Chapter 6: Eric’s Mistake

The morning had been quiet, just how Emma liked it. Dressed in a casual T-shirt and a mid-thigh-length skirt, she lounged on the couch, her bare feet tucked beneath her. She scrolled through her phone idly, enjoying the rare moment of peace.

Her phone buzzed suddenly, the screen lighting up with Michelle Parker’s name.

Emma picked up with a smile. “Hey, Michelle!”

“Hey, Emma. How’s my favorite babysitter?” Michelle’s voice was warm and cheerful.

Emma chuckled. “Relaxing for once. What’s up?”

“Well, I have a little favor to ask,” Michelle said, amusement in her tone. “Olivia’s birthday is coming up this Saturday and she made it very clear that you have to be there.”

Emma grinned. “Of course! I wouldn’t miss it.”

“Great! It’s just a small party with family and a few close friends,” Michelle continued, “but I wanted to see if you and Katie might be free earlier in the day to take Olivia out for a bit. I need time to set up for the party and surprise her with guests when she gets back.”

Emma glanced toward the hallway where Katie’s door was slightly ajar. “I don’t see why not. I’ll check with Katie, but I’m sure she’ll be up for it.”

“Wonderful! And one more thing,” Michelle added, “I know Olivia would love whatever you gave her, but I wanted to give you a little insight—she adores you, Emma. She talks about you all the time. How you cared for her when she was sick and how you were with Sophie during Brownie camp. She idolizes the person she sees in you. I think she would love something personal.”

Emma thought for a moment, a small, knowing smile forming. “I don’t really know Olivia all that well, Michelle. I’ve only met her twice; however, I think I know just the gift.”

Michelle hummed in interest. “Oh? Now, I’m curious.”

Emma let out a soft laugh. “You’ll see on Saturday.”

“I can’t wait.” Michelle’s voice was filled with warmth. “Thank you, Emma. You have no idea how much of a difference you make for these girls.”

Emma felt a twinge of emotion but pushed it down, keeping her voice light. “I’ll text you later with our plans for Olivia.”

After hanging up, Emma set the phone aside, stood, and stretched. She already knew what she was going to make—a pencil sketch. Something personal. Something Olivia could keep forever.

But she also wanted to make sure Olivia had a day to remember.

Grabbing her phone again and texted Katie.

Emma: Hey, sis, up for an adventure?

Katie: Depends. Are we talking adventure or babysitting?

Emma: Both. Olivia’s mom wants us to take her out while she sets up for the party. Thought we’d take her to the salon—hair, nails, makeup, the whole thing.

Katie: Oooo, now that sounds fun. She’d love that. What time?

Emma: I’ll confirm with Michelle, but most likely late morning.

Katie: I’m in. She is gonna be adorable.

Emma smirked, already imagining Olivia’s reaction when she found out. This was going to be a birthday to remember.

The Florida sun was already blazing, casting bright, burning light over the quiet suburban street as Emma and Katie pulled into Michelle’s driveway. The air was thick with humidity, the scent of freshly cut grass and blooming flowers lingering in the slight breeze. Even at 10 a.m., the heat was unrelenting, promising another sweltering summer day.

Emma stepped out, feeling the heat rise from the pavement, searing through the thin rubber soles of her sandals. The rubber barely did anything to protect her feet from the scorching concrete. She tugged at the hem of her short skirt, already regretting her choice of clothing. Sure, it was light and airy, but now it was a magnet for the sun, trapping the heat against her sticky skin.

Her bandeau, damp with sweat, clung uncomfortably to her chest. With an exasperated sigh, she adjusted it, subtly lifting the fabric away from her hot, flushed skin, hoping for even the slightest relief. ’Why didn’t I just wear a tank top?’ she thought bitterly.

Cicadas buzzed in the trees, their rhythmic drone blending with the chirping of birds.

She hurried up the sidewalk, each step an agonizing reminder to avoid lingering too long on the sun-scorched concrete. When she finally rang the doorbell, she stood there miserably, shifting her weight from foot to foot, wiping the sweat from her brow with the back of her hand.

A miserable moment later, Michelle opened the door, her smirk was immediate. “Well, well, well ... aren’t you just the picture of summer?” she teased, her arms crossed as her gaze flicked over Emma’s outfit—the short skirt, the snug, sweat soaked bandeau, and the sheer amount of bare skin glistening with sweat.

