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“Oh dear… I’m sorry Emmy, but I think I may have to reconsider…”
Layton’s nerves appeared to be in quite a tizzy.
He was quite fine with her staying in his home for a few weeks. In fact, if he could admit such a notion, he was looking forward to the arrangement. Not that he would wish for another happening, like her being unable to pay her apartment landlord, but it gave him a reason to see her in a more casual setting. The most he would have to worry about was her choice in loungewear—perish the thought. And with Luke gone for the first week to stay with his parents, he would be left alone with her. Which might lead to… No, no, such feelings for her should not sway him.
“Reconsider? What? Me staying over at your place?” Emmy began to frown.
“Well, yes… I-I’d be more than happy to let you stay at my house for the time being, however… I fear there might be some…complications. Particularly with other parties.”
At first she merely blinked. But as soon as she understood, she placed a hand on her hip.
“Oh, I get it.”
Emmy placed her other hand on her chest, giving her the air of a haughty, older woman. “My word, you won’t believe the news I’ve just heard. Professor Layton is secretly housing such a beautiful, young, single woman in his home! Could you imagine all the possible things that could happen? The pure, unadulterated tension they might have? Why I bet—”
“Ok! Ok! Albeit, that sounding somewhat conceited—you see my point, yes