Episode 66: Happy Holidays

Emily trudged down the stairs in a burst of excitement.

She just woke up and delayed doing the necessary grooming other than brushing her teeth because she was so excited. Her smile stretched across her face, teeth perfectly aligned and the target caught sight of it as she threw herself at him.

"Merry Christmas, Nicholas!"

He glanced down at the woman in his arms as he put down the wooden spoon on the kitchen counter. As their eyes met, something amazing happened in that moment. The whole room seemed to light up with her genuinely sweet smile which had now extended to her eyes, causing creases underneath.

Excitement rushed through his veins.

Wow, smiles really do have a great effect on people, he acknowledged.

The corners of his mouth lifted into a smile and he was about to run his hand through her soft hair but reconsidered it with the flour on his hands. Instead, he pressed himself further against her and she accepted the act by tightening her hold around his waist.

"Merry Christmas, Em. Our first of many. I wish I could explain how happy I am that I get to spend it with you but my brain seems to be failing me seeing you like this."

She allowed her smile the freedom to widen into a grin which has Nicholas stunned once again.

This time she started laughing, feeling absolutely delirious.

"Emily..." he began hesitantly. "Did you steal some of the cookies I baked and have a feast? Why are you behaving like someone who's high off a sugar rush?"

She giggled.

"I'm just...happy?" The woman nodded then buried her face in his chest. "I'm happy."

He let her distract him for a minute but then the more responsible side of him remembered the pot that was on the stove.

"I'm happy that you're happy but," she pulled away from him curiously. "I need to finish this meal before five. That's when Chase and Valentina will be coming over. So if you'd do me the honor of setting the table, I'd appreciate it."

"Sure thing!"

Nicholas' cooking went uninterrupted after that, only with two attempts from Emily to do any menial tasks necessary like washing or cutting the vegetables but he was afraid she'd even get hurt doing those with the high she was on, so he turned her down.

She retreated from the kitchen and quickly called her sister. Chelsea answered on the first ring, making her smile broadly.

"Chel-"

"MERRY CHRISTMAS EMILY!"

The younger sister pulled the phone away from her ears and winced at the high pitch of her voice.

In all honesty, she should have seen that one coming.

"Merry Christmas to you too."

"Thanks," she said and Emily could envision her expression as she continued on perkily. "I hope you have a wonderful day with your sexy hubby. As much as I'm jealous of you in that regard I'm glad you have someone to spend the holidays with this year."

Her little sister's ears turned red in embarrassment.

"How are mom and dad? Have they finished preparing dinner already? You're all over at Grandpa's, right?"

"Why don't you come over and check for yourself?"

She faltered.

"I-"

"Just kidding," An amused laugh came from over the phone. "I know you're not ready to be involved in such a setting as yet. Especially when your heart can't properly match the warmth of the occasion."

"I'm sorry."

"It's not a big deal. There's always next year. Just like you came around, giving the rest of our family a chance in your life again I'm sure you'll be able to accept their compassion fully one day. Without any of the lingering feelings from the past."

There wasn't anything Emily could do but hum, however Chelsea was used to her sibling being particularly reserved when it came to this topic. If anything, they had talked more about it now than they had done in years which brought her a huge amount of joy she couldn't explain. She always had the hope of seeing her family together as one again at the dining table. To see them put aside their differences and support each other in their pursuits even if they didn't particularly agree with them. Just showing that whatever happened, they would always be there to rely on.

"I'll pass on your best wishes to the folks. They'll be happy to hear from you even if it's through me. But I think that'll only last for so long, Ems. Make sure to come give us a visit soon. Mom said you already promised. Grandmother and grandfather miss you terribly."

Emily felt guilt start pulling at her heartstrings and before she knew what she was doing, her mouth opened, "Why don't I send you a video?"

Chelsea paused, then slowly a grin broke out onto her face.

"That'd be amazing! Send it quickly and I'll show it to them later."

She nodded before bidding farewell.

