"In the end, and it was a long time coming, Brian agreed to your
attending college here, but-" he added before Emma could leap up and
dance. "You have to keep the guards."
"Dammit, I will not have those two hulking bastards dogging my every
move. I might as well be back in Saint Catherine's. When is he going
to realize that there isn't a kidnapper behind every bush? People don't
even know who I am, and they don't care."
"He cares." He put a hand over hers. "Emma, sometimes we have to take
what we can get. I know."
"I only want to live a normal life," she began.
"Most of us want that." He smiled again when she looked up and flushed.
"Look, we both care about Johnno, so I figure that makes us friends.
Right?"
"All right."
"Then this is my first friendly advice. Think of it this way. You want
to be in New York, right?"
"Yes."
"You want to go to NYCC."
"Yes."
"You want your own place."
She blew out a frustrated breath. "Yes."
"Well, you've got it."
"You're right," she said after a moment. "You're absolutely right.
And I can ditch the guards when I want to."
"I didn't hear that." He checked his watch again. "Listen, I've got to
run. Tell Johnno I'll pick up Chinese." He grabbed a briefcase, then
stopped. "I forgot. Are these yours?" He pointed to the portfolio open
on the kitchen counter.
"Yes."
"Good work. Mind if I take them with me, show them around?"
"You don't have to do that. Just because I'm friends with Johnno
doesn't mean-"
"Hold on. Look, I happened to see them sitting out in the other room. I
took a closer look and liked what I saw. Johnno didn't ask me to pump
up your ego. He wouldn't."
She rubbed her palms on her thighs. "Do you really like them?"
"Yes. I know some people. I could get you some input if you want."
"I would, very much. I know I have a lot to learn-that's why I'm here.
I've entered some competitions and shows, but ..." She trailed off,
knowing she was babbling. "Thanks. I appreciate it."
"Sure. See you later." He tucked the portfolio under his arm and headed
out.
She sat alone, taking very careful breaths. She was on her way, Emma
thought. Finally, she was on her way.
IT'S OURS."
Emma and Marianne stood, their arms tossed around each other's
shoulders, looking out the windows of their newly purchased loft in
SoHo. Emma's voice was both dazed and exhilarated as she made the
statement.
"I still can't believe it," Marianne murmured.