple more weeks. I've got a meeting tomorrow."

Archer nods, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Ares still hasn't told me what exactly he is doing here. He hasn't told me anything about his business or why he's in town. I know it's not really my place to ask, but I can't help but be curious.