Emma felt her face flush—not just from the heat. She knew she wasn’t wearing much, thanks to Katie, but the way Michelle smirked knowingly made it ten times worse. The blast of cold air rushing out from inside the house hitting her overheated skin like ice water, instantly made goosebumps break out across her arms, her overheated body protesting, and at the same time grateful for, the sudden drop in temperature.

Before she could think of a response to Michelle’s comment, Michelle grinned, stepping aside. “Come on in before you melt. Though, honestly, I think you’re already halfway there.”

Emma huffed, but she couldn’t argue—she felt halfway melted already. As she stepped inside, a shiver ran down her spine, the blessedly cool air wrapping around her like a cold sheet. The sweat on her skin cooled too fast, leaving her feeling both relieved and uncomfortable at the same time.

Michelle closed the door behind her, watching with an amused smile. “You look like you’re about to evaporate. Want to freshen up?”

Emma sighed, wiping at her damp forehead. “That obvious, huh?”

Michelle smirked, tilting her head. “Sweetheart, I think you’re a minute away from turning into a puddle. Go freshen up, I’ll get you some lemonade while you cool off. Olivia’s still upstairs—she’s been too excited to settle on an outfit.”

Emma grinned despite herself. “Thank you for the offer.”

She headed down the hall, finding the guest bathroom. After wiping down her sweaty skin, she patted herself dry, instantly feeling refreshed. When she returned to the kitchen, Michelle was waiting with a glass of ice cold lemonade, condensation dripping down the side. Emma took it gratefully, sipping the tart-sweet drink as she leaned against the counter.

“So, what’s Olivia struggling with?” she asked, swirling the ice in her glass.

Michelle rolled her eyes fondly. “She wants to wear something ‘perfect’ for today, but she keeps changing her mind.”

Emma smirked, setting her empty glass down. “Tell her that if she doesn’t decide now, she will miss her appointment at the salon. Tell her to just go with her lightest summer dress and a pair of sandals. It’s way too hot for anything else.”

Michelle grinned. “I’ll pass that along. You have no idea how much your opinion matters to her.”

Emma blinked, feeling a small warmth that had nothing to do with the weather. Before she could respond, the rapid sound of footsteps echoed down the staircase.

Olivia burst into the room, wearing a short, thin yellow dress that fluttered around her legs, the bodice fit her little girl body like a second skin, and a pair of flip-flops. Her face lit up with excitement. Her dress emphasized her flat chest and lack of curves reminding everyone that she was a child, while her thick wavy hair made her look a couple of years older. Emma thought, “She’s going to be stunning when is older.”

“Emma! I’m ready. Do you like my dress?”

Emma laughed, setting her glass down. “You look beautiful. Perfect choice. Are you ready for the best day ever?”

Olivia beamed, bouncing on her toes. “Yes! Let’s go!”

“She’s been buzzing with excitement ever since I told her she’d be spending the morning with you,” Michelle explained.

Emma chuckled. “Birthdays should be special.”

“So, what are we doing today?” Olivia asked, curious about what her day held.

Emma crouched slightly, resting her hands on her knees. “That, my dear birthday girl, is a surprise.”

Olivia’s eyes gleamed with curiosity, but before she could press for details, Emma took her hand. “Come on, Katie is waiting.”

Michelle leaned down, brushing Olivia’s cheek. “Have fun, sweetheart. I’ll see you soon.”

Once we reached the car, Olivia climbed in and buckled her seatbelt, still practically bouncing in her seat. “Okay, where are we going?” she asked again.

Emma simply smirked. “You’ll see.”

The drive was filled with playful guessing games as Olivia tried to figure out where they were headed, but fell silent when they pulled up to the elegant salon and spa.

“A salon?” she whispered, wide eyed.

Emma smiled, stepping out. “Not just any salon. Today is all about making you feel extra special.”

Inside, Katie checked them in at the reception desk while Emma led Olivia further in, excitement twinkling in her sapphire eyes. “The reservation is under Emma Wilson,” she told the receptionist.

A well-dressed woman behind the counter nodded and gestured toward the plush seating area. “Right this way, Miss Wilson. We’ll take great care of your guest.”

