Emily's Last Obsession

Emily's

Last Obsession

W. Scott Mitchell

Copyright 2013 W. Scott Mitchell

Smashwords Edition

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Table of Contents

Chapter I

Chapter II

Chapter III

Chapter IV

Chapter V

Chapter VI

Chapter VII

Chapter VIII

Chapter IX

Chapter X

Chapter XI

Chapter XII

Chapter XIII

Chapter XIV

Chapter XV

Chapter XVI

Chapter XVII

Chapter XVIII

Chapter XIX

Chapter XX

Chapter XXI

Chapter XXII

Chapter XXIII

Chapter XXIV

Chapter XXV

Chapter XXVI

Chapter XXVII

Chapter XXVIII

Other Books by W. Scott Mitchell

Forward

Emily's Last Obsession

In this fictional work, Mitchell takes his readers on a journey in which four characters live within a world of delusion. As they seek to hold others to a high moral standard, they each fail to hold themselves to the same level of scrutiny. Mitchell reveals the personal flaws embedded in each character as he goes through a process of exposing how Emily, Karen, Tori and John deal with their personal indiscretions. Their self-indulgence, manipulation, and obsession are only some of the issues the characters face.

Emily systematically sets out to attract John Watson’s attention and affections. In order to meet her obsessive objective, she must damage his relationships with Karen and Tori in a way that preserves her innocence of any obvious manipulation.

NOTICE: This book contains sexual content. Mitchell uses sexual behavior to explore basic human drives and instincts, which often distract us from our personal moral standards and lead us to violate our principals.

Psychiatrist Sigmund Freud believed the human personality exists with three separate aspects controlling our actions and thoughts. One part of the mind is the moral compass, which guides us to do the right thing. The second part of the personality tells us we are free to do anything we so desire. The third part of the personality tries to resolve the conflict between those things we can do and those things we should do. Freud called these parts of personality the id, the ego and the super ego. Mitchell turns these three parts of personality into characters for the reader to explore.

The author also explores the self-deception people often use to explain away their choices in order to justify their actions. Each of the female characters represents one of the three aspects of human personality. As with all of Mitchell’s work, the characters must come to face their personal conflicts and failures in ways that are not always easy to predict.

Melissa Armstrong

Emily's Last Obsession

We have the ability to find ourselves attracted to people, places, or ideas in the absence of reason. An attraction may be nothing more than a casual passing idea or perhaps the attraction becomes a life-altering obsession. A simple act of curiosity may lead us on an unpredictable journey through new and sobering experiences, forcing us to examine the blurred lines that separate reality and illusion.

Perhaps in an effort to provide clarity for our actions, we conveniently evoke the power of justification. Whether genuine or contrived, we explain away those things inconsistent with our public persona, moral standards, or our self-perception. However, within our minds, we seldom have the ability to hide from the truth.

After leaving the Philadelphia airport, John Watson had been subjected to heavy traffic throughout the day while driving south on Interstate 81. Being no more than a minor obstacle, the eighteen wheel trucks would speed past him in their relentless pursuit of the next five hundred miles. By late afternoon, the congested highways eventually gave way to long stretches of the deserted road as he drove closer to the Blue Ridge Mountains in southwestern Virginia.

In late October, the bright afternoon sun reflected the brilliant shades of autumn in the leaves from the maple, poplar, and oak trees. John traveled the highway while engulfed in a picturesque sea of yellow, green, and red colors scattered throughout the surrounding mountains. The music he enjoyed most of the day over the radio had gone silent, having given way to the repetitive hum of the tires striking the pavement. His eyes were growing tired and his back stiff.

John repeatedly glanced at his watch knowing there was a timetable for his journey. His delayed flight from Zurich put him several hours behind his anticipated schedule.