"Yeah, goodbye. And tell Nicholas that I said 'Merry Christmas'. Hope you get a naughty present from him tonight."

"I'm hanging up now!"

She laughed at Emily's shyness at the topic.

"Alright, don't forget to send the video. I love you, Ems."

She picked at her fingernails as her heart stuttered. "I love you too."

After she hung up, Emily found a suitable background which ended up being by the newly decorated tree and sent her family a season's greeting. She made sure to speak broadly about hoping they were all healthy and doing well. That she'd make sure to visit them for the new year and most importantly, that she was sorry it took her so long to do something like this.

Is that fine? She texted Chelsea after sending the video file from her phone.

A ping came almost immediately and Emily was reminded of how readily available her sister always was when it came to trying to contact her.

It's perfect.

She smiled softly at the reply.

As the woman went back to the living room and on the couch, she video called her manager and wished her the same sentiments. Talia was looking extra fine today and said it was because longtime family friends were joining her own for dinner. Emily had asked what that had to do with her looking so hot and when the mention of a man's name came up, she finally understood.

"Just like you, I'm trying to get myself hitched. If I continue to have you as my number one priority I'll be old and alone for the rest of my life." The thirty-three year old woman had strongly preached.

After ending that call, Emily's fingers scrolled through her contacts and she found Nicholas' parents numbers.

They had given it to her the last time they visited and encouraged her to give them a call from time to time. It had only been once since she had done so, therefore this served as the perfect opportunity to find out how they were doing.

She didn't want to do so without Nicholas being present though.

Rosalie and Paul had been absolute sweethearts to her during their visit here, but the nervousness one got from addressing their in-laws could never be entirely shaken.

Bursting through the kitchen doors, Nicholas was lucky he didn't have a faint heart because Emily could've caused the hot water he was pouring the peeled potatoes into to spill onto him. Quickly, he covered the pot to allow it to boil and welcomed - no, blocked her.

"What is it, sweetheart? Do you need something?"

She held up the phone, "Let's video call your parents."

A smile bloomed on his face instantly at her thoughtfulness. Truthfully, he had already done so early this morning when she was asleep but he wouldn't steal her joy of sending wishes to her in-laws. "Give me a minute." He said before checking the oven to see if everything was okay and then turning down the stove.

"Okay, go ahead." He permitted after washing his hands and headed out into the living room with her.

In the next few minutes the image of Rosalie King was on the screen - her smile warm and welcoming like Emily had remembered.

"Emily, what a lovely surprise!" She beamed.

"Mom, we're calling to wish you and dad a Merry Christmas." Nicholas intervened quickly, giving his mother a look.

"Didn't you already-"

"Lo so, ma puoi fingere di non aver chiamato? Lei è davvero entusiasta di parlare con te e papà."

His wife's cheeks unknowingly heated up at his swift response in another language.

She noticed his mother's eyes narrowed knowingly before a dramatic sigh left her.

"Va bene, ma stai facendo un grosso problema dal nulla."

He shook his head at her attitude.

Emily looked between the two of them before she whispered, "What was that about?"

He kissed the base of her hand reassuringly. "Nothing."

Then he quickly turned back to face his mother. "So where's dad?"

"In the kitchen. He's doing most of the cooking this year. I'm not really in the mood since my children aren't here."

"Mom, that's almost every year."

She grinned cheekily before her gaze settled onto Emily. "Aren't we just blessed to have men who can cook for us?"

The girl's eyes met Nicholas' for a split second, a feeling of self-consciousness rising within her.

"Yeah." She agreed nonetheless.

"I'll bring the phone to him," Rosalie said and got up right away to do so. "Here he is. The man of the hour. Your son and daughter-in-law want to say hi."

He looked at her confused, probably wondering why when Nicholas had called and given his wishes from both him and his wife earlier.

Unlike his mother he didn't say it out loud.

Another reason why his father was his favorite.

"Merry Christmas, Emily." Paul said in a low voice but it was very clear to the ears.

"Merry Christmas." She waved at him timidly, making him give her a little smile because of how adorable it was.