Olivia’s grin was ear-to-ear as Emma guided her inside. “You mean ... I get the full treatment?” she asked in disbelief.

Emma winked. “The works.”

Katie settled into the waiting area as Olivia was led to a private treatment room. Emma stayed with her, holding her hand as the technician began the process of Olivia’s first full-body wax. Though there wasn’t much hair, it was part of the experience. Olivia squirmed a little at first, but with Emma’s reassurance, she relaxed.

Once done, they moved on to the next phase. Olivia’s hair was washed, conditioned, and gently detangled before the stylist trimmed her split ends. As the final touch, the stylist weaved a delicate waterfall braid on both sides of Olivia’s head, joining them in a single elegant plait that cascaded down her back.

While the hairstylist worked, two other professionals focused on her nails. They gently cleaned and shaped her fingernails and toenails, then painted them in a light pink to match her dress. Olivia wiggled her fingers happily, admiring them.

The makeup artist was the last to step in. She carefully cleaned Olivia’s face before applying a light foundation. Keeping it subtle, she focused on enhancing her natural beauty with light pink eyeshadow, a delicate touch or eyeliner, and mascara to frame her youthful, excited eyes.

Olivia was practically glowing when the final step was complete. Just as she was admiring her reflection in the mirror, Emma clapped her hands together. “Now for the best part.”

From behind her, Katie held up a garment bag. Olivia turned, eyes wide with wonder, as Emma unzipped it to reveal a beautiful pink princess dress with a tight bodice and a flared ankle-length skirt—one that had been secretly sent along by her mother.

Olivia gasped. “This is for me?”

Emma grinned. “Straight from your mom. She wanted you to feel like a princess today.”

And another thing, your mom couldn’t find shoes with heels for girls your age, so she has these acrylic shoes mad for you. The clear straps are a soft plastic so be careful when wrapping around your ankle. We don’t want them to break.

Tears welled in Olivia’s eyes as she touched the delicate fabric. “I love it!” Katie helped her change while Emma paid for everything and sent a quick text to Michelle.

Emma: We’re all done and waiting. Let us know when you’re ready.

Michelle: Prefect timing! Bring her home—I can’t wait to see her!

With that, the three of them climbed back into the car and made the short drive back to Olivia’s house.

When Olivia stepped inside, her breath hitched. The living room had been transformed into a beautiful party space, but before she could react to that, her mother’s reaction stopped her in her tracks.

Michelle’s eyes widened, her hands coming up to cover her mouth. “Oh ... Olivia,” she breathed, taking in her daughter’s stunning transformation. “You look absolutely beautiful.”

Olivia spun in place, her dress flaring out slightly. “I feel beautiful, Mom.” Emma and Katie exchanged a knowing glance. It was exactly the reaction they had hoped for.

Michelle pulled Olivia into a warm hug. “Happy Birthday, sweetheart.” For the first time in her life, Olivia truly felt like a princess.

The backyard had been transformed into a wonderland of colorful balloons, streamers, and large tables set up for games and snacks. A group of excited kids, mostly Olivia’s friends from her Brownie troop, ran around, laughing and playing as the warm summer afternoon stretched lazily ahead.

Emma watched Olivia bounce from one game to the next, her pink-painted nails flashing in the sunlight as she joined a game of ’Pin the Crown on the Princess.’ Katie stood beside Emma; arms crossed as she smiled.

“You know, I’ve got to hand it to you,” Katie murmured. “That was some serious big sister energy back at the salon.”

Emma shrugged, watching as Olivia won the game and did a tiny victory dance, her waterfall braid catching the light. “She deserved it. Every girl should get to feel like a princess on her birthday.”

Michelle walked over, placing a gentle hand on Emma’s shoulder. “She hasn’t stopped talking about it. I think you may have just given her a core memory. “She smiled, eyes warm with gratitude. “Thank you, Emma. You went above and beyond for her.”

Emma smiled. “It was my pleasure.”

The present opening portion of the party followed with Olivia’s eye lighting up at each new gift. When she reached Emma’s gift, she carefully pulled back the wrapping paper to reveal the framed pencil sketch of her lying sick on the couch when she first met Emma.

Pencil sketch of Olivia sick. The first time we met.

