Chapter 50 If You Want The Man, You Will Get The Man
Chapter 50 If You Want The Man, You Will Get The Man
Emma was on the couch, her phone in her ear. It was 9: 26 p.m. The beeping continued, and a voice could be heard in the distance. “Hello.”
“Hi, Mr. Queen.” She called happily, then tapped her brow, feeling awkward. “Hi, Ezra.”
“You called.” He could not believe she would phone him. He wondered why. "Is everything all right?"
“Yes. But I am troubled.”
“Why?” He walked over to his couch, holding a bottle of water in his hand. He had just returned from his evening run. “Is there anything I need to know about?” Wasn’t that why she called? In order to tell him what was bothering her?
“It is about Zoe.”
“Is she all right?” he stopped in his tracks.
“Yes. She is. She is perfectly fine.”
"So, what is the issue?"
“I got her result today. Concerning the test I mentioned to you."
“Yes. I remember. Did she fail them? Is that why you are concerned? Emma, she is still three years old. She still has a lot to learn, so—" he was interrupted.
"Zoella passed everything."
“What?” Ezra slowly placed the bottle of water on the table. He could not believe what he had just heard.
"I am concerned because she got everything right. She was promoted to the third grade."
“Wait. Isn’t that a class for 6 year olds?”
"No, nine years old. I think."
Ezra let out a sharp exhale. “Wow. That is—that is—I do not even know what to say. What are you going to do?”
"That is why I called. So I can get your thoughts. I received a letter from her principal stating that they had to prevent Zoella from taking another test. You know, higher than third grade? I am scared, Ezra. I am at a loss for what to do, and I do not want to set her back. She is special and I know she is still very little but she is far smarter than her age. That bothers me. What do you think I should do?”
“Ah. To be honest, I am just as surprised as you are." He let out a small laugh. "I was not expecting this when you said she wanted to take a test. Perhaps the only thing left to do is enrol her in those classes."
“You mean third grade?”
“Yes. That.”
“Ezra. She is three years old and quite small. Too small. What do you think would happen if she went to the third grade class? They are big boys and girls. They will bully her. That is not something I want."
"Do you want her back in her current class?"
“I do not want that either. She will throw a fit.”
“Look. Emma. She is gifted. That is rare. If she did not have a purpose, God would not have given her this gift."
He had a point. "I know, but I want her to have—"
“A normal childhood,” they said together.
Emma chuckled. "How did you know what I was going to say?"
“You are so predictable. Look. Allow life to take its course. Allow her to start school tomorrow. I am referring to her new class. Allow her to continue if she enjoys it, but if she does not, she will return to you and tell you that she wants to go back to sleeping between classes and eating whatever she wants. Or isn’t that what they do in her class? Watch cartoons and all that?”
“Yes. You are correct. That is exactly what they do. But, the principal also said she might have a difficult social life and I don't want that. She also said Zoella doesn't have the emotional maturity to be in that class. I agree with her on that one.” she sighed. “She suggested having Zoe in first grade. I think that is a good idea but if that isn't what you want then we can have a special tutor for her. To help her.”
“I think the first grade suggestion is good.” Ezra said after a few moments of silence. “One pace at a time and if we see how she is doing, we can decide if she can go to third grade. Or perhaps have some of their classes.”
“Yes. Yes. That is good. I am afraid Zoe won't like this but I will persuade her.” She changed the subject. "You know, Zoe is really looking forward to Saturday." It was the exact opposite. She was concerned that Ezra would not like her.
“Really? I am looking forward to it as well. I even got matching face caps. Is she fond of Blue?"
"She will collect anything as long as it comes from you." Emma turned her head towards the passage and saw Phoebe approaching. "Thank you for listening to me. I was troubled and now I am relieved. It was nice talking to you.”
“Of course. Anytime. I appreciate you including me in this."
“Good night, Ezra. I will notify you if any new information becomes available." She hung up the phone and set it down on the table.
"Who is it that is causing you to smile like this?" Phoebe sat down next to Emma. “Tell me.”
