Breathe Out (Just Breathe, #2)(87)

Jared takes my hand in his prior to speaking again. “Emma is the brains behind Naturally Me and I’ve been proudly helping her not long after she started. For those of you who were wondering . . . Sadie is real,” he pets Sadie’s head. “And, has been a part of our family for many years.” Jared has to stop talking for a moment since Sadie turns her attention to him, putting her front paws up on his lap, demanding some affection.

“At this time,” Jared mentions. “We are grateful for all of the inquiries and interview requests, but we are respectfully declining all offers right now. The goal of our company is to focus on our audience and their questions and needs, wanting to stay true to our mission.”

“One of the ways in which we are focusing on continuing to meet your needs,” I speak up. “Is by our recent decision to include a senior’s section to Naturally Me.” I pause for a second. “Pop-Pop, why don’t you join us.”


Jared and I rearrange ourselves, adding in an extra chair for Pop-Pop to sit. When I look back up at the cameras, I see Nathan holding up the notepad again. It says four point six million viewers followed by a plus sign.

“Pop-Pop will be the head of the senior department and we will hopefully be including a senior woman’s perspective as well,” I comment with a smile directed toward Joanna.

“I would just like to say,” Pop-Pop begins. “That I’m very proud of my grandson.” Pop-Pop reaches his arm around Jared and kisses him on the cheek. “I’m proud of the man he is and the man he is becoming every day.”

Tears form in Jared’s eyes and I do my best to fight them off also.

“And, I’m happy to be in his life and be a part of this beautiful company that Emma and he have created,” Pop-Pop adds. He takes my hand in his and kisses it. “Emma. I’m very proud of you too.”

“Thank you, Pop-Pop,” I reply, wiping a tear from the corner of my right eye.

“And, I’m very proud of Nathan, who hopefully will be my grandson-in-law sometime in the near future.”

We all laugh.

I know Pop-Pop means what he says about Nathan. Since he’s been with us, getting to know all of us, Pop-Pop has told me several times how proud he is to see Jared happy. Pop-Pop has even told me that he can’t picture anyone else with Jared — Nathan and he fit each other perfectly in so many ways, and I completely agree.

“Nathan,” Jared calls. “Why don’t you join us.”

Nathan places a seat behind Jared and me.

“Why don’t you go from here, babe,” Jared instructs.

Nathan smiles and takes his turn. “Nathaniel’s will be closed for a few months while we finalize some business with a few department store chains who will be offering some of my collection in their stores. Nordstrom’s will be the first to release a few men’s and women’s pieces next week and there will be an official Chris and Emma line that will have its own fashion show in New York at the end of January.”

I offer a half pressed smile at his announcement, doing my best to not show my contention.

“As of right now, Nathaniel’s will remain where it is, but we will update you with any changes,” Nathan concludes.

“You might want to mention about Emma’s dress and all,” suggests Pop-Pop.

“Oh, that’s right,” Nathan acknowledges. “We will be hosting a private event, invitation only at first, exhibiting the dress that Emma wore and the other eight pieces that were on the red carpet at the premier. There will also be a mini fashion show that will including some new pieces. Then, there will be an open to the public event that will be hosted at Nathaniel’s soon afterward. We will post any and all news about it on our website and social media to keep you updated.”

“Well,” Jared comments. “I guess we should have our special guest join us for this next part.” He looks to me and I smile and nod.

The four of us move around again, getting another chair positioned directly next to me, but leave it empty.

“There have been a number of rumors and speculations going around the internet about Emma and Chris . . .” Jared begins, stringing out the words a little on purpose for dramatic effect. “And, well . . . I think it would be best for you to hear it directly from them.”

Chris takes several steps toward me and sits down in the empty chair.

“Chris . . . Emma,” Jared says. “Go ahead.”

Ian holds up a notepad with writing on it that says eight point nine million viewers followed by a plus sign.

Chris leans in, kissing me on the cheek and then drapes his arm around the back of my chair. “Well . . . I guess we should just come out with it, Emma.” Chris bates with a smug smile.

I nervously giggle, not sure if he’s going to tell the truth or if he is, not sure how he’s going to do it.

“Everyone,” Chris says, looking to the camera and then back to me. “Emma and I . . . are in fact . . . .” Chris purposefully doesn’t say anything.

Panic rises inside me as sweat beads on the back of my neck.

“Not dating,” he concludes after what feels like at least a minute.

Jared, Nathan and Pop-Pop laugh at Chris’ little show.

“I will admit,” Chris begins. “I did try. She’s a beautiful woman. What man wouldn’t?”