42. Emma

As we lock up the office, Anna and I head to the local all-day sandwich shop. The weight of the day lifts slightly as we pick out our sandwiches and wait for them to be made up.

Anna glances at me as we step aside, her eyes twinkling. "So, how are things with our favourite Scotsmen?"

I laugh, shaking my head. "It's complicated, to put it mildly."

Anna raises an eyebrow. "Complicated how? Spill!"

"Lachlan and Keir are on board with this whole situation, but they're obviously not thrilled about Taran being around."

Anna nods knowingly. "Makes sense. Taran's fit, though."

I laugh, though a pang of reality hits me. This balancing act might be more than I'm cut out for.

"Okay, serious question time. How do you feel about them? All three?"

I take a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I really don't know. The thing with Lachlan was immediate and intense. There's a connection, and it's wild. Keir is the one who is more reserved, but I'm crazy attracted to him. I mean, look at him, for God's sake. And then, Taran. He is supportive and gorgeous and letting me figure this shit out with no judgement or pressure. He isn't even bothered about Lachlan and Keir, while the same can't be said for them. You know? Throw in the hockey stuff, and it's complicated at best."

She gives me a sympathetic look. "Yeah, I know. But they all seem to be willing to give it a shot together. You, on the other hand, haven't answered that yet."

I chew my lip, feeling the weight of Anna's gaze. "Honestly, I'm scared shitless. I like them all a lot. But what if it implodes? What if it messes up the team dynamics, or worse, what if I hurt them? Or myself?"

Anna puts her hand on my shoulder. "Emma, you're overthinking this. Take it one step at a time. You haven't even taken that first step yet. Just see how things go."

I nod, grateful for her optimism, but still plagued with doubts.

When our sandwiches are ready, we pick them up and leave, heading to the car to drive home and have them there. The sun is still out, and it's a glorious day, with a clear blue sky and green everywhere.

When we pull up to our place, I feel relief and apprehension swirling around. The sandwiches are a temporary solace—comfort food during emotional turmoil. We settle in on the couch, the smell of fresh bread and deli meats wafting through the air.

Then we look up as there is a knock at the door.

Rising, I cross over and open it. "Fiona! Hey! Come in."

"Hi Emma, hi Anna," she says, stepping inside with a folder. "Good news! The paperwork is finalised, and you can move in whenever."

"Oh wow. That was super quick. Thanks, Fiona. I was going to extend the lease on this later, so that's great timing. Can we move now?"

"Here's the key!" she says, holding up the folder. "You've already paid first and deposit, so it's yours."

"Yay!" Anna says. "I'm going to pack."

"I never really unpacked!" I giggle, gesturing to the boxes still packed up neatly in the corner.

Fiona giggles and then stares at me.

"What? Do I have mayo on my face?" I ask, wiping anyway.

She shakes her head. "What's going on with you and Lachlan?" she asks. "I mean, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to, but he hinted there was something…" she adds hurriedly.

I sigh, feeling the butterflies in my stomach take flight. "It's a bit of a mess, Fiona. I've got feelings for Lachlan, and he's got feelings for me, but there's also Keir and Taran. It's like trying to juggle with too many balls."

She nods sympathetically. "Lachlan is really great. He tries to be a player in the love sense, but he has a good heart, and I think it's all a front," she whispers conspiratorially.

"Oh?" I ask, intrigued. "You think?"

"Yeah. It's not him, not really."

Okay, well, that complicates things further. It was my one last stopping block, and I was going to confront him about it. This is ridiculous. We need to have a proper conversation.

The silence turns awkward, so Fiona says, "Well, I'll leave you to it."

"Thanks, Fiona," I say before I close the door behind her.

Slumping back down on the couch to finish my sandwich, there is another knock at the door a few minutes later. Sighing, I get up again to open, and my mouth drops open in shock before I mentally kick myself up the arse.

Fuck. Fucking fuck, fuck.