Reading the roadside signs referring to Spring Haven’s historic Civil War heritage, he decided this might be an interesting place to spend the night, despite his previously held low expectations. Although he had little specific knowledge about the town of Spring Haven and little knowledge of southern Civil War towns in general, the unseen village managed to arouse his curiosity.

After taking the exit ramp for Spring Haven, he followed road signs directing him to make numerous turns along his twenty-mile trek deeper into the mountains. As he approached the small historic town, the old oak trees formed a canopy above the narrow paved road, blocking much of the afternoon sun. The road surface and shoulder lay partially covered by fallen leaves, suggesting there had been little if any recent traffic.

John’s first impression of Spring Haven was one of calm and peacefulness. Driving along Main Street, he passed the houses of colonial construction, most of which were Victorian by design. After viewing several homes, he began to discern a common theme as each home was in a nearly perfect state of renovation. With the plants and shrubs trimmed to perfection, he could only imagine how beautiful the spectacular lawns would be in the spring when the azaleas and dogwood trees were in full bloom.

After driving slowly past the homes in the residential section, he became curious about the almost total perfection of their restoration and maintenance. John concluded the area must be under the direction or authority of a historic preservation committee. There were no bikes or personal items along the lawns, no garbage cans at the streets and despite the fact that nearly every house had a front porch with rocking chairs, there was no sign of life. Several of the homes he drove past had designations as either a bed and breakfast or as rental units.

The line of older homes soon gave way to the small business district. The storefronts exhibited signs of modernization, but retained the character of their 1800’s design. The fourth store on the right-hand side of Main Street was an ice cream parlor with three black wrought iron tables and chairs placed on the brick sidewalk. Several people gathered there and represented the first evidence of life John had noticed since he came into town.

The business district was only three blocks long and housed mostly offices and retail establishments. John continued to watch along Main Street for the contact he was to meet at two o’clock. After parking his car, he began a slow trek up Main Street to the ice cream shop hoping the unknown contact person would approach him.

As he drew closer to the clothing store, a woman who appeared to be in her early thirties came out of the store and stood on the sidewalk accompanied by a woman in her early sixties. Both women at first were oblivious to John’s presence. When the younger woman looked around and saw John, she moved quickly down the street to greet him, followed closely by the older woman.

She put her arms around his neck, hugged him and after a few moments, he put his arms around her. During their impromptu meeting, she whispered into his ear. My name is Emily Wagner, and we’re getting married.

The older woman approached before Emily could offer any additional information. Emily kept one arm around John’s waist as she turned to make her introductions. John, this is Audrey Smith and this is my fiancé, John Watson. She then gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.

Audrey stepped back and watched as Emily and John stood motionless on the street with their arms around each other. Her southern accent was very pronounced. Emily has just gone on and on about you. I almost feel like we are old friends. You must be so very excited.

John replied while watching Emily’s face and trying to divert any possible suspicion. A girl like Emily only comes along once in a lifetime. Each time I see her, it’s as if we are falling in love for the first time. I feel so fortunate that we’re going to be sharing our life together.

Fishing for information, Audrey smiled as she looked at John. Have you talked about having children later on? You know, it’s never too early to start planning.

John pulled Emily closer to him. We’ve talked about having five children.

He then felt Emily tap him twice in the back. Having understood her message, he quickly revised his statement. I had five children in my family, but we’re thinking about two children, one of each.

Emily quickly intervened in the conversation being determined to separate John from Audrey. If you will excuse us, I want to show John the old mill with the water wheel just outside of town. I promised I would take him as soon as he got to town.

Audrey offered a suggestion she felt was appropriate for a young couple. Why not stop in at the deli and take a sandwich dinner with you. Many of our guests find the old mill to be a very romantic spot for a picnic.

Before speaking, John glanced at Emily who exhibited a doubtful expression. What a wonderful idea, Mrs. Audrey. You're obviously a woman after my own heart. I’ll pick up some sandwiches right now. What would you like dear?

Given John and Emily had never met, he found her answer to be humorous, yet confusing. Emily offered a sweet smile. I’ll have my usual.

