I Can't Let You Go

Monday

"You were wonderful honey, as always." The photographer gave a kiss to her cheek. "I'll send the pictures in the second half of the week," he added.
"Great." Em smiled. "I can't wait." she was glad that they finished the work. She wanted to go home and spend the night with Kit. Especially after how she spoke with him. She knew it was not his fault... but she just attacked him and she blamed herself. It must be as hard for him, as it was for her. She put on her jacket and grabbed her bag. "Bye" She turned to leave, but she ran into someone for her biggest surprise at the door.
"What are you doing here?" She frowned, and it was not a good surprise for her.
"I think we should talk," Mariana answered and she seemed serious
"I don't think we have to." Em wanted to walk pass by her
"Emilia. You are a clever woman, and we both want the best for Kit. At least give me a chance to clarify the situation." 
"I think it is clear enough for me." Em rolled her eyes and made a face.
"You know we have to endure each other if we want to work together... why do you make it harder?" Mariana asked her. 
"Fine." She nodded, but she did not want it. "What do you want?" She crossed her arms.
"We should drink a coffee or something? This place is not... the best for this conversation." 

"Do you know when you'll arrive? Love ya, K." she read the message meanwhile she was walking towards the coffee shop with Mariana. She had no idea. She had no idea what she wants from him, and she has no idea how long it will last. 
"Dunno yet." she wrote a short answer, and they entered into the building. They went to a starred table and sat down. 
"A cappuccino please," Mariana told to the waiter. "And you?"
"Tea. Thanks." she smiled and took a deep breath. The waiter wrote down their orders, then left them there. 
"A particularly friendly and a good cafe. A rare gem in LA." Mariana started.
"Can we get to the point? I have other plans for tonight." Emilia rolled her eyes. 
"Sure." Mariana faked a smile. "I think we both want to ... get the best, from this awful situation." she sighed.
"Depends on whose point of view. It is not awful for me, neither for him." 
"It will be at the moment when that scandal gets some spotlight," Mariana answered immediately. "You can't want that."
"It is not me, who makes it harder." Emilia looked into her eyes. 
"People follow you. both of you. every damn time." Mariana started to explain. "They do research where are you, in which city, and connect the lines." she leaned to the table. "If he stays in LA as long as you... people start gossiping again about you two. And he doesn't need it, not in the middle of the Disney contract." 
"And what the hell do you think? That we wanted to travel back to London holding hands?" Em frowned. "For fuck sake, we would have gone back separated at the weekend. And just for you to calm down... we will hardly see each other when my campaign for Last Christmas starts" she leaned back in her chair.
"That is good." Mariana nodded and the waiter arrived with their coffees and placed it to the desk. They both followed him leaving with their eyes. "At least, there is less damage you can cause. It would be better if you forget this ... living together thing too. Until he closes the thing with Rose."
"We are not living together."
"You are not?" Mariana raised her brow. "Am I wrong, our you spent the past few months in each other flat? Day after day. Sooner or later someone will find out, and after that, we can't explain it."

"It couldn't be more obvious how much you want me to get out of his life?" Em shook her head. 
"Not a personal thing." She raised her cup from the table. "If you would be the first... if you would have been in Rose place, I would support you now. But you never wanted to be with him. And the timing ... sucks now." she shrugged her shoulder.
"Things have been changed, and he is not a puppet. He can decide what does he want, and how he wants to live his life." Em did not let herself defeated. She won't give Mariana the pleasure.
"Not in showbiz. You know how it works. One bad step can destroy your whole carrier." she sighed. 
"I still don't understand what do you want from me." Emilia started to lose her patience.
"I've just told you. To spend less time with him. And respect his carrier and his opportunities without causing any mess in his life. I told this to him too, but I think he would never agree, unless... you do. That is why I need you. You are clever, and you see the damage it can cause." she tried to convince her.
"Oh and let me guess I should spend less time with him, and Rose should spend more. I thought we agreed, that I took his part, and promote Rose in the upcoming tour." 
"Yes, you do. And you're gonna do it well. But it is also important to give credit for your words" Mariana added.
"I've heard enough." Emilia grabbed her bag and stood up.
"Just one more thing." Mariana stood up too and stepped to her. "Do not try to convince him to fire me. It wouldn't be good for anyone. I support your little ... adventure with each other, until you let me do my work. But if he fires me, I am afraid I have to tell everyone what are you two hiding, and since when." Mariana made a face.
"Is this a threat?" Emilia hissed.
"Just a warning."