Emma looked into his eyes and saw the concern shimmering in those dark brown depths for her.
"That group therapy - how did George end up there?â Zain asked, and then quickly added. âIf you're okay with sharing of course.â
Emma stared at him for some seconds, considering the appropriateness of talking to him about George's past behind his back. Finally she shrugged. What was the harm in doing that?â
"George's mother died giving birth to him and his father resented him for that so he sent him to go live with an aunt even as an infant. After his aunt died when he was just eight, his father had no choice but to take him back. But apparently, eight years hadn't been enough to placate the father's wrath. He still blamed his son for that and abused him emotionally and physically for ten years straight." Just like her, he'd grown fearful and wary around people because he feared they would hurt him like his father did.
Emma remembered how much she'd cried it had startled her when George was asked to share his experiences of the abuses he'd gone through in the hands of his father. And he described so vividly the events that it was obvious those memories still haunted him; his father's punches and kicks, the emotional trauma he'd intentionally put him through.
There'd been nights he would be so beaten that he would think there would be no surviving it, yet he would wake up for more.
"That's so not right. How could his father be so cruel to blame him for his mother's death and abuse him so much for that?" Zain asked looking stunned, anger flaring in his eyes all on George's behalf.
Emma smiled, understanding his reaction. George's story would always be enough to coax a warm, sympathetic response from the most cold hearted person. "But he survived Zain. That's what counts. That's what I admire about him the most."
Unlike her, he'd sought ways to escape his prison of emotions and hadn't allowed his past to affect his future. And he didn't act bitter towards others for what his father did.
"So where's his father now?"
"He died of a chronic illness 3 years ago. Before dying, he called George to ask for his forgiveness. George isn't the type who likes to hold anger in him when the guilty apologizes so he forgave him." Emma smiled at the recollection of how lighthearted George grew after the forgiveness episode.
"That's. . . admirable." Zain said, seemingly picking his words carefully.
"Yes. I looked up to him for strength back then whenever my past threatened to crumble in on me. He's like an anchor for me and he claims I'm his as well." She chuckled softly. "That's what made me fall in love with him and makes my love strengthen each day."
Nodding, Zain looked away briefly and Emma realized it was in an attempt to hide his emotions. She probably shouldn't have said the last part, but she didn't regret letting out her feelings for her husband.
After a few seconds, Zain looked back at her. "George was able to forgive his father. Do you think you can ever do the same if your dad came to apologize?â
Startled by the emotions that streaked through her at the question, she brought her cup to her mouth and tried to swallow the lump rising in her throat together with the coffee that'd gone cold through their discussion. "I don't know, Zain. And I honestly prefer to not think of it."
He nodded awkwardly while Emma got to her feet. "I'll go and bring Amy so we can do whatever you're planning."
**~**~**
The day turned out more fun than she could've anticipated, and Emma found herself more and more perilously comfortable in the man's presence.
Zain first took them to the an amusement park and though she was mostly ignored because Zain and her daughter were busily bonding and enjoying themselves, she was glad her daughter was getting along so well with him.
It was heart warming to see just how much Zain had grown fond of her daughter, so much it would seem he was her father.
Thinking of George, she immediately shoved the guilty feeling that came knocking away. After all, what was wrong in what she was doing? Most especially when it involved her daughter's happiness?
They'd had a delicious pizza at a nearby restaurant after which he'd taken them to a water park, but he ended up deciding Amy was too young for most of the experiences(much like her father). So instead, he'd resorted to taking them to an art gallery.
Em was mesmerized by the several talents embodied in the streak of paints and the drawl of brushes. Most of the paintings were breathtaking and Zain ended up buying one both she and Amy couldn't tear their eyes from despite her protests.
There was nothing awkward about that day, until when Zain decided to take them to his apartment and treat them to some sandwiches. Emma had wanted to refuse that offer, but Amy's pouty looks were too hard to resist so she conceded.
His apartment was a large one, exquisite and well furnished in oak with beige undertones. He told her he would only buy a house when he finally got the right woman for him, but his gaze had been so fixated on her it felt tensed for a while.
It didn't surprise her how well Zain cooked since she'd more than once bore the fruit of his cooking expertise. Though that had been five years ago. Emma fed Amy as she flanked Zain at the dining table.
After eating, Zain stood up and made to gather the plates, and when Em's eyes unintentionally trailed to his groin, she gasped at the sight. His erection was so outlined in it it looked like it would burst any time soon.