"Well, I hope you two have a great day despite us not being there. We'll make sure to visit you instead the next time we meet. Take care." There was no need for Nicholas to drag the call on because one; he had already spoken to them for almost an hour earlier and two; Emily seemed like she was at her breaking point being in their presence. At least, internally. Most importantly, he had to get back to wrapping up today's dinner.

"Yes, take care, dear. We'll talk soon, Emily." Rosalie said in her usual chirpy manner before the call came to an end and they disappeared from the phone's screen.

Emily immediately put her head in her hand with a grunt.

"I always don't know what to say around your parents. It's so embarrassing."

"It's fine. They love you regardless." He pulled her close in a timely manner and delivered a kiss to her forehead.

"How comes you're always so cool when it comes to my parents? Don't you ever get nervous?"

"I do."

Her ears perked up. "Really?"

He nodded.

"I'm just really good at hiding it."

She grabbed at him so quickly he was startled for a moment.

With round and innocent eyes she stared up at him pleading, "Master, teach me your ways."

Flustered at her word choice, the man quickly averted his gaze. "I have to finish making dinner."

Slipping out of her hold, Emily watched as he disappeared into the kitchen.

She placed one hand on her hip as she began to wonder why his ears had suddenly become so red.

•••

"Valentina, you made it!"

The woman stood in front of Emily's front door with the most awestruck look on her face. She was dressed magnificently in a black long sleeved tiered midi dress. Her eyes surveyed the surroundings with such inquisition it couldn't stop the comment from slipping past her lips.

"When they said you were loaded they weren't kidding. Holy shit, Emily! I didn't even know these places existed in New York much less people live here."

She was still gaping at the residency while her friend invited her in.

"Remember when you asked me if I've been seeing someone since Jake and I have called it quits?"

Valentina nodded slowly.

"Yeah, and you said you'd answer my question honestly when the time is right."

"Well, now is that time."

She opened her mouth to ask what Emily meant by that when the finest man she had ever seen made his way towards the entrance.

Even though the woman tried her best not to gawk at him it was physically impossible.

With those searing eyes, plump lips and a god-like body to match, how could she not?

She saw Emily looking at her and her attention flickered away. "I'm sorry it's just that he's so-"

Emily smiled knowingly.

"He's the one that you've been wanting to tell me about?" She said in rushed hiss as he drew closer.

Her friend simply nodded.

"Well, no wonder you've been keeping him a secret. If my man looked like that, I'd hide him from the rest of the world too."

Emily gave her a funny look even though she was humored by her comment.

"I don't remember saying I've had him on a leash. He's not some kind of pet."

"Are you sure?"

And with the way her lips curved upward and eyes sparkled with mischief, Emily knew that there was some kind of sexual undertone.

"Ugh, you're such a-"

"Em, is this your good friend you've been telling me about? Valentina, right?" Nicholas came up from behind her right in time, stopping her curses.

"Yup, that's me. And I figure from you being here on such an important day that you're a very special person to Emily."

Nicholas looked at the woman in question. It was filled with the chance of her backing out of this - that she could've changed her mind about revealing their relationship to Valentina today. That he wouldn't hold it against her if she did, but all Emily did was pull the woman inside their home.

"Are you gonna stand outside all day?" She grumbled.

He shrugged hopelessly, seeing that this was her final decision and closed the door behind them.

"I was waiting on your boyfriend to introduce himself but you rudely interrupted him. But for some reason, he seems very familiar to me. It's strange because a face like that isn't very common." She said that latter part only for Emily to hear.

"Husband." Nicholas corrected.

Valentina froze.

"What?"

"I'm actually Emily's husband," he revealed calmly. "Nicholas King."

Her head snapped in the direction of where her friend stood, quietly awaiting her reaction. There was a sign of anticipation and fear written across Emily's face.

"No fucking way!" Valentina exclaimed covering her hand with her mouth as quickly as the profanity came.

"I mean," she cleared her throat. "That's cool."

