Exception, p.8
Exception, page 8
My schedule for the day consists of running, reading and swimming. It’s definitely not as good as yours, but it’s good enough.
Have fun today!
Ems
Ems,
Let me see if I got this straight. Every Saturday your friends go to your apartment for breakfast still in their pajamas? They just drive there in PJs? Isn’t that a little weird?
The temple today was incredible, without a doubt some of the most beautiful pictures I’ve taken in my life. I’m sending two attached, hope you and the guys like them. By the way, thank Zack for the kudos.
I’m heading to bed now. I’m beyond exhausted and tomorrow we’re leaving bright and early for Tibet. I don’t know how the Internet service will be there, but I’ll write you as soon as I can. And before I forget, Penelope found out. You were absolutely right—small fists can’t be ignored!
Hope you have a great beginning of the week.
Tay
Newbie,
Do not mock the tradition!! And you got it perfectly right. Every Saturday morning for the past year, my friends have come over for breakfast still wearing PJs. And yes, Jody and Brad drive over in sleepwear, which is not weird at all. At least, not for us. Since Zack is my next-door neighbor, he only has to cross the hall in his silk pajamas, which he does daily. And before you say anything . . . yes, his silk pajamas are weird.
Once again I loved the new photos. You really are extremely gifted. I was thinking, when you come back, you could come over one night for pizza with me and the gang and show us the photos. What do you think?
By the way, when are you coming back?
Have fun in Tibet, and, needless to say, I’m green all over again.
Ems
Ems,
Tibet is absolutely breathtaking. Of all the places I’ve been in my life, there’s not one that compares to the beauty and peace I saw there. I can understand perfectly why Tibet is holy ground.
I’m sending you some of the photographs I took these past three days. In my opinion, they were the best shots I’ve taken this entire trip, but still they don’t begin to do justice to the scenery or the history of the place. I’m not a Buddhist, but there’s no way you can walk the streets of Lhasa and not feel that what happened there was a heinous crime.
Changing subjects, I wasn’t mocking the tradition. I’m sorry if it felt like that. If anything, I was hoping for an invite.
Pizza night sounds great. I’ll just need a few days to sort the best shots to show you, since I’ve taken over 2000 and I still have a few days here.
I’ll be back in the US Sunday night, but I have piles and piles of work waiting for me in NYC, so I don’t know when I’ll be able to go to New Haven.
Tay, AKA Newbie
P.S. As much as I loved Tibet, I hated not hearing from you the past three days.
Tay,
Oh wow! 2000 photos in a week and a half? That’s impressive.
I’m also not a Buddhist, but I have great respect for the Dalai Lama and his efforts to free Tibet. I’ve read and watched Seven Years in Tibet countless times and it still brings tears to my eyes. A visit there is definitely on my bucket list.
The photo you sent of Lake Namtso has now replaced the Great Wall on both my phone and laptop. It’s easily the most beautiful photo I’ve seen in my life.
About your invite, I’ll think about it . . . it will all depend on what kind of PJs you wear. My eyes can only take one silk or satin clad man. ;)
I’m assuming you leave China on Saturday, so what’s on the itinerary for the next two and a half days? And what’s in the piles and piles of work back in NYC?
Ems
P.S. I’m also happy to hear from you after three days. :)
Ems,
My piles of work consist mostly of last details concerning a photography exhibition. I need to finish appraising some of the pieces, making sure that all of the prints are in the gallery in all the right frames and sizes. And finish working on the layout.
What about you? Other than the fact that you have the job Poppy dreams of having, I have no idea what you do.
The itinerary for the last two days of our trip is Hong Kong. Today, we visited the city, which is kind of weird after having spent the past several days in small rural villages. Tomorrow, as per Poppy’s request, we’re going to Hong Kong’s Disneyland.
What about you? What you’ve been up to these last few days? And, concerning my invitation to PJ&B, do not worry, I’m a cotton- or flannel-clad man.
Tay
Tay,
Happy to inform that cotton and flannel is completely acceptable for PJ&B, therefore next time you’re around, you’re certainly welcome to join in the fun.
About my job: I’m a freelance editor and a professional book reviewer, meaning that I make a living out of reading books and writing about them, which is also my hobby. Therefore . . . I HAVE THE BEST JOB EVER!!
Penelope never told me she dreams of working with reviews, that’s great! She’s a very smart girl, who always sees what most people fail to. I’ve never read any of her writing, but if it’s anything like her oratory abilities, she’ll be very successful. Tell her that if she wants, we can sit down and I can help her get started.
My days have been pretty ordinary. Breakfast with Zack, running, reading, writing, tanning . . . yesterday I had the book club meeting, which got me out of my shorts, bikini and tank tops ensemble for the first time since Friday night. Oh the shame! :)
Since I’m tired of telling you how incredibly jealous I’ve been, I’m giving you the reaction I’d be having if I was there on Disney day: SQUEEEEEEE!!!! This is one thing you must know about me . . . I love Mickey and everything that’s related to Disney.
