Chapter 37 His Presence
Emma chose a few dresses from her closet. She checked which one to choose as she looked in the mirror. It was Sunday morning, and Mrs. Queen would send a car to pick her up soon. She detested having to leave Zoe at home after the little child had been discharged the previous evening. Thanks to her argument with Phoebe, Emma couldn’t ask her friends for help. Speaking of Phoebe, where is she? Emma wondered.
Zoe pointed and said, "I like that pink one."
“You do?” Emma examined herself in the mirror to make sure. If she were to be frank, she didn’t want to wear dresses that would be extra, but she had to. People would be present if Mrs. Queen had only invited her because she was the Queen's fashion company's favorite designer. She needed to sell herself. “No. I don’t think I like this one, Zoe.” She tossed the pink dress to the bed and reached for a cocktail dress with a more formal look that was only knee length. "This, I believe, is better."
“It is black.”
“I know. I love black.” Emma picked out a long off-white coat and sat down next to Zoe. She let out a sigh. “Will you be fine?”
“All by myself?”
“Of course not.”
“Why not?”
“Because you are three years old, Zoella.”
Zoella humphed. “I will be four soon.”
“I called a nanny earlier. She will be here shortly to take care of you while I'm away. Will you be okay?”
Zoella sighed. “I don't know.”
“Look. I won't be long. Okay? The house will be all yours, and you can even paint. What do you say?”
“I guess it won't hurt.” She shrugged.
Emma reached for her cheeks and played with them. “Good girl. I'll pick up some snacks on my way home. Okay?”
“Okay.”
Emma walked out of the room to take a shower. On her way out, they heard the doorbell ring. Emma and Zoe exchanged glances. “The nanny is here already?”
“I think so.” Zoe sprang from the bed and dashed into the living room. She strained to push open the door and was startled to see who was there. “A… aunt Phoebe?”
“Where is your mom?” Phoebe quickly entered the house and locked the door.
“She is inside.” Zoe watched as Phoebe went straight to the room. It must be important, so she followed.
“Emma. We’ve got a problem.” Phoebe stopped in the entranceway.
“Phoebe?” The sight of her startled Emma. “What are you doing here? You didn’t even say that you were coming over.”
“I won't be here for long.” She noticed the dress lying on the bed. “Are you going somewhere?”
“Yes. I have an event to attend. What problem have you got?”
“It is about Jones. He—” She came to a stop when Zoe stepped into the room. Phoebe glanced at Emma and gave her the go-ahead.
“Zoe, dear. Could you please give Aunt Phoebe and I a moment to talk? Adult talks.”
“Okay.”
When Zoe left the room, Phoebe continued their conversation. "I located Jones, and he's in jail. He has been for the past three years.”
Emma gasped loudly but instantly covered her mouth. “What do you mean? Explain in full.”
"I told you I was looking for Jones, and I've finally found some information on him. He was taken into custody two weeks after we left three years ago. Do you believe Ezra—"
Emma shook her head. “No. Not Ezra. Scott.”
“Of course. Why didn’t I think about that? What should I do? I need to get him out.”
"Phoebe, relax. Why don’t you visit him first and get words out of his mouth? If he was the one being caught, then he didn’t rat us out. He took the fall.”
Phoebe nodded. “Alright. I will visit him. But what will be the next move?”
“Leave that to me. I will talk to Ezra about it. He will find ways to get Jones out.”
"Are you going to do that today?"
“I’m afraid I won’t. There is a 0% chance that I will run into Mr. Queen today because he won't be at this event. I'll speak with him tomorrow at work.” Emma took the dress in her hands and pulled it over her head. “For now, I have to show up at the event. You'll be alright.”
Phoebe took a seat on the bed. “And is Zoe going with you?”
“Of course not. A nanny I hired will be here to watch over Zoe while I'm away.”
“That is a reckless thing to do, Emma."
Emma's attention was fixed on Phoebe. “Seriously? I will be lectured about how to watch over her now?”
“Listen to me. I am not trying to lecture you. I am trying to keep you from making mistakes. What if that nanny knows who you are? Emma, people have seen your face online. If they learned about the child you have at home, they would have questions. Do you want to risk everything? Suppose everything comes together; what about Ezra? You won’t be able to escape any of this anymore.”
"So what do you advise that I do? I am unable to bring her to my mother's house or ask my sister to watch over her. Remember, they are unaware of Zoe. I can’t even take her to the party. I had no other choice.”