For a moment, Olivia just stared at it, her fingers tracing the edges of the drawing. Then, she looked up at Emma with wide, teary eyes.

“You drew this?” she whispered. Emma nodded, smiling gently.

“Olivia, I know that this picture holds a lot of sentimental value for you, but I want you to know that there is more to the story behind my sketches. Each sketch is a signed original—a one of a kind. I only sketch images from my memory and will never draw the same image twice, so take very good care of it.

“You may have prints made to hang in your house, but you may not give them to anyone. I still hold the Intellectual Property rights to the image. If you don’t understand what that means, ask your mom later, Okay?” Emma told her, not sure she understood all of it.

Without hesitation, Olivia jumped up and threw her arms around Emma, burying her face in Emma’s neck. “I love it,” she whispered into her neck. “Thank you.”

Emma hugged her back. “Happy Birthday, baby girl.”

After the presents, Michelle gathered the kids for group pictures, making sure to snap one of Olivia with Emma and Katie. She even got one of Emma holding Sophie on her hip and if she was her daughter with Olivia standing beside her holding her hand. If Emma had been taller or looked a bit older, it could have looked like Emma was a mother with her two daughters. As it was, it looked like three sisters.

Finally, as the party wound down and the sun dipped lower in the sky, Emma knew it was time to leave. She pulled Olivia intone last hug, whispering, “Have fun with all of your new gifts and don’t forget to keep being your awesome self.”

Olivia nodded eagerly, her smile as bright as ever. “I won’t! Come see again soon, okay?”

“Promise,” Emma replied, holding out her pinky. Olivia giggled and linked hers with Emma’s.

As Katie and Emma walked back to the car, Katie let out a small laugh, shaking her head. “You’re seriously something else, you know that?”

Emma shot her a questioning look. “What do you mean?”

Katie opened the car door but paused before getting in. “The way you handled today—Olivia, the salon, the party, the gift—it’s like you were made for this kind of thing. It’s not just babysitting for you. You actually care about these kids.”

Emma shrugged as she buckled her seatbelt. “I mean ... someone has to.”

Katie grinned. “No. Someone wants to and that’s why you’re special, little sis.” Emma rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the warmth that spread through her chest.

As soon as they arrived home, Emma flopped onto the couch and pulled out her phone. She found a text waiting from Eric.

Eric: Hey, Princess. How was the birthday party?

Emma: Exhausting, but Olivia had fun. That’s what matters.

Eric: You’re amazing, you know that?”

Emma: You keep saying that. One day I might believe it.

Eric: You should. So ... does my amazing girlfriend have time to talk tonight?

Emma: Not tonight. I’m making dinner.

Eric: What? You’re cooking? By yourself!?

Emma: Yes, Eric. I can cook.

Eric: Don’t burn the house down, babe. 🤣

Emma: Goodbye, Eric.

Shaking her head. Emma put her phone down and made her way to the kitchen. After weeks of learning basic skills, she was finally ready to make something on her own. She scrolled through her saved recipes and settled on chicken parmesan with homemade pasta and garlic bread.

Roling up her sleeves, she got to work. Emma took the boneless chicken breasts and put them on the cutting board. She then took the mallet and pounded the chicken flat. Seasoned the chicken and baked them. Then breaded them and pan-fried them, letting it crisp to golden perfection while she boiled the pasta. As the sauce simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with the rich aroma of tomatoes and basil, Emma popped a tray of French bread coated in butter, garlic powder, freshly chopped basil, and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese, into the oven.

The delicious smells wafting through the house brought Karen and Katie to investigate. Karen raised an eyebrow as she watched Emma move efficiently around the kitchen. “Everything under control?” Karen asked.

Emma nodded. “I believe so.”

“Alright,” Karen said with a smile. “Call us when it’s ready.”

“It’s almost ready. Katie, would you mind setting the table?” Emma called out over her shoulder. Katie entered the kitchen and began gathering plates, utensils, and the placemats. Next, she grabbed glasses and the jug of sweet tea from the fridge.

A little bit later, Emma plated everything and carried them to the table setting the full plates in front of Karen and Katie before grabbing her own plate and sitting in her place at the table. When her mom and Katie sat down, they both took their first bites and immediately looked at each other in surprise.