I hope you have a Magical Disney day, you lucky, lucky man.
Ems
Ems,
I wish I could see you squeeeeeeing. That must be quite a sight.
Disney day beat me to the bone. I haven’t been to a park in a few years and almost forgot how tiresome it can be, but my dear sister made sure I have some great Disney memories. I’m sending some pictures, including one that I took especially for you.
Talking about my sister, I’ve told her that you offered to help her get started on reviewing, which made her squeak in my ear. Now she’s a pain in the ass, and can’t wait to get back home and start working on her writing.
Tomorrow the schedule is a shopping spree before heading over to the airport. Since it’s not really my thing, I’ll try to get some work done.
Since it’s my last night here, I want to tell you how much I enjoyed sharing this trip with you. I’m so glad we met before I came.
I’ll try writing from the airport tomorrow.
Tay
Tay,
Since your trip is pretty much over and I think you won’t be sending any more photos, I can honestly say that the one of you with Mickey and Minnie was definitely my favorite. Thank you for taking it especially for me.
I got the sweetest thank you email from Penelope today. She told me that she’s staying in NYC with you and your folks until Wednesday. Because of the club and some other personal things, my Thursday is pretty packed, so we arranged to meet and talk on Friday. I’m beyond excited about it.
I enjoyed sharing your trip with you more than you know. Getting to know you a little better also didn’t suck. :)
Hope to see you soon and if we don’t talk before you board tomorrow, have a safe flight.
Ems
Ems,
The girls went wild on their shopping spree and we’re extremely late. I’m typing this to you from my phone in line to pass through security.
The picture attached is something my family has done ever since I was a kid, hope you enjoy it.
Tay
P.S. Getting to know you didn’t suck either. See you soon.
Tay,
The sad face picture was hilarious. You have a great looking family. It’s incredible how much you all look alike.
Have a safe flight and let me know when you’re safely on American soil.
Ems
Ems,
Did you just indirectly call me great looking? If you did, thanks. So are you, by the way. Now I’ve got to turn the cell off because I’m getting the stink eye from a male flight attendant. See you back home.
Tay
While Taylor made his long journey back home, Emily had the most pleasurable weekend with her friends—however, Taylor never left her mind. He had become a constant in her thoughts in much the same way that her two best friends, the Webbers and her sister and brother-in-law were. Despite only having seen each other three times, there was no denying that he had made his way into her very small group of friends. And she was very happy with that.
In the midst of her happiness, though, remained the part of Emily that had been broken by so much pain and suffering, which left her uneasy. She couldn’t pinpoint where exactly the feeling was coming from, but she knew it had a lot to do with how her emotions behaved around Taylor: the calmness and safety she felt around him, the comfortableness in joking and teasing, the excitement when she saw his email in her inbox—all of that was so unlike her that, whenever she was around him or heard from him, it was hard to recognize the controlled person she’d made herself become.
On Sunday afternoon, during a phone call with Charlotte, Emily shared those thoughts with her sister, who knew that conversation was bound to happen from the first time Emily had mentioned Taylor’s name. For that reason, she already had her answer ready.
“Emmy, these are all good things. Being in control all the time isn’t good. Makes you kind of crazy,” she stated with her characteristic mixture of playfulness and seriousness. “You should relax and enjoy being young, hanging out with your friends, laughing . . . isn’t that why you crossed the country? To be free from those demons?”
“Yeah, but losing control worked wonderfully for me the last time,” Emily said.
“Of course it did, smartpants. Aren’t you happy having Zack and Jody in your life?” Charlotte received a mumbled “yes” for an answer before continuing. “You’ve both established that neither of you date, so stop with the ridiculous fears. If you like being his friend, than be his friend. Stop fighting happiness Emmy, your life has been tough enough. Now’s the time to enjoy the good shit that comes along.”
As always, Charlotte was right.
On Monday morning Emily checked her inbox and found a new email from Taylor. With her new “enjoy the good shit” mentality, she didn’t fight the happiness she felt when reading it.
Ems,
I’m back. Just wanted to let you know I’m safe and at home and, now I’m gonna crash. Jetlag is a heartless bitch.
Tay
Before starting on her day’s work, Emily typed a quick reply to her new friend, welcoming him back home and wishing him a great day.
During that week the email exchange continued. Being in the same time zone helped the communication greatly, making their email conversation feel almost like instant messaging. They talked about everything. Taylor gave her updates on his work and on the fun the family continued to have in The Big Apple. Emily sent him news on books she’d been reading, her friends and general New Haven stuff.
By the time his family went back to their respective homes and Emily saw Penelope again during the book club meeting that Thursday, they felt like longtime friends.
Tay,
How can Gabe fight with Poppy? She’s the sweetest. After the book club today we talked a little and she ended up tagging along my trip to my mani pedi appointment, and then to my hairdresser. She even convinced me to cut bangs.
How’s the skinny Kim-bitch? Is she easing up on you?
Ems
Ems,
Poppy is sweet with you because you’re not an annoying middle brother. Gabe fights with her because he’s Gabe. She called me after the salon to retract the threats she made me the day we met; apparently us being friends ended up working for her.