"I did not want to wake you up when I got home. I suppose my laughter was responsible." She cast a glance at Phoebe, who was staring at her with bated breath, expecting an answer to her question. “What?” Phoebe leant in. Their faces were only a few inches apart. Emma felt uncomfortable. “What are you doing?”
“Hmm. I see. Are you in love?”
“What? Why would you ask that?”
"You appear to be in good spirits." She leant back on the couch and crossed her arms across her chest.
Emma scoffed. “Don’t I always be in good spirits?”
"This is a different kind of bright. Your skin is glowing. Was it Ezra? Is he the one that has you like...” She made a motion with her hand. “This?”
Emma scoffed once more, rolling her eyes. “Of course not. I might be in love with him.” She took a swallow. "In the past, but not any longer."
“He is your baby daddy. It will not be so bad if something real happens between you two."
“He is not my baby daddy.”
“He doesn’t know that. This is your moment to shine, my friend. Fall in love and have more babies.”
“Now you are pulling my legs.” Emma rose to her feet and looked down at Phoebe. “I can’t have anything with Ezra. Lying to him is torturous enough."
"But, you seem to enjoy telling him every detail."
"I mean, who doesn't? He is a good man, a fine man, and—" Her thoughts wandered elsewhere. Emma was startled out of her daydream when Phoebe cleared her throat loudly. “You know what I mean.”
"If you are that horny to fantasise about a man, just pay him a visit." I do not blame him for making you feel this way. He is indeed a fine man.” She leant back again, heaving a heavy sigh. “Oh.” She straightened up. “Tell me, what about his ex? The woman you met today. Eva?”
“Heather.” Emma took a seat. “She is an annoying bitch.”
“Whoa. What happened? She must have done or said something that provoked you to use the B word. You have never used the B word. Is this the time where we look for shovels and hunt her down and bury her in a silent graveyard?”
“What? Nobody is doing that. Also, the graveyard is always silent. Stop watching those horror movies.”
"If I used horror movies, she would not even end up in the cemetery." Phoebe began to laugh, but stopped when she saw Emma's death stare. “I am listening.”
"She is playing the victim. She broke Ezra’s heart.”
"How do you know it was not Ezra who broke her heart?"
“Because he is a good man. She looks like a heartbreaker.”
"I have never seen her before, but she made you say the B word, which means something. Does she know anything about Zoe?"
“No. I don’t know. She was playing around with words. Saying things like secrets.”
“Secrets?” Phoebe asked.
“She asked if I was keeping any secrets.”
“And what did you say?”
Emma shrugged. “Nothing. I said nothing because I almost choked on my $1,500 coffee."
“What?”
"She paid for it. She bought two cups. 3000 dollars. Wasted. I would not call it a waste because the coffee was delicious. It tasted exactly like home. However, it would cover my rent."
Phoebe groaned. “Rich people. They always spend their money in whatever way they want. God blessed them, but they tend to squander that blessing. We, who God did not bless with wealth, do good."
"Anyway, she is not aware of Zoe, but she is cunning. I get the impression she wants to be best friends with me in order to get into my life. She even made me give up Ezra today. She manipulated me with words about her loving him and all that. I hate it. I hate her.”
Phoebe tapped Emma's shoulder as she stood up. “If you want the man, you will get the man. You are sexy, my friend, and nothing Heather bitch says will take Ezra away from you. He is meant to be yours, so take him and make her ego explode. I have an important meeting with a client tomorrow, so I am going to bed now. Just so you know, I will be wearing your green heels and costard yellow suit. I have to look good. Good night, friend.”
“Good night.” With a sigh, Emma rested her head atop the couch. Phoebe wanted to dress up for a meeting. She was trying out wanting to look all girly for the first time. No sneakers, but heels? It could only mean one of two things. She either liked her client or was attempting to attract his attention. Emma laughed. Typical Phoebe. She had not changed at all. Her body slid down the couch slowly, accompanied by a heavy sigh. If you want the man, you will get the man. She emphasised that word several times.