“This is...” Katie swallowed, eyes wide, “really good.”

Karen smiled. “Emma, this is delicious.”

Smiling with pride, Emma exhaled in relief. “Thanks.”

As they ate, she realized that she actually did it—she cooked a whole meal by herself. Another skill mastered. Another step forward and for the first time that day, she let herself be proud.

Later that evening, as Emma sat up in her bed after dinner, her phone buzzed with a new message.

Eric: Hey, Princess. How did your first unsupervised cooking session go?

Emma: Let’s just say it was well received. From the sound of it, it was all positive feedback. I felt proud to have done so well my first time by myself.

Eric: You should be proud. Someday I would like to taste your cooking.

Emma: If you’re a good boy, we’ll see.

Eric: Anyway, I wanted to see if you had any plans for the 4^th of July.

Emma: Not yet. Why?

Eric: Because my parents and I want to invite you—and your family—to celebrate with us. Fireworks, a festival, and of course, a party. 😉

Emma: A party? Really? Do rich people throw parties for every holiday?

Eric: Only the good ones. So ... what do you say?

Emma: I’ll have to ask Mom.

Emma smiled to herself. The idea of spending the holiday weekend with Eric, his family, and my family felt ... right. Not just as friends, but as something more.

She walked out of her room and found Karen and Katie in the living room watching a movie. “Mom,” she said, hesitating for just a second, “Eric’s family invited us to spend the fourth of July with them.”

Karen raised an eyebrow. “Us? As in all of us?”

Emma nodded. “Yeah. They want to do it as a family thing. A festival, fireworks ... a party.”

Katie perked up at the mention of a party. “Another one?”

Emma sighed, shooting her a playful look. “Yes, another one. Are we going? You know, Mom, this could be a good thing for me.”

“Oh, how so? Please enlighten me,” Mom teased, intrigued at what my answer might be.

“With all of these formal and semi-formal parties where I hang out wealthy and powerful people who are at least my intellectual peers, I couldn’t imagine ever stooping so low as to go to a high school party.”

Karen and Katie busted out laughing. “I suppose you’re right. A high school party would be like slumming it for you,” Katie said.

Karen seemed to think it over before nodding. “I suppose so. It could be nice. We’ll drive down Friday afternoon.” Emma barely held back her excitement. She sent a quick text to Eric.

Emma: She said yes.

Eric: Good. I can’t wait to see you. 😊

Friday morning was a flurry of packing—Emma carefully selected her outfits, including a summer dress for the festival, a bikini in case they swam, casual shorts and tank tops, and of course, a stunning gown for the party.

Katie smirked as she watched Emma fuss over her suitcase. “Look at you, planning your outfits like a pro.”

Emma rolled her eyes. “I just don’t want to forget anything.”

“Oh, right.” Katie nudged her playfully. “Or maybe you just want to impress a certain someone.” Emma blushed but didn’t deny it.

After breakfast, they were on the road by 9 a.m., the four-hour dive was filled with casual conversation and a playlist of summer hits. Emma texted Eric occasionally, letting him know their ETA.

By one o’clock. The Wilson’s car pulled up to the gate of the Johnson estate. After identifying themselves to the guard, the gate opened and they drove up to the main entrance. Mathias, Vivian, Eric, and his sister, Cassie were standing on the steps waiting for them to step out of the car.

The estate was a sprawling masterpiece—stone walls adorned with ivy, grand pillars lining the entrance, and massive windows that reflected the bright afternoon sun.

As the car came to a stop, Vivian and Eric stepped forward to greet them, both dressed effortlessly in casual yet refined summer attire. Vivian exuded grace and warmth, while Eric wore a grin that softened as his gaze landed on Emma.

Eric’s eye lit up the moment he saw Emma step out of the car, and without hesitation, he walked straight up to her, taking her hands in his. “Welcome, Princess.”

Emma smiled up at him. “Good to see you, too, Your Highness.”

They held hands as they looked into each other’s eyes for a moment longer before Karen cleared her throat. “I hope we’re not imposing.”

Vivian laughed lightly. “Not at all. After all we invited you. We’re delighted to have you.”

