Chapter 23 - EMMA RETURNS TO DESIGN
Emma enrolled in a professional design program.
At thirty-one, she was older than many students.
She hated that for a week.
Then stopped caring.
Her first major project was a neighborhood restaurant.
Warm lighting.
Blue tile.
No beige.
I visited after opening.
She watched me look around.
“Don’t say you’re proud.”
I smiled.
“Why?”
“Sounds parental.”
“Fair.”
“It’s good, though.”
“It’s very good.”
“Better.”
Sophia drew the dessert menu illustrations.
Paid fifteen dollars.
Emma made her invoice.
I laughed.
“Teaching capitalism early?”
“Teaching that work and love are different.”
Good.
Our relationship became official again slowly.
Separate homes.
Then weekends.
Then shared travel.
No engagement.
No pressure.
When I eventually proposed, Sophia was twelve.
Emma said:
“Not until we finish another year of couples therapy.”
I laughed.
“Yes.”
We married the following summer.
Small ceremony.
No Sterling Grand ballroom.
No family foundation.
No press.
Victoria did not attend.
Still incarcerated.
We sent no livestream.
Not punishment.
Boundary.
Sophia carried flowers.
May you like
Then ate three desserts.
No one counted.