Nicholas had his eyes on Emily the entire time, watching as she fiddled with her thumbs nervously.

She said she was tired of hiding away the people who were important to her like little secrets but that didn't mean she would be entirely okay throughout the process.

He went to take her by the hand but the other woman had already done so, eyes shining with a level of understanding he could see from where he stood.

"I already figured your significant other would be someone you had a reason for hiding. I knew you didn't tell me when I asked because you didn't trust me and that's fine - trust has to be earned. I'm very glad that you're willing to tell me now. When you've taken the liberty to invite me over for Christmas dinner because you didn't want me to spend it alone. Your kindness means a lot to me, Emily. Thank you."

Emily didn't know how to react to such a heartfelt confession. Especially when it came from Valentina who was always looking for a chance to squabble at every little thing she said or did. It was all in good playfulness though. She was like that - never wanting anything to be taken too seriously between the two of them apart from her problems regarding Jason or family. With the spunky personality she had, it was reflected in the way she dealt with people. Never wanting to be defenseless even in the most vulnerable situations.

So to say Emily was touched by her admission would be an understatement.

Her eyes were watery before she turned away quickly. "Thanks for understanding."

"No problem," Valentina nudged at her shoulders playfully. "And I won't tell anyone about you two if you don't want me to."

"I'd rather do it myself."

She saluted Emily making her roll her eyes at her antics.

"Now that that's been covered, why don't we show you around?" Nicholas offered but then the doorbell rang again.

"On second thought..."

He held up a finger before going to check the camera to see who it was.

Chase slipped out of his sports car in a casual manner and made his way to the front door with swift strides after pulling out a goody bag.

"It's Chase." Nicholas announced to the curious women who stood by the sidelines before he went to open the door.

"Merry Christmas, Nick!" His best friend screamed as soon as he came face to face with him.

Without so much as waiting for a reply, he invited himself in after thrusting the goody bag into Nicholas' arms.

He paused in his tracks at the two beautiful ladies before him.

"So who's the wife?" He said eyeing the both of them in scrutiny.

Nicholas rolled his eyes before shoving past him and stood by Emily.

"Chase this is Emily. Emily this is the guy who's sadly been my closest friend for years."

Chase took her by the hand quickly before whispering, "Don't let his words fool you. He loves me."

Emily smiled at his optimism.

"It's nice to finally meet you, Emily - wait." His eyes zoomed in on her face. "Aren't you that chick who starred in that sad movie a couple years ago? The one where the girl had a terminal illness and it hit it big at the box office?"

"That's me." She chuckled nervously.

"Dude, you married an actress? How befitting." He teased.

"Shut up." Nicholas snapped at him.

"She's pretty cute though," Chase smirked as he saw his friend's eye twitch at the compliment.

"Not my style, she's a little too vanilla for me - no offense. But I can see why you fell so hard for her. Seems like a well mannered woman too."

Is he really gonna talk as if I'm not standing right in front of him? Emily pondered.

"You see, I'm more of a Neapolitan kind of guy. Chocolate eyes, vanilla skin, and strawberry lips." He says, gaze scanning Valentina from head to toe.

The woman raised an eyebrow at the man openly checking her out.

"I'm Chase Williams by the way. Nice to meet you..." He trailed off for a name, outstretching his hand towards her.

"Valentina Flores."

"Beautiful name for a beautiful lady." He brought her hand up to his lips and gave the base of it a kiss.

She pulled her hand away, flushed as the other two individuals looked at them warily.

Nicholas didn't like to entertain the thought of Chase flirting with his wife's friend, especially knowing the mess of a relationship she was coming out of.

He knew his best friend and knew his motives. Chase didn't want anything serious; only wanted to play around and he didn't want him to do that with Valentina. She had gone through enough bullshit to last a lifetime.

Emily was thinking the same as her husband.

The woman couldn't help how she was suddenly on edge with the two of them being in each other's presence. Chase clearly found her friend attractive and the way Valentina's eyes took secret glances at his side profile gave away her unwanted attraction to