“Nothing,” Derian said, fearing Emily gave
her far too much credit and damn certain she could never measure up to the kind
of unselfish loyalty Emily displayed toward her sister. Wanting to deflect the
conversation, Derian countered, “And how about you? What are your long-term
goals besides ruling the literary world?”
Emily laughed. “Really, I can’t see myself
settling down for quite a long time. I work—well, I work when Henrietta works,
and you know how that is.”
Derian frowned. “I do know, and we’re going
to have to do something about that when she recovers.”
“I agree with you totally. Vonnie and I will
do our best, but it wouldn’t hurt if you put in a word for her to slow down
too.”
Derian winced. “I think that might result in
shooting the messenger, but I’ll try.” She tapped a fingertip against Emily’s
chin. “And you are pretty good at deflecting questions. What do you want
besides work in your life?”
Emily’s face flushed from the brief touch and
a thrill of excitement raced through her. She could never remember being so
sensitized to another’s physical presence. She’d held hands with women, kissed
women, been in bed with several, and she couldn’t remember her heart beating so
fast or the electricity shooting beneath the surface of her skin from the most
casual of touches. Concentrating on the conversation was difficult, but she
grasped on to the question to avoid thinking about Derian’s hands on her. “When
and if I’m in a position to provide for a family, or at least substantially
contribute, I’d like to get married and have kids. I don’t see that anytime
soon.”
“Because of Pam?” Derian asked gently.
“That’s partly it, since I know I would be
bringing substantial financial responsibilities to any kind of long-term
relationship,” Emily said, “but most of it is because right now my goals are
career oriented.”
“Well, I imagine any woman who loved you would
understand about Pam, and no one worthy of you would want you to do anything
differently.”
Emily’s throat tightened. “Thank you.”
“How often do you get home to Singapore?”
“Two or three times a year,” Emily said,
“when I take my vacation time.”
“I’m sure Henrietta would give you all the
time you need, vacation time or not.”
“Oh, she would,” Emily said slowly, “but as
much as I want to see Pam, it’s always difficult.”
“When’s your next trip?”
“Well,” Emily sighed, “I was planning to go
at the beginning of July, right after we get the summer releases all tucked
away. Now, though—”
“Listen,” Derian said, “Henrietta won’t be
back to work by then, but I’m sure the agency will run without you for—what—two
or three weeks?”