***
Emily couldn't stop her head from spinning. I have to get out of here. Throwing on her shoes, she headed out the door. At first she began to walk in the refreshing air, which turned into a brisk pace, then a run. No matter how far she went, her worries and problems were always right in front of her. I have to snap out of this! When Emily reached downtown Baldwin, she found herself headed inside a coffee shop. Sugar had always made her feel better. With a cinnamon roll and a large latte, Emily sat at a table by the window. She wished more than anything that her grandfather was alive to tell her what to do. He'd tell me to stop running from my problems. What the hell am I supposed to do? She continued to berate herself for being so gullible and stupid. Maybe I do need to get away. Emily had money in her account and could definitely afford to go somewhere. Anyplace I go, it'll be ruined. Grandfather was right. Emily decided to confront both of the Davis bastards. She'd already made one scene, and she was more than willing to do it again. She had to know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, which Davis brought the dog in. Who was telling the lie this time...
***
William Lovette was worried sick about Emily. He hadn't heard back from her, and she didn't sound like herself the last time they spoke, not that he expected her to. She'd been through an awful lot. The clinic said she was taking some time off, and his best guess told him she would be at her grandfather's property. He'd worry sick knowing she'd be there alone. Stopping at the deli, William picked up a nice lunch for two and then headed to Springfield. Knowing Emily, she wasn't taking care of herself.
As William turned into the driveway, past the trees and into the clearing, the sight of the huge RV and new Escape made him stop. Bless her heart! She spent some money on herself. What a beauty, he thought as he approached the RV. William knocked on the door, but there wasn't an answer. The smart girl locked the door, causing him to smile again. She's probably hiking or at the lake fishing. William went back to the Jeep, wrote a quick note, and then stuck it on the door. He'd just call her this afternoon.
***
Parker heard the sound of water flowing before he found the lake. The sound was so calming, just what he needed. Climbing up on a large boulder, he opened the bag but had lost his appetite for the lunch. Watching the fish jump and smelling all the fresh air made him sleepy. Relaxing against another rock, Parker closed his eyes. With his lack of sleep, it wasn't long before he slipped into dreamland.
Emily was happy that she found a flight leaving so soon. If she hurried, she could be at Davis Enterprises before business hours ended. She looked down at her worn jeans and hiking boots and was grateful not to be in that horrid black suit and heels. Maybe this time I won't go falling on my face. Emily's cheeks flushed. The ticket she purchased was for a round trip. Her plane back to Colorado would depart at ten that night. When I leave, I won't ever have to come back.
The cab driver kept hitting on her, so by the time Emily reached Davis Enterprises, she was already in a bad mood. The young woman at the desk was busy with another person, so she slipped past and rode the elevator up to the twenty-second floor. The woman behind the large glass window buzzed her in.
"You didn't stop at the front desk." The scowl on her face didn't go unnoticed by Emily.
"She was busy. I'm here to meet with Russell and Parker Davis."
"Go over to that desk and speak with Rhonda." Emily could feel eyes trying to burn holes in her back.
"May I help you?" When Rhonda looked up, her jaw dropped.
"I'd like to see Russell and Parker Davis, please."
"You're Emily Carson?" Rhonda still couldn't believe it. Emily's long auburn hair and bright blue eyes were well remembered.
"Yes. Is there some kind of a problem?" Emily wasn't about to take any shit from anyone in this building.
"Parker isn't here, but Russell is. Go over to that door, it's unlocked." Let him deal with it. Rhonda couldn't help but listen.
Russell looked up expecting to see Rhonda. He quickly rose to his feet and extended his hand. "You're Emily Carson, correct?" Doom flooded through him.
"Yeah. I'm not like you and your brother, so I don't pretend to be someone I'm not..." Emily didn't hide her look of disdain and ignored his handshake gesture.
"Have a seat, Miss Carson." Russell picked up his phone. "Rhonda, could you come in here please?"
"Absolutely!" answered Rhonda. "Should I bring popcorn?!"
Russell could already tell this was going to go badly.
Chapter 15
Emily sat down in the chair across from Russell's desk. Rhonda gladly took the chair beside her. As soon as both ladies were seated, an awkward silence settled in. Russell wished more than anything he could send this angry woman over to Parker's office.
"How can I help you today, Miss Carson?" A nervous smile spread across his face.
"Who are you?" Emily had no intentions of wasting time on small talk.
"I'm Russell Davis. Parker is my identical twin."
"I'm sure the both of you shared information about me. I want to know who it was I slept with."
Oh God. Parker, I'm going to kick your ass for this. "I can assure you it wasn't me."
"How do I know that? You have a mustache but you've had plenty of time to grow one." Emily wanted to kick the man.
"Emily, I've only seen you three times. Once when you got your shoe stuck in the sewer, another was at the zoo, and then today."
"You expect me to believe that?"
"Ask me anything about those times."
"This is pointless. You and your brother are very good liars." Emily's eyes began to water but she refused to let them spill over.
At first Rhonda was enjoying watching her husband squirm. Both of the men deserved anything she dished out. But her heart was softening toward Emily. She had to help her.
"Emily, my name is Rhonda Davis. Russell is my husband and we have two small girls. I can assure you that you never slept with him. You've been with Parker, and I'm just as angry about the whole thing as you are." Rhonda openly glared at Russell. "When I was hired here, I knew they were identical twins. I couldn't tell them apart. I was falling for the Davis guy who kept coming over to my desk to talk with me. There were rumors floating around that I was flirting with both men. I was in constant fear of them pretending to be the other, so I had Russell grow a mustache, hoping to ease my fears and put an end to the rumors. Deep inside, I knew I needed something else to tell them apart. If Russell shaved the mustache off, I'd be back to square one. It wasn't until we all went to the beach that I saw his birthmark. Parker doesn't have it. Show her, Russell."