Behind them Mathias and Cassie stood further back on the top step watching the interaction unfold. Intrigued by the stunningly beautiful girl her brother was so smitten with, Cassie, with her arms crossed, observed Emma with curiosity. ‘Oh, my god. This young woman is gorgeous. I am so jealous. I wish I had met her first. I wonder if she’s into women,” Cassie thought.

As soon as everyone was out of the car, the estate’s uniformed servants approached, ready to handle the luggage. Ever the responsible one, Katie stepped to the back of the car and gestured for them to wait.

A young maid stepped forward. “I am Isabella. I will take Miss Emma’s things.”

“Nice to meet you, Isabella. I’m Emma’s older sister, Katie,” Katie said as she handed over Emma’s suitcase and overnight bag.

After Isabella left with Emma’s bags, she handed out the rest, identifying which was hers and which was Karen’s. The staff responded efficiently, quickly moving with purpose as Katie watched the bags disappear around the corner of the house.

Vivian clapped her hands gently. “Alright, let’s get you all inside out of this heat and settled. We have a full weekend ahead of us.”

As they walked up the steps of the grand entrance and entered the great hall, Karen and Katie were being led up the right staircase to the guest wing, but Vivian led Emma up the left staircase to what she called the family wing. Emma glanced at Vivian, her brows furrowing in confusion.

Sensing her confusion, Vivian rested a gentle hand on Emma’s arm. “I hope you don’t mind, darling, but I took the liberty of making sure you’d be comfortable. You’ll be staying in the family wing across the hall from Eric and Cassie’s rooms.

Emma’s lips parted, but the words caught in her throat. The Family Wing? That was ... significantly unexpected.

Catching her expression, Eric smirked as he leaned down to murmur in her ear. “I guess that means you’re stuck with me, Princess.”

When Emma stopped, the others did as well. Emma turned and looked Eric in the eyes and in a low voice said, “Oh, no, my dear prince, I believe you are mistaken. I’m not the princess, I’m the dragon. Be careful whom you challenge, Your Highness.”

The look on Eric’s face was priceless. Emma laughed as she turned to start down the hallway again. The look in Emma’s eyes and her words sent a cold shiver down Eric’s spine and made him shiver. He rushed to catch up to the group.

Still watching Emma more intrigued than ever before, Cassie puzzled over the enigma that was Emma Wilson. “At first, I wondered if she would survive the weekend. Now, I wonder if Eric will,” Cassie spoke, an amused smile on her face.

Emma exhaled a quiet laugh, but inside, her heart was racing. Only she knew the whole dragon thing was a façade to hide the fact that she was terrified at how things were going so far. ‘What game is Vivian playing?’ she thought. ‘I’ll have to be more careful where she is concerned.’

She wasn’t just a guest this weekend, she was being ‘claimed’ as one of them. That realization ... terrified her just as much as it thrilled her.

The first door on the left swung open to reveal a lavishly decorated bedroom, far larger than most of Emma’s house. The walls were painted in Emma’s favorite color, lavender. With cream trim and silver accents. The sheer, elegant drapes let in enough light to bathe the room in a warm glow while offering the right amount of privacy. The massive bed, adorned with a white, silk duvet, stood in the center of the outside wall, framed by polished mahogany and an intricately carved headboard. Emma was in awe of the bed alone.

Across the room from the entrance, a walk-in closet the size of her bedroom back home. To the left of the closet was the largest private bathroom she had ever seen. To the left of the door, two sinks in a granite countertop with their own mirror surrounded by bright L.E.D. lights. Next, was a large shower big enough for three people with tempered glass walls and door on two sides and a massive waterfall showerhead in the middle. The toilet, thankfully was in a small space of its own with a door. The last item was a jacuzzi tub big enough for two. Just to the right of the door was a linen closet with large fluffy towels, hand towels, wash clothes, sheets, blankets, and other sundry items. I was speechless.

After we left the bathroom, Vivian led me to the sliding glass doors between the bed and the bathroom. It led outside to a large balcony. It could hold enough tables for a café. It held a few lounge chairs, perfect for sunbathing, a glass and aluminum table with four chairs and various plants.

A permanent residence ... all for me.

“This is...” she turned back to Vivian, a mixture of awe and uncertainty in her voice. “This is really for me?”

Vivian smiled, stepping beside her, “Of course, dear. Guests stay in the guest wing. Family stays in the family wing.”