John stared at her for a few seconds while watching her expression that projected a gotcha feeling. Not to be outdone, he replied, Ham and cheese on rye with mustard and ketchup.

Knowing she had been caught in her own game, the gotcha expression quickly left her face. Sweetheart, maybe I’ll try something different today. I’m thinking I might like tuna salad on wheat.

John glanced at Audrey. Just like a woman, always changing her mind.

Audrey did not hesitate to issue a caution. Well, you best watch your step, or she might change her mind about matrimony.

John smiled at Emily as he spoke to Audrey. You don’t find a woman as special and beautiful as Emily everyday. I was just telling my mom a few days ago how lucky I am. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for Emily.

Audrey then turned her attention to Emily. Honey, you best hold on tight to this man. A good man is like a purple fox. They are very hard, if not downright impossible to find. Of course, most women believe it is much easier to find a purple fox than a good man.

Emily snuggled up closer while she kissed his cheek. This is my very own little purple fox. Sweetheart, I guess we should be going before it gets too dark.

John and Emily walked along the street holding hands with each other. When she was sure there was enough distance between them and Audrey, Emily glanced at John while calling him a jerk. He looked back at Emily, seeing a hint of her smile.

He abruptly stopped walking and kissed Emily on the lips. She was surprised by his behavior and felt she needed to make a comment. We’re taking this acting thing a little far, aren’t we?

John continued to watch her eyes as he whispered, I wasn’t acting. Besides, if I’m going to be a jerk, I want to be a total jerk. Just for the record, Audrey’s watching us like a hawk.

Emily put her arms around John’s neck and returned his kiss, only with more enthusiasm. If we are going to do it, then let’s give her something to think about.

John took her hand and started back up the street. I don’t suppose you would be interested in giving her even more to think about.

Emily looked ahead as she squeezed his hand. Don’t push your luck.

They continued to play the role of the happy couple as they walked along before stopping briefly to look in the window of a furniture store, as though they had some actual interest. While in the deli, each of them gave an award-winning performance as they went through their act of being the happy couple.

With dinner in hand, they walked down the street to John’s car. Once seated Emily asked to see John’s cell phone and immediately turned it off. She then turned her attention to him. Is this a Company car, and is it clean?

Before he could answer, she took a small electronic sensor from her pocketbook and watched the display while pointing it at various parts of the car. John replied, It’s a Company car, and it was clean when I left Philly.

After several minutes of watching the meter and scanning for electronic listening devices, she put the device back in her purse. Everything looks fine. I’m Emily Wagner, and you are at least two hours late.

He looked at her and smiled. I’m John Watson, and I’m not the pilot who was flying the jet from Zurich, which arrived two hours late. I don’t know what to say. We’ve been in love for less than and hour, and you’re already mad at me.

She grinned. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that like it sounded. Audrey has been talking non-stop for three hours. I’ve seen every bride’s maid dress at the store three times over.

John glanced at her while feeling some confusion. I thought you were the bride. You should be looking at bridal gowns.

Assuming John was not familiar with wedding planning, she explained the process. The bride gets to pick out both dresses.

That doesn’t seem very fair. The other girls should get to pick out their own dress. John replied.

Emily continued her explanation. The bride has to make sure the bride’s maids don’t look better than she does. That’s why she picks out an ugly dress for them.

John continued to drive up Main Street. It seems to me that’s a recipe for a major cat fight. I can imagine five bride’s maids beating the hell out of one little bride. Besides, if she is going to make them wear ugly dresses, then the bride should have to pay for them.

Emily was trying to remain patient with her new acquaintance. It doesn’t work that way, and women don’t have cat fights. We usually find some less obvious, but equally vicious and effective ways to get even.

John kept watching his rear-view mirror. Can I assume you’re the project manager?

