Emma vs. The Tech Guy by Lia Fairchild Read Free Book Online

planet that hasn’t made a mistake in life. You’re a good girl. You work hard, and I’m proud of you. Always have been, always will be.”
    A smile crept its way past my resistance, and I patted Pop’s hand. “Thanks, Pop.”
    “So there you go. Plus, I thought you said this would be good for the magazine.”
    “It is, but … there’s just something about Guy. He really gets under my skin, Pop.”
    “Is that bad?” His playful laugh comforted me as it always did.
    “It could be.”
    He eyed me like he knew exactly what I was feeling even though I didn’t.
    Then the house phone rang, and I stood to answer it. Pop said one of the boys would probably get it.
    “Seriously, Guy seems so nice, yet he really irks me sometimes.”
    “Makes you feel uncomfortable?”
    “Yeah.”
    “Hmm.” He gave me another knowing look, and I shook my head.
    “And now I find out he’s going to the trade show with me this year.”
    “The one in Vegas? Those darn things always make you so crazy, maybe it’s good to have someone else there to help you.”
    “That’s what Adam’s for.”
    This trade show was targeted to the publishing industry and was designed to help us reach new platforms in the media revolution, or so they say. Adam and I were to attend some rigorous workshops. I was a little stressed about bringing all that info back to the company.
    “I don’t know, maybe you’re right. You better get back to the boys.”
    A loud whistle came from the other room; Lou getting our attention. “Hey, Ed! Your girlfriend’s on the line,” he shouted.
    My gaze turned confused, and my eyes asked Pop for confirmation.
    “Tell her to hang on!” Pop shouted back. Looking at me he added, “And she isn’t my girlfriend.”
    “Who is it?” I asked as we both headed for the door. I couldn’t help but get excited at the thought. My Pop’s been single as long as I can remember. At times I felt my existence was part of the reason.
    “Oh, it’s just Sue.”
    “Sue?”
    “Mrs. Elwood from down the street. I fixed her sprinkler the other day. She probably just wants to say thanks.”
    “Really?” My eyebrows involuntarily shot up, and my face lit with excitement I couldn’t hold back.
    Pop rolled his eyes. “Don’t even think about it.” As he picked up the receiver I wrapped my arms around his neck and planted a tiny kiss on his cheek.
    “Be nice,” I whispered.
     
    ***
     
    When I arrived home, Howard was still out, so I took a long, hot bath. That and the shower was where I did most of my thinking. I let the searing water wrap me up like a blanket, lulling me into a dreamlike state. For once I didn’t want to think about the magazine. Picturing Pop’s face on the phone as I left his house, excitement tinged my heart. How wonderful it would be to see him find someone, or even go on a date for that matter. I pictured one of those sentimental cards that showed an elderly couple on a park bench holding hands.
    Stay out of it, Emma . Matchmaking wasn’t one of my many skills, but I was a fast learner when motivated. And I had helped Jayne with Hank. Still, Hank had left once again, and Pop didn’t like to be pushed. I reminded myself I had my own issues to deal with. With the launch only a month away and the trade show in less than a week, my plate was more than full. And that was just the stuff at work.
    Not being able to help myself, I scooted up in the tub and reached for my phone. I’d been dying to see the final changes of the new cover, so I sent a text to my designer. Being sick for the last three days, he worked from home to keep me happy and calm. Everything had to stay on schedule to make this a huge splash before any of our competitors got wind of it. I had barely hit the send button and set the phone down when Mason replied with, “Don’t you have it? Sent at three p.m., but don’t have access now to resend.”
    “Shit!” I said so loud I almost dropped the phone in the tub. First of all, something