THE HOUSE OF EVERMORE

WARM AND COZY

CHAPTER EIGHT

WARM AND COZY

Stuart exhales slowly. Allowing himself to feel the warmth of Elmore's hands that were wrapped around his waist. He rested his chin briefly on her hair. Eyes closing.

He needed this hug. Every moment that passed gave him more reason not to let go. No promises were made, no confession was said, but in that quiet embrace, they both understood.

When they finally pulled apart, neither of them stepped away. There was just a little space between them. The air felt warmer and cozier. They resumed walking side by side, closer than before carrying the hug with them like a secret only the street witnessed.

“Thank you for tonight,” he said as he pulled over in front of Elmore's apartment.

He lifted her left hand and planted a light, flattery kiss on it, holding her gaze.

“You’re welcome,” you made my night, she replied with a warm smile. It was visible she was blushing, her cheeks and ears were turning red. Drive safe see you on Monday, she said as she stepped out of the car.

She locks the door as she walks into her apartment. She could still smell Stuart's scent all over her, she could still hear the sound of his heartbeat. She really needed to talk to Emma, before she explodes out of excitement.

She already called Emma twice, but she didn't pick up, so she decided to wait. She was already lying in the bathtub, reminiscing about the hug, when her phone rang. Finally, Emma had called her back.

“Hello, baby girl,” she said, chuckling. " Sorry, I was a little busy with Lewis. Elmore didn't need Emma to give her the full details of what she meant. She knows her friend already. Be careful girl I don't want

you rushing things again with another nigga and still end up hurting yourself. Elmore said out of concern. Ellie, don't worry, it's nothing serious, we are just having fun and keeping each other company. Over to you, why did you call?

From the sound of your voice I can tell someone spicy is cooking, Emma said, teasing her. Come on,, gir,l, spill the tea already.

“So.” Elmore narrated everything that happened between her and Stuart right from the time he walked into her office to the time he dropped her.

“Wow girl, that's quite a move.” Stuart sure does know how to get what he wants and where he wants it. Emma teased. He's being so gentle, baby I love that for you.

“Aww,” thank you baby, Elmore replied. I feel so happy right now. I have an idea though I know you won't like it. Tomorrow is the weekend and you are not working. Why not invite him over, or maybe ask him to meet up somewhere fun and romantic, too? Uhmm somewhere like the game house or pleasure park. I know it sounds childish, but it could help make things spicier between you both. It doesn't have to be a secret office romance every damn time. Emma suggested.

“Emma” I know where you are driving at, but I won't do that. I don't want to rush anything, besides it might be he was just caught up in the moment. I don't want to give myself any narrative until he makes an appropriate move that he likes me and he wants me. Till then I will sit pretty and watch everything unfold. Remember, girl, I have more to lose if all these are just random sparks or flings.

Alright baby, I support and respect whatever you decide. I love you but I have to hang up now. My daddy is waiting for me, Emma said jokingly. Elmore knew how crazy Emma was, she wasn't surprised at all. I love you too baby. With that, she hung up.

************************************************

Polished wood, muted grass. The faint scent of whiskey and cut grass drifts all over the place.

Footsteps approached.

Stuart showed up as he had promised Joel. Joel had everything arranged; the golf course was the best place. He wanted to play with Stuart; he wanted to know more about Stuart, other than what he shows on the surface. A game house was the perfect place to start.

They both were dressed in all white, polo and shorts, stockings, and sports shoes. This look made Stuart look less domineering compared to his looks in his well-tailored suit. His face was more casual and handsome.

What was your growing up like? Joel asked out of the blue.

Stuart didn't answer immediately. He placed the ball on the grass and then kicked it with the golf stick. He measured the distance and made sure he scored. He turned to Joel.

I grew up in the urban part of Canada.

Raised by my single mother. Growing up as a kid, she made sure that every moment counted. I never felt the absence of a father. He paused, looked at Joel carefully, then continued, " My mother didn't raise me with legacy. She raised me with discipline, with emotional strength and zeal which shaped me into the man I am today. With silence and honor. With mornings that started before sunrise and nights that ended with lots of books, great comfort, and dedication.

Stuart turned his face, fully facing Joel. I was raised by her.

His words rang in Joel's ears.

Joel, who wasn't expecting the last statement, stopped in his tracks. He let out a quiet breath.

She must be so proud. She did a good job with you. Joel complimented.

“She taught me,” Stuart went on. That Yates name could either crown you……or bury you.

Silence pressed in.

“So while learning how to be the prince who would run the empire ”

I was learning how to build and stand on my own. How to respect power but never depend on it. His last words made Joel twitch. Joel swallowed something unreasonable, flickering his eyes.

Joel leaned back to adjust the ball. And over the years, you never wanted to come home? He asked

“ No,” she told me to come back home only when I was ready to face what awaits me without losing myself. Their eyes met. Joel felt cold holding his gaze.

I guess you spent all your life preparing, huh?

“Yes.” I spent all my life building my mind, my strength, and my knowledge. Stuart's response was so direct that Joel could feel every heat that his words carried.

Enough about me. Tell me about your upbringing. Stuart said.

Before Dad was shot seven years ago, he was usually never at home, he was always on business trips to different countries. He wasn't really an actively involved father. Edgar started handling the company affairs at a very young age. Mum was the only one who was present. Not fully present though. He chuckled

I resorted to my art; my music, that was the only way I felt less lonely. At the beginning, mum never liked it; she was solely against the idea of my career choice. She wanted me to be invested and committed to the family business but I guess that wasn't my calling. Only Grandma Lily loved and approved of my music. I spent most of my time with Claire and Aunt Laura at the Von-Dickson Mansion.

Growing up as a kid, Elmore and I used to be very close friends. He paused then exhaled deeply. His eyes seemed like he was looking for the perfect emotion that describes how he was feeling.

Stuart noticed how his expression changed; he knew there was more to his statement. Then what happened? Stuart asked.

Joel looked at him for a second, then looked away. Mum has always been the one who picks our life, our career, and our friends. She never really liked Elmore, but there was nothing she could do since Grandma Lily loved her so much. To keep us apart, she sent me to study in Rome. While Elmore stayed back here. I spent eight years in Rome without communicating with her. When I got back everything had already changed. We couldn't fill in the gaps of the years we spent apart. So everything turned out this way. Joel's expression said a lot about what he was feeling in his heart; it was visibly clear that he liked her. Was he sad? Was Elmore his first love? Does he still have feelings for her?

“My first song was dedicated to her.”

This statement rang in Stuart's head. His eyes darkened, his jaw tightened. His hands clenched into a fist. Was he jealous?

Does she know about that? Stuart asked on purpose.

“No she doesn't,” I never told her; I never told anyone. Joel replied.

Stuart felt a bit relieved but he never showed it.

I could never rebel against mum so I locked up my emotions and poured them all into my music.

Come on bro, we still have a lot to meet up with. I had everything all arranged for you. Joel said teasingly.