Emily placed a breath mint in her mouth. Actually, I am more like the advance guard for this project. My specialty is in audio and video. Where do you fit into the puzzle?

I’m the grim reaper. John replied with a smile.

Emily tried to remain calm, but her voice reflected her surprise. You’re an assassin? I hope that’s not what this project calls for.

John shook his head and smiled. I’m not that grim of a reaper. I negotiate with the target when our people finish their sting operation. I’m the one who brings the target the bad news that we intend to destroy their lives. By the time I go to work, you guys will be gone.

Emily was relieved to get that assurance from John. I’m glad to hear that because I didn’t think the Company had people who carried out assassinations.

John’s voice took on a serious tone for the first time since he had met Emily. You would be surprised what kind of people work for the Company. I assume you haven’t been with them very long.

Emily was looking out of her window as she contemplated his remark. I’ve been involved for over six years, but I’ve never come in contact with anything violent.

John drove along the main road until Emily instructed him to turn off on a narrow paved road. You usually won’t see anything violent as long as you stay in the United States. I’ve generally managed to stay away from the deadly stuff.

Emily pointed to the upcoming road. The old mill is up here on the left. Turn in on the gravel road.

John followed her instructions and drove beside the old mill before he brought the car to a stop. As Emily explained that the mill dated back to the late 1800’s and the lack of maintenance was evident. The clapboard siding had not been painted in years, several of the windowpanes were broken, and the tin roof was rusted.

Next to the large water wheel was a wooden porch where farmers would have unloaded their crops to be milled. The weather-beaten porch was the most logical place for John and Emily to have their picnic. They left the car with their food and drink in hand heading for the old porch.

Having waited patiently in town for John’s arrival, Emily was now ready to know her assignment. So what is the plan and who is the target?

John shrugged his shoulders. I have no idea what’s going on. I was in Zurich yesterday and told to be here this afternoon. I assumed you were going to fill me in on the details

Emily had received only slightly more information than John, but tried to bring him up to date. I know three other Company people are coming and they should be here within a few days.

While eating dinner, John looked at the mill with some interest. I would assume you also do photography since you do video work.

She nodded her head slowly. Still photography is my first passion. I’ve taken several pictures in town and some here at the mill. This area is a photographer’s dream because of the historical elements and the natural surroundings. I got some beautiful sunset shots yesterday. Do you enjoy photography too?

He continued to look around. I suspect you do photography, whereas I take pictures. I love to take pictures, but there’s little method and even less skill in my madness. Still, even I could get some great shots of this mill.

Emily watched John as he surveyed his surroundings, If you would like, we can come back here tomorrow when there will be more natural light. I’ll bring my camera too.

They continued to discuss photography while finishing their sandwiches. The sun was beginning to set when John raised a question about their plans. I’ve got to find somewhere to sleep tonight and I didn’t see any hotels. Where are you staying?

Emily appeared somewhat hesitant with her reply. Several of the houses on Main Street are actually hotels. The exteriors are designed to blend in with the older homes but they are basically hotels.

So they’re like a bed and breakfast? He asked.

Not really. They are currently being run like hotels. Anyway, I’ve already made arrangements so you don’t need to worry about that right now.

John smiled at her. Thank you.

Emily waited about a minute or so before she posed a question for which she already knew the answer. I want to ask you something. Have we met somewhere before because you seem very familiar to me?

He turned and looked at her with a slight smile. I think so, but I wasn’t sure how to ask you without it sounding like a pick up line. You seem very familiar to me too.

Emily turned her attention to the main road as she watched a car go past. Let’s walk around the mill with our arms around each other and pretend we are love with each other. The car that just drove by has already been by once since we arrived here.

John had not been paying attention to traffic on the main road, but had a suspicion. Was it a late model white Ford?

Emily replied as they were preparing to start their walk. I think so, but I can’t be sure from this distance. Did you see it too?