Skinny Kim-bitch continues to be a bitch and working with her is proving to be a challenge. Not only is she a pain in my ass, but she’s also hell bent on dating me. Something I have no interest in doing, for many reasons, one of them being that she keeps acting like a whore. You’re a woman; can you please explain to me what’s wrong with your kind nowadays?
Tay
Tay,
I wish I could, I see the same thing happening with the young girls around campus. It’s like all their self-esteem is gone, which is just sad.
Are you coming to NH this weekend?
Ems
Ems,
You bet! Looking forward to see the new bangs and you . . . Mostly you, though.
Tay
ON FRIDAY morning, when Zack entered Emily’s apartment for breakfast, he was prepared to pry her out of bed and endure the nasty mood she was known for in the mornings. Instead there she was, standing barefoot by the stove in a short pink plush robe with her hair artfully rolled into a bun held together by chopsticks, dancing, and singing along with Bruno Mars. When she heard the door opening behind her she turned to look at Zack walking in. “Good morning Fruitcake, I’m making pancakes for us this morning.”
“It sure looks like a great morning, with you singing and dancing barefoot around the kitchen . . . ” He made a horrified face at her. “Oh no. Barefoot in the kitchen, please tell me you’re not pregnant.”
Emily laughed at her friend’s joke. “I highly doubt that’s possible, unless my sheets have developed magical sperm,” she teased. “So no . . . I’m not with child, just happy.”
Zack sneaked his arms around Emily’s waist and led her into an impromptu dance. When the song ended he dipped her low, generating a roll of giggles. “I like happy Emily almost as much as I like pancakes.”
They ate and talked about their plans for the day. Zack gave his friend meticulous details on a surgical procedure he was performing that day and was extremely excited about, and when Emily questioned him about Mr. Darcy, he informed her he was traveling to DC for a conference that afternoon.
Zack then turned the conversation to Emily, requesting details on her plans for the day, which included coffee with Penelope and a trip to the mall for new pajamas. Half an hour before he was due at the hospital, Zack got up from his stool and moved to the dishwasher to deposit his plate. “So, I was thinking we could do something different tonight. How about burgers at Old Joe’s?” he asked mockingly.
“Yeah, ‘cause we never do that,” Emily replied, making both of them laugh. “Jody said a Nickelback cover band will be playing tonight, and you know how I love them. So that works for me.”
Nodding, he moved closer to give her a peck goodbye. A thought crossed his mind when he reached the front door. He stopped, and turned to look at her. “Are you buying new pajamas because our new friend is joining PJ&B, Cheesecake?”
“Have a good day Zack,” she said, with a shy smile.
A smug smirk on Zack’s face was the extent of his reaction. “See you tonight.”
After Zack left, Emily danced her way into her bedroom and changed into her running clothes. Before she noticed, she was once more applying blush and mascara to exercise.
When Taylor got back from his very long morning run, he was dripping with sweat. He was determined to leave for New Haven at noon. Even with his two-week absence, the extra hours he’d put in that week combined with the work he did during his trip left very few things on his to-do list. Besides, he was going out of his mind with anxiety about seeing Emily again.
It didn’t take him long to pack his small duffle bag with everything he would need for the weekend. Without thinking too much about what he was doing, he packed a few extra things in case he successfully convinced his sister to allow him to make her apartment his permanent weekend getaway.
An hour later, properly showered and dressed in his favorite denim and shirt, Taylor rode the elevator down to the garage where he loaded his Jeep, so he could leave straight from work and go to see Emily.
His morning at the gallery seemed to drag on and on. The few emails he exchanged with Emily helped his anxiety a little, but not much. It had been three weeks since they last saw each other, which was extremely frustrating. Thankfully, Kimberly’s assistant made some sort of mix up with the shipping of two pictures which took Kim most of the morning to fix, allowing no time for her add to his frustration.
At 11:59 a.m. Taylor gathered his things and walked out, wishing everyone a good weekend. Never in his life had he imagined he would be so glad to escape from a job he loved, especially after spending two weeks away. Nonetheless, as he turned the ignition in his car, relief coursed through every cell of his body.
It was interesting that each passing mile that separated him from NYC made him relax a bit further, adding to the feeling that he was driving towards his home—instead of away from it.
After three hours at the mall, Emily’s arms were filled with shopping bags from her pajama-shopping trip gone wild. For some reason, the email conversation between her and Taylor had been almost nonexistent that day. She’d received only a few emails and most of them were early in the morning. The resulting anxiety was remedied by retail therapy that included a few new pajamas and some underwear from Victoria’s Secret, a pair of shoes, three tops and two dresses. Her bank account was set back by a few hundred dollars, but her spirits were lightly lifted.
She arrived at Starbucks five minutes before she’d agreed to meet Penelope. She was exiting her car when her phone beeped with an incoming email. Her heart raced and then stopped, seeing that the sender was the wrong Carter. Penelope was going to be a few minutes late.
