Golden Horizon: The Sea's Secret

Unspoken Bonds

The days leading up to the café opening were a whirlwind of excitement and nervous anticipation for Emma. Her friends had been a constant source of support, especially Ashton, who seemed to be with her every step of the way. A few days before the grand opening, Ashton invited Emma to a family gathering at the Jenkins' house. She agreed, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness about the evening ahead.

As they arrived at the Jenkins' house, Emma was greeted warmly. Ashton's mother, Eleanor, exuded elegance and warmth as she approached Emma with open arms.

"Emma, it's so wonderful to see you!" Eleanor said, her voice laced with genuine delight. "How have you been since returning from New York?"

Emma smiled, feeling at ease in Eleanor's presence. "I've been good, thank you. New York was an incredible experience, but I'm glad to be back."

Ashton's father, Richard, also approached a pleased smile on his face. "It's good to have you back, Emma," he said, shaking her hand firmly. "Icy mentioned you're opening a café soon?"

"Yes," Emma replied, her excitement bubbling over. "It's something I've always dreamed of, and I'm thrilled to finally see it come to life. I'd love for you all to come to the opening this weekend."

Richard nodded approvingly. "We wouldn't miss it for the world. It sounds like a fantastic venture."

As the evening wore on, Emma found herself at the table with Eleanor, while the others mingled around the room. Eleanor, with her poised demeanor, looked every bit the refined hostess.

"So, Emma," Eleanor began, her tone light yet curious. "What's going on with you and Ashton?"

Emma blinked, taken aback by the directness of the question. A flush crept up her neck as she tried to formulate a response. "We've been hanging out for a while now," she said, her voice a little uncertain. "But we're just friends."

Eleanor's eyes sparkled with amusement, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "You two look good together, you know. And just so you're aware, Richard and I fully support you both if you decide to take things to the next level."

Emma's blush deepened at the unexpected endorsement. Memories of Jake's father's disapproval flashed through her mind, but she quickly pushed them aside, focusing on the present.

"Thank you," Emma managed, still a little flustered. "That means a lot."

Eleanor chuckled softly, clearly enjoying Emma's reaction. "I'm just saying, I wouldn't mind seeing a little Ashton and a little Emma running around one day."

Emma's face turned a deeper shade of red as she laughed nervously. "That's... quite a thought," she replied, her mind racing.

Just then, Ashton returned to the table, noticing Emma's flushed cheeks and the amused expression on his mother's face.

"What's going on here?" Ashton asked, a hint of concern in his voice as he looked between the two women.

Eleanor laughed lightly, waving a hand dismissively. "Oh, nothing to worry about, dear. We were just having a little talk."

Ashton raised an eyebrow, still looking at Emma, who was doing her best to regain her composure. "You sure you're okay, Em?"

Emma nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Your mom was just... being your mom," she said, giving Eleanor a playful glance.

Ashton shook his head with a smile, though a hint of curiosity lingered in his gaze as he looked at Emma. He could tell something had passed between her and his mother, but he decided to let it go, for now.

At that moment, Richard and Icy joined them at the table. Richard's eyes twinkled with amusement as he took in the scene before him. "Well, don't you two make a handsome pair," he said with a grin, clearly enjoying the way Emma and Ashton looked together.