John put his arm around Emily as they made themselves obvious to anyone passing by. No, but I did see a Ford leaving the downtown area just after we drove away, and they followed us out here.

Emily was doubtful anyone from the town would suspect them. There is no way a local would have a reason to doubt our story. It’s always possible something else is going on here this week that we might not know about.

John gazed at the large water wheel. Today is only Wednesday, so something might be going on this weekend. In any case, the project manager should have been here with you, or at least given us some idea of what we’re doing.

Emily turned slightly so she could see the main road. Usually the project manager will know either you or me, so at least we’ll know who we’re looking for. All I was told was to come here and plan my wedding. They said they would find me a groom somewhere.

John watched Emily as she was looking away. Did you ever think you would be a part of an arranged wedding?

She turned around facing John hoping to see his reaction. I could have done worse.

John smiled at Emily as he saw a hint of a smile. Thank you. That’s the nicest thing anyone has said to me in weeks. How did you know I was your prospective groom?

They turned around and started toward the car. You’re not my prospective groom. You are the groom so you need to practice looking at me as if we’re in love.

John opened the car door for her. I’ll work on that. I ask again. How did you know I was your groom?

Emily sat down before she looked up at him. Your car has a GPS tracking code that the Company can watch. I got a text message as you came down Main Street telling me you had arrived. They also gave me the model and the license number on your car.

Did you know it would be love at first sight? John asked as he reached to close her door.

It always is. she replied.

Just exactly how many prearranged love at first sight marriages have you had? He asked quietly.

Emily pulled the seat belt around her. You are the third. I think the Company likes this scenario because it looks so innocent.

John let out a long sigh and spoke before he shut the car door. And all this time I thought I was special.

Once John got in on the driver's side, she reacted to his comment. Her reluctance was evident in her voice as well as in her words. The Company is starting to remind me of Big Brother. They know where we are, what we are doing, and when we’re going to do whatever with whomever they tell us to do whatever with.

John started laughing. That was quite a mouthful of whoever and whatever.

Emily shook her head. I shouldn’t have said anything. I was merely thinking out loud.

John was watching in the rear-view mirror. Your secret is safe with me. I have some of the same concerns and so do several other members. By the way, the Taurus just went by again. Let’s head back to town. We are staying in the same hotel, aren’t we?

Emily looked at John with an expression of resignation. We are staying in the same room John. We are getting married, and the Company told me to do it this way.

Are you alright with that? He asked.

Emily smile was not reflecting her true feelings. We don’t have a choice, so lets both be alright with it. They probably saw rooming together as an opportunity to save money.

John turned the car around and started out for the highway. He assumed she was not comfortable with the arrangements the Company had made and therefore decided to offer her an option. I passed several hotels about thirty miles up the interstate. If you would feel better, we can just tell the Company to stick it and go there for the night.

Emily clearly appreciated his offer. It’s not you John, but this is the third time I’ve been in this situation. It is as if they have no respect for my privacy rights. Several women in my group are getting tired of being put in rooms with men we don’t even know.

Have there been any problems that you’re aware of, other than being stuck with someone you don’t know? He asked.

She hesitated as she recalled conversations with other people in her group. Nothing the women couldn’t handle, but we shouldn’t have to handle these situations in the first place.

John turned on the main highway and started back to Spring Haven. I’m hearing complaints from men and women that the higher ups are confusing us with pawns on a chess board. They seem to be using technology more and more, and the human touch is fading away.

Emily agreed. I’m a technology person, but I know the limits of a computer circuit in dealing with human behavior.

John drove a few miles before he spoke again. I promise you have nothing to worry about with me. While I think you’re a very attractive woman, you need to keep in mind that you will be rooming with a very sleepy man. I haven’t slept much since leaving Zurich.

Emily smiled knowing her true intentions were unclear to John. In that case, I have just the thing for you. Our room has a fireplace in it. Maybe if we get a glass of wine and build a fire, you will be asleep in twenty minutes.