Zain immediately turned, muttering an apology and cussing under his breath. Em could only feel her cheeks warm at the guess of what caused that erection even though she knew she should be alarmed.
Done with the dishes after refusing her help, they sat to watch a marvel cartoon together. The cartoon was mainly for Amy's sake. Her daughter sat wedged between her and Zain and seemed to be pretty much enjoying herself.
And Emma was sure she would've enjoyed it herself had Zain not been staring at her for practically the whole time while she tried to avoid his gaze.
Eventually when the cartoon ended, it was half past eight o'clock. "I think we need to go Zain. It's getting late."
Amy issued no protests this time but Emma figured it was because she was feeling sleepy, so Zain drove them back. In the car, Zain kept Amy awake and managed to tell her a joke that had the little girl crackling so hard Emma was sure her ribs would hurt. .
Zain sighed sadly when he dropped them off in front of Emma's gate. "I had a great time." He said, bending and kissing Amy on the forehead affectionately. "Did you have a good time?"
"Yes. I had a very good time." Amy replied giddily as she leaned forward and kissed Zain on the cheek. Zain closed his eyes, seemingly absorbing that endearment.
"So what are we supposed to tell Zain?" Emma asked.
"Thank you!" Amy's earnest reply had both Emma and Zain smiling. Meanwhile they had been avoiding eye contact for most part of the drive, they couldn't get away at doing so in a goodbye. Zain stood up and faced her without speaking, as if expecting her to do so instead.
"I had a great time Zain. Thank you for today and making my daughter happy." She told him and meant it.
"I'm glad I could put a smile on your face. And anything for my little princess." He stroked Amy on the cheek gently.
There was something possessive about the way he referred to Amy that Emma decided was nothing to dwell on. "Um, so I guess it's goodbye?"
"Of course. Just wait a second." Zain turned as if to leave, but faced her again. "Oh my bad, I forgot to bring the painting. I guess I'll bring it tomorrow."
For some reason, a thrill shot through her at the thought. "You know I'll pay you back right?"
Zain rolled his eyes as he leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek his usual way. She really needed to tell him about how uncomfortable it made her feel one of these days. "Don't push your luck." He lowered and kissed Amy one last time. "See you again princess."
He went to sit in his car, and with a last smile at them, he drove off.
George called later that evening and couldn't speak to Amy because she'd already gone to bed. After flirting for a bit, they'd had a not so steamy phone sex where the crux wasn't an orgasm.
"I'm missing you so much already. I've missed you the whole day." He said after, his voice raspy with a hint of longing.
"I've missed you too." She reciprocated, but right after hanging up, she thought of the day she and her daughter had spent with Zain and wondered how honest that was.
**~**~**
Alfred Taylor wondered if this situation could get any worse as he thought of the depreciated price of coffee. When he heard the news, he'd immediately driven to his office to check on the amount of coffee beans he'd yet to sell and export.
It was a significant lowering of the profit he'd thought he would gain after selling. When he'd heard rumors that they were considering the lowering of coffee prices again he hadn't given it much thought. Until they actually reduced it by a 6.5% Weren't the bastards satisfied with the 1% depreciation last year?
Of course this decrement was beneficial to consumers, and it might not seem like much to other companies, but for a coffee business like his, he couldn't afford the risk he would be forced to take anyway.
He'd lost his prestige in the coffee world three years ago after he'd been on the verge of bankruptcy. Recuperation was the hardest thing, but just when he thought he was going good, this had to just happen.
Frustrated and upset, Alfred shut his laptop furiously as he made his way out of his office. Today was a Sunday and thus the absence of employees which was good. Otherwise, he didn't put it past himself to fire a couple of them in his state.
He took the elevator and was in the parking lot in a few minutes, ready to enter his car when a voice stopped him. "Sir, sir, please wait!"
Knowing he was the one being called, he turned in a barely restrained fury, but he didn't recognize the owner of the voice.
"Good morning, Mr. Taylor. Can I have a word with you please?" The young man asked as he took a step forward.
Alfred could only glared at this young man who'd approached him at ten in the morning and was demanding for his time when he was feeling so edgy and resentful. "Today is a Sunday if I must remind you."
"I know that, Mr. Taylor. I've been after you for a while. I went to your house and your wife said you had to rush to your office."
"Who are you? What do you want?" He asked impatiently even though he was curious to know what this young man wanted to discuss with him.
"My name is Zain Chadwick." He stretched his hand and put it back when Alfred just glared at it. "We need to talk about Emma Taylor, your daughter."
**~**~**
Just a note that the percentages up there are of my own makingð