Phoebe sighed. "Just because we had a disagreement a few days ago doesn't mean you can't get in touch with me about matters involving Zoe. If you are caught, I will be going down with you. And I can't let what we did ruin my entire life.” Phoebe inhaled deeply. "Since I'm free right now, I can watch her for you while you're away at your rich party."
“Really? You will watch her for me?” Phoebe nodded. “And I don’t have a choice but to go.”
“Besides, I need a safe haven right now, and this house is that. Just make sure that you discuss Jones with Ezra. Tomorrow, I'll make an effort to see Jones and ask him for information.”
After a few minutes, the sound of a car entering the building was finally heard. Emma had finished getting ready and she had called the nanny to let her know she would need to cancel.
"Oh my, it’s a limo." Phoebe turned from the window and looked at Emma.
“I am not surprised.” Emma reached for her bag. “Peach, be good for me, okay?” She bent down and kissed Zoe’s cheeks. “And thank you for doing this for me, Phoebe.” She waved and left the house. She got into the limo with the girls watching from the window.
Emma inhaled deeply as the driver turned on the vehicle and drove. Nervous? Yes. She really was, but she was also glad that there would be people around. A little more thrilled that Ezra wouldn’t be there. There was no need for him to learn about the incident because Zoe was fine.
As the limo pulled into the compound, Emma reapplied her lipstick. "Ma'am, we are here." said the driver.
“Thank you very much for the ride.” Emma smiled. She opened the door and came down. She took a look around her and was shocked to see no one. Not even the reporters. Has she arrived at the wrong location? She looked at the house, and it was the same house where Ezra’s grandmother had celebrated her birthday. Perhaps she was too early for the event? She took a deep breath and adjusted her hair before making her way to the door.
With her heart pounding, Emma rang the doorbell. A maid pushed open the door. “You must be Miss Facer,” she said.
“Yes. I am.” Her face was still stacked with a performative smile she was sure only she could read.
“Please come inside. Mrs. Queen has been expecting you. I will take your coat.”
“Thank you.” Emma pulled her coat off and the maid properly took it from her and hung it.
“This way, please.” The maid led the way. Even though Emma had been to the house before, she was still in awe of how lovely it appeared. When she became extremely wealthy, she would most likely buy a home similar to this one. She clung to her prayer.
“Miss Facer.” Josie saw Emma. Her face was lit up and her smile was collected but one could tell she was happy she finally saw Emma again in her home. She embraced her and when she let go of Emma, she held her hands and watched her for a moment with contentment. “You look so beautiful. The dress looks great on you.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Queen.”
Josie chuckled. "I told you to call me Josie. How are you feeling?”
“I am feeling well, thank you.” Emma glanced around then returned her attention to Josie. “When are the rest of the people coming?”
“Rest of the people?”
“Winter told me that it was an event. I anticipated a large crowd and reporters.”
“Ah. Yes. It has been canceled.”
“Canceled?”
"A last-minute matter, but we'll schedule the event for another day. Today, you're joining us for lunch. How does that sound?”
Emma smiled nervously. “Ah. Of course. I can't simply leave after getting dressed like this.”
“That is the spirit. Come on. The table has been set.” Josie’s hand was placed on the small of her back as she led Emma to the table.
“Hello, Mr. Queen.” Emma remarked as soon as she saw Ezra's dad already seated in the chair.
“Hello, Miss Facer. It is good to have you here. You can call me Ben.”
Emma’s chair was pulled back by the maid, and she sat down. She then thanked the maid.
“So, tell me. Are you in any kind of relationship? Do you like someone?” Josie jumped right in with questions after she took her seat.
“Josie. Cut the girl some slack. You can ask all these questions later.” Ben whispered.
Emma felt uncomfortable. Even how to respond to the question was beyond her. “Err.”
“Dear. Don’t mind, Josie. You should eat.” Ben said.
A maid rushed in immediately and began whispering to Josie. “Ma’am. The young master is here.”
“Oh. That was quick.” Josie turned to face Emma with a smile. She had told the maid to call Ezra that morning to let him know that she had fallen and broken her legs. As far as she was aware, her son loved her and would be so concerned that he would rush over to check on her.
“I am hom—” Ezra paused when he saw his mother in excellent condition. He sighed. “What are you up to this time?”
That voice was familiar to Emma. She made a turn and lifted her head. Her eyes widened upon seeing him. “Mr. Queen?”