John agreed with her plan. That sounds nice. By the way, when I kissed you downtown, I was playing the part of the groom but I was also just teasing you in the process. I’m not a very serious person and I hope the kiss didn’t offend you. If I do anything that’s a problem for you then let me know and I’ll stop doing whatever it is.

Emily smiled as she looked out of the window. Thank you. I don’t think we’ll have any problems.

He followed her directions to the hotel. Once they parked the car, he glanced at Emily while feeling slightly guilty. I’m sorry that wasn’t a very elegant dinner. Maybe tomorrow night we should dine in a little more style.

That would be nice. I’ll look forward to it. She replied as she opened her car door.

Chapter II

John picked up his suitcase before following Emily into the hotel. He asked her to wait as he went to a gift shop and picked up a bottle of wine. Looking around as they walked to the steps, he noticed a large dinning room with a few guests seated for dinner. Another small room off the lobby was a sun porch with someone playing easy listening tunes on a piano. He took notice of the soft music and asked Emily if she would like to have a drink and listen for a few minutes.

Emily was unsure how to interpret his invitation. She whispered in his ear to make sure she would not be overheard, Are you asking me out on a date?

John thought about her question and was hesitant as to how he should answer her. I don’t know, maybe, yea, I think I am. I thought we would just listen for a while. There doesn’t seem to be anything else going on in town tonight.

Emily considered her options for a moment. I’m glad you cleared that up. I think I would like this to be a date. If we’re going to spend the night in the same hotel room, then at least I can say we have been on several dates.

They entered to the sun porch, sat down, and ordered drinks. After the waiter brought the order, John glanced at Emily. I didn’t realize we had already been on several dates together.

She took a sip from her margarita. We went into the store and looked at furniture for our new home, we had dinner tonight at the old mill, and now we’re at the concert. That counts as three dates.

John made a toast to her. Here’s to all the great times we’ve had together.

Emily touched her glass to his and then gave him a suspicious look. You aren’t planning on getting me drunk are you?

John held up his hands. My dear Emily, I think after two drinks I’ll be sound asleep. I doubt I could hang on long enough to wait for you to get drunk.

Emily laughed quietly. That’s too bad. I finally have time to go out on a date, and my guy goes to sleep on me.

John was mostly serious in his response. I doubt any guy gets you drunk unless you want to. You strike me as the type of woman who can keep a guy on a pretty tight leash when she decides to.

Emily observed John as she spoke while trying to decide if she would acknowledge the accuracy of his observation. So you don’t think I’m a defenseless woman.

John finished his drink before placing his glass on the table. I can tell you three things I have learned about women who work for the Company. They are smart, they are very perceptive, and not one of them is defenseless. In your case, I would also say you are very attractive.

Emily glanced away for a moment as she carefully considered his comment. She then turned back to him having made the decision to play a cat and mouse game with him. Her expression also suggested she was willing to challenge him. Thank you. I have to say that with you giving me four compliments sandwiched in between two sentences, this is starting to feel like a real date.

John yawned before he responded. Sometimes a compliment is nothing more than a statement of fact.

Emily saw her opportunity to gain additional insight into John’s mindset. Describing a woman as attractive is a subjective statement and doesn’t qualify as a fact.

John smiled. Normally I would agree with you, but in your case it’s a fact.

Emily now had the answer she was looking for. We’re not working together right now so your statement just proved this is a date.

John observed her playful expression and paid close attention to her gestures. He spoke after a minute of watching each other eyes. Alright, I give up. Where have we met before?

She picked up her drink and took the last few sips. Do you really want me to tell you?

I would like to know because I’m almost positive we’ve met somewhere. He replied.

She began to explain. We were at a Company conference in New York almost three years ago. We had lunch together and skipped the afternoon session. You helped me solve a few issues I was dealing with.

A smile came over his face. We spent the afternoon in Central Park watching ice skaters. We had some interesting conversations that day.

