Contents
Chapter 22: Emmett
Overview
At the Sugar Saloon, Julia reveals lingering fears about drinking after a past assault, and Emmett comforts her, admitting he testified and attended the offender’s sentencing. Their bond deepens through dancing and shared vulnerability, while Emmett’s jealous reaction to another dancer pushes them toward open desire and trust.
Summary
Emmett almost tells Julia he can finally be himself around her, but a waitress interrupts with their drink orders. Julia chooses a Sprite and admits she avoids alcohol socially since a past assault on a cruise, fearing loss of control. Emmett insists she did nothing wrong and lowers his guard to invite conversation whenever she’s ready.
When Julia mentions the offender’s prison time, Emmett reveals he testified and attended the sentencing, describing the ten-year term and the man’s reaction. Julia gets emotional but quickly reasserts her composure, teasing that Emmett isn’t as bad as people think. The moment reframes him as protective rather than reckless in her eyes.
They line dance together until a polite young man asks Julia for a dance. Emmett steps back, stewing with jealousy as he watches them, then cuts in as the song ends. Julia chooses Emmett, taking his arm as a slow song begins, and they move close.
While swaying, Julia lifts Emmett’s drink and takes a sip, explaining she felt safe and thirsty. The intimacy rattles Emmett, who becomes more openly possessive and tender. They trade playful barbs—Julia calling the other dancer, James, “sweet” compared to Emmett—underscoring a shift toward mutual trust, desire, and emotional closeness.
Who Appears
- EmmettComforts Julia about her past assault, reveals he testified and attended sentencing, grows jealous, and claims a slow dance.
- JuliaOpens up about trauma and avoiding alcohol, feels safe with Emmett, dances, and reciprocates growing intimacy.
- JamesPolite bar patron who dances with Julia, triggering Emmett’s jealousy and prompting Emmett to cut in.
- WaitressDelivers drinks and inadvertently breaks Emmett’s near-confession, grounding the dive bar setting.