***GRAY'S POV***

I hadn't noticed it until Gabriella pointed it out. Emily had been acting differently since she found out we were dating. At first, I was just so happy for her to be rid of that piece of shit, Dylan. She seemed back to her usual self. But then Emily started to cling to me more and more. I felt that she needed me to be stable for her. She reminded me of my little sister, Becky, so much.

Before Becky died, she asked me to teach her how to cook. I taught her the basics, and she quickly picked it up. She was a natural and surprised me with her creations. I thought of her every time I prepared food. Since cooking for Gabriella, I smile at the thought of Becky demanding she cook for my girlfriend. They would have gotten along so well.

Whenever Emily and Dylan were on a break, Emily would come over and watch me cook. I would give her some food, and she was always grateful. For a moment, she was happy and didn't think about Dylan.

I understood Gabriella's feelings and was happy she expressed them to me. I didn't want secrets or misunderstandings between us. I knew her past relationships were full of red flags.

I knew about Garrett, of course. But all I knew about Gabriella's ex-husband was that he was terrible. I never asked for details. I could tell it was a struggle for her to even bring it up. Her body tensed and quivered. She was terrified.

Last night became awkward at the end. After Gabriella and I returned to the couch, Gabriella sat between Emily and me. Suddenly, Emily didn't seem so scared of the movie anymore. She didn't scream or hide her face. During the terrifying part, she calmly closed her eyes.

When the movie ended, she left without saying much except saying goodbye. Gabriella and I looked at each other, confused. I didn't understand what happened. But Gabriella seemed to have an idea.

Our shift was almost over. Gabriella agreed with my plan to go with Emily alone to The Black Cat to talk. I was happy Gabriella trusted me. We needed to set boundaries. I didn't want to see it, but I couldn't ignore it now. Emily seemed to have feelings for me.

In the past, those feelings were never there before. At least, I didn't think they were. What could have changed? I have never acted differently towards her. I knew I had to be open and honest with her. I had to tell her that I didn't want anything more than friendship.

Guilt filled my stomach when I thought of Alex. I knew Alex fell for Emily long ago. He would fall apart if he found this out after all that had happened with Dylan.

I finished sending my last email when I noticed Emily standing up from her desk. I looked over to Gabriella. She nodded.

"Hey, Emily." I stood up.

"Yes?" Emily turned to me with wide eyes.

She barely said more than a few sentences to Gabriella or me all day.

"Let's head down to The Black Cat." I looked at Gabriella again, watching her pack her things at her desk.

Emily followed my gaze. "Is Ella coming with?" she asked.

I turned back to Emily and smiled. "No, just us. Like in the old days."

Emily jumped on her tiptoes. "Yes! Let's go!" She grabbed my sleeve and smiled at me.

We said goodbye to Gabriella. She smiled softly. There seemed to be worry in her eyes.

On the walk to the bar, Emily talked about the movies that came out while she was away and wished we had watched them together. The conversation turned to how crazy Dylan and his family were. It was difficult to listen to her at times. I kept running our future conversations in my head. How would I bring it up to her?

Once inside the bar, we ordered our drinks and sat at a small table. There were only a few others there. It was quiet. That was good.

I drank my glass of beer before speaking. But Emily beat me to it.

She set her wine glass down after a few gulps. "So what made you think of doing this? I mean since I've been back, Gabriella has been with us too. It's strange." She swirled her glass and raised an eyebrow. "She didn't really like you before, you know?"

I chuckled. "I know."

"When did you start liking her?" she asked me.

I didn't hesitate. "Right after she started working with us."

Emily's eyes widened. "What? Really? You didn't tell me." She frowned. "You acted like you hated her."

I sighed. "I know. I felt so awkward. I didn't know what to say to her. To me, she seemed too good for me."

Emily gulped down the rest of her wine before looking at me. She looked nervous.

"Why didn't you ask me out?" Her voice broke. "We have fun together and it feels comfortable and natural. You were always nice to me. You even supported me when I kept going back to Dylan. I was so stupid and yet you never got mad at me for it. I regret not realizing how much you mean to me." She kept looking at me with expecting eyes. "I like you, Gray. I really like you."

I smiled gently. "I know we're close Emily. You are like a sister to me. You remind me so much of my little sister, Becky. I will always look out for you. And I'm sorry if that's not enough for you." I gently place my hand on hers. "You'll find someone who deserves you. But don't be in a rush. Take some time for yourself."

Emily flinched and pulled her hand away from mine. "Is that why you took me here to talk? Does Ella know?"

I sighed. "Yes, she knows, but she understands and wants to work things out between us three. She still wants us all to be friends. No drama."

Emily looked down at her empty glass and rubbed her eyes. "I'm sorry. I am still feeling so lost after what happened with Dylan and the baby. I just want to be with someone comfortable. You always cheered me up when Dylan and I fought." She smiled at me, her eyes twinkled with tears.

I finished my beer. "Gabriella and I would love to take you and the others out of the office more often. Double dates and game nights. Something fun for all of us."

After I said that, I could see the wheels turning in Emily's head.

She hummed to herself before responding. "I think I would like that." She smiled.

"Alright. It's settled." I smiled as I stood up and ordered more drinks. When I get home, I'll have to update Gabriella and text Alex.