She seemed relieved that he had recalled their encounter. So you do remember me after all?

John closed his eyes for a moment. Your hair was longer and altogether different from the way you wear it now. I think it had more curls. You were wearing a baby blue stocking hat with a matching scarf.

Should I be impressed you remembered so many details about me? Emily asked, expressing her surprise.

John looked away. There’s nothing exceptional about my memory, but there was something exceptional about you. If you recall, I took several pictures of you that day, and I still have them on my computer.

She replied with a thoughtful expression. A true photographer never throws away a picture.

They continued talking for several minutes until four couples came to hear the music and order drinks. The intruders tended to be of a loud talkative nature thus inspiring Emily to suggest they go to their room.

John was pleasantly surprised when he entered the room after seeing the fireplace Emily had described earlier. Their room was in a state of almost perfect restoration, reflecting its eighteen forties design. He looked at the paintings on the walls, the lantern type light fixtures, and the fireplace made from tumbled brick. He tossed his coat on the bed while Emily took the sensor from her purse and checked the room for electronic surveillance devices.

John sat in one of the two wing back chairs placed in front of the fireplace while Emily did her work. Once she finished scanning the room she joined John next to the fireplace before asking him to build a fire. Despite the recent renovation, the room was still chilly as was the night air.

Emily announced she was going to take a shower while he built the fire. After thirty minutes, she emerged wearing blue flannel pajamas under her heavy cloth robe before reclaiming the chair next to John.

They remained silent for several minutes before he spoke in a quiet voice. You’re safe with me. If you want me to sleep in the bathtub then I’ll sleep in the bathtub. If we want to kiss each other goodnight, then we’ll kiss each other good night. I know you’re not comfortable with this sleeping arrangement, but you’re safe so quit worrying.

She gave a brief smile but spoke from a sense of resignation. This is the third time I’ve been required to share a room with a man I didn’t know. Nothing happened either time, but I felt like the guy was watching me all the time while thinking I would hop in bed with him. It wasn’t a comfortable feeling.

John placed a small log in the fire. Since we’ve met before, I’m no longer a stranger but I am curious about something. How did you remember we met each other in New York?

Her response was one she considered acceptable even though it did not reflect the complete truth. Well, when I was told to meet you here, I cheated a little. I looked back at some of the pictures I have stored on my Blackberry at a photo I had taken of you near the ice-skating rink. Now, let me ask you a personal question. What made you remember my blue hat, scarf, and my hairstyle?

John hesitated over his answer being unsure how Emily might interpret his explanation. He did not want to add to her discomfort, but also wanted to tell her the truth. If you don’t like the answer you’re getting, then just tell me to stop talking.

Being clearly unsure of what to expect, Emily nodded. Okay.

John thought about how to phrase his reply and then spoke with a sense of uncertainty. When I first met you, there was something like instant trust between us. If you recall, we both talked about some doubts each of us had with respect to the work we do for the Company. I was glad to know I wasn’t the only one having some reservations about what I was doing.

Emily watched the flames as she recalled specific details of their original encounter, knowing there was far more to their initial meeting. Not only did we skip the afternoon meeting, but we broke Company rules with parts of our conversation.

John knew her memories of the conversation were accurate. There was something you said during that conversation that caught my attention. You made a comment about the Company being somewhat self-righteous. Anyway, I thought you were an interesting person.

John also watched the fire as he continued. In the spirit of full disclosure, I thought you were very attractive, smart and for some reason, I remember you were somewhat vulnerable. I remember in June when I was working on a project, and I didn’t really want to participate. I looked at the pictures of you on my laptop.

She gave him an inquisitive look. Why did you look at my pictures?

John paused for a moment while trying to understand his motives for viewing her picture. I don’t know. It may have been just for inspiration. The day we sat in Central Park, I thought about how nice it would be to have a normal relationship with someone like you.

