CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: TEASES,PLANS AND A WEEK APART
877 Words
It was a bright Sunday afternoon when Chloe decided to pay Emily and Ethan a visit. The sunlight poured through the windows, casting a warm glow over the living room. Emily was lounging on the sofa, flipping through a magazine, while Ethan sipped his coffee, reading the latest business reports on his tablet. The doorbell rang, and Emily jumped up to answer, a smile lighting up her face.
Chloe stepped in, carrying a small tote bag and wearing her signature casual elegance. “Hey, you two,” she greeted warmly. “Hope I’m not interrupting anything serious.”
“Never,” Emily replied, ushering her inside. “Come in, we were just relaxing.”
Ethan gave a polite nod and a smile, though he didn’t look up from his tablet. “Good to see you, Chloe. Sit down.”
Chloe made herself comfortable on the sofa, glancing around the room as she did. She leaned back casually, her eyes sparkling with playful mischief. “So, Emily,” she began innocently, “how’s life with the little ones? I mean, you do spend a lot of time with your students and at the bookstore, right?”
Emily didn’t catch the subtle teasing behind her cousin’s words and smiled. “Yes, it keeps me busy, but it’s fun. You know how much I love children.”
Chloe tilted her head and smiled innocently. “Oh, I know. Just curious—do you ever think about how it would be with your own little ones? Or maybe even twins?”
Emily laughed lightly, thinking it was just a casual question. “Oh Chloe, you and your hypotheticals. I don’t know yet, maybe someday.”
Chloe’s grin widened, knowing she had struck a nerve she wasn’t supposed to. She continued casually, “It’s just interesting… I hear Ethan’s company has some big things coming up. Are you two planning trips? Big projects? Meeting clients?”
Ethan looked up, slightly amused. “Well, we do have a project coming up. A one-week trip actually. Some negotiations and a presentation for a potential client.”
Emily’s smile faltered slightly. “One week? That’s so sudden.”
Chloe nodded, maintaining her innocent expression, though her eyes twinkled with subtle teasing. “But it’s good, right? A contract worth fifty thousand dollars, I heard. That’s exciting!”
Emily’s lips curved in a small, conflicted smile. “Yes, it’s exciting for the company, but… I wish Ethan didn’t have to go.” She gave him a small pout, trying to make her disappointment obvious.
Ethan reached out and took her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “It’s just a week. We’ll be back before you know it, and it’s a good opportunity for the company. We can’t pass this up.”
Chloe, sensing the tension and still keeping up her playful act, leaned back and casually added, “Don’t worry, Emily. You’ll survive a week without him. You’ll be fine. Just imagine all the books you can organize while he’s gone.”
Emily chuckled, still not fully realizing Chloe’s subtle teasing. “I suppose you’re right, but I’ll miss him.”
The three of them chatted comfortably for a while longer. Chloe kept the conversation light, occasionally steering it toward topics that would make Emily feel slightly flustered or competitive, like playful hypotheticals about children, parenting, and life milestones. Emily laughed, unaware of the intentional nudges, while Ethan quietly observed the exchange with a small smile, noticing the way Chloe’s eyes sparkled mischievously.
After a while, lunch was served. They ate together, sharing stories and laughing at small, inconsequential things. Chloe made a comment about the project Ethan had to leave for, casually reminding Emily of the impending week apart. “Just think, Emily, a whole week alone. You’ll have to manage the bookstore, your students, and everything else without him. Should be fun!”
Emily muttered under her breath, mostly to Ethan, “I can’t believe he’ll be gone a whole week. So impromptu…”
Chloe caught a bit of the mumbling and smiled knowingly but didn’t comment further. After finishing their meal, Chloe stood up and stretched, glancing at her watch. “Alright, I should head back. Got some things to do at my place.”
Emily walked her to the door, waving goodbye as Chloe stepped out. “See you soon, Chloe,” Emily called after her.
Once the door closed, Emily turned to Ethan, her expression a mix of relief and mild frustration. “So, a whole week, huh? And it’s so impromptu.”
Ethan chuckled softly, walking over to her and placing a hand on her shoulder. “It’ll be fine. We’ll manage. It’s just business.”
Emily shook her head, mumbling under her breath as she settled back onto the sofa. “Business, yes, but a whole week… ugh.”
Ethan leaned down, giving her a gentle kiss on the forehead. “I know you’ll survive. And I’ll be back before you even realize it.”
Emily gave a small, reluctant smile, resting her head against his chest. The afternoon sun streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the room as they spent the rest of the day together, enjoying each other’s presence before the busy week
- Writer