Emily was feeling some reluctance to question him further about their meeting but she also wanted to hear his thoughts. I’m sure you meet women every day in our line of work. Was I a person of special interest to you or do you keep pictures of lots of women on your computer?

John replied, I have work-related files full of photos of men and women, and I have a file of personal photographs. You are in the personal file.

There was a skeptical tone in her voice. Why would my picture be in your personal file?

John’s answer came quickly. Why would my picture be in your Blackberry?

Emily seemed to accept his counter argument, knowing she had kept his picture for reasons she did not wish to share with him at that time. She chose to change the subject. It would be a pity to have the bottle of wine you bought just sit unopened on the night stand.

Being in complete agreement, John opened the wine before looking around for a glass. He reluctantly had to settle for two paper cups. After he poured each of them a drink, he reclaimed his seat.

As he handed her the cup, he asked the same question she had asked of him earlier. Are you trying to get me drunk?

Emily intended to project an image of not being overly available. If you have too much to drink, you would never figure out how to get to me. You see, the robe and my flannel pajamas are like a suit of armor. It’s my way of providing some self-protection.

John raised his paper cup to his lips. I’m not sure how much I would count on a bathrobe to be an adequate defense. I doubt I have made a great impression on you having taken you to a deli for dinner and serving your wine from a paper cup. Anyway, here’s to seeing you again, Emily.

I like the fact you’re not attempting to make an impression on me. If my memory from New York is correct, then what I see is what I get with you. That's not such a bad thing. Do you have the pictures you took of me in New York with you?

I take you everywhere I go John said smiling. Would you like to see them?

John opened his laptop and pulled up the file. She studied each photo he had taken of her as if she were a professor looking over a student's work. After she finished, she asked for his permission to look at other photographs he had taken. He told her she could look at any of his personal photos, but the Company photos were off limits.

After ten minutes of viewing his photos, she closed the file and turned off the computer. Up until this point, most of their conversations were lighthearted or at most inquisitive about each other. She then turned to him. You never answered when I asked if I was a person of interest to you.

John was quick with his defensive reply. Don’t you think it would be unrealistic to say you were a person of interest after knowing you for only five or six hours?

Her answer was anything but defensive. I don’t know. How long does it take a guy to decide if he would like to know more about a woman?

John started laughing. I’ve met some women, and it only took three minutes before I started looking for the exit and I’m sure you have met men who were the same way.

Yes, I have. Nevertheless, I’ve also met men I suspected I might be interested in after spending ten minutes with them. So which category would I fit in?

John took a sip of his wine. It would be correct to say I found you to be a person of interest. Are you still living in Bridgeport?

Emily’s mouth dropped open. I can’t believe you remembered that. No, I don’t live there now. I moved to DC about a month after we saw each other in New York.

John decided to make a confession. I guess that explains why I couldn’t find you. The Company would not give me your email or any personal information, so I tried to find you on my own. I don’t remember why, but I thought it was important that I find you.

Emily held out her glass for him to refill. I couldn’t find you either.

John watched Emily make her unexpected comment and was very surprised to learn she had tried to find him. Does that mean I made a favorable impression on you?

Her smile was both warm and genuine. You didn’t do so bad on your first test. Maybe tomorrow we can go out on a real date and see how things go from there.

John stood up to stretch his legs. That sounds like a great idea, only you would be taking a risk that I might not bring you back.

She also stood up and turned to face him. What makes you so sure I want to come back? I think we may both be suffering from burnout. However, at least for tomorrow, we can pack up our cameras, a picnic lunch and make a day of it.

You aren’t going to laugh at my camera are you? I’m sure it’s fairly simple by comparison to your equipment.

She put her hand on his arm. I liked the pictures you took of me in Central Park. I noticed in most of your shots you have a good eye for photography.

Does that mean I can take a few hundred more pictures of you tomorrow? He asked. We could make this a photography date.

She looked up and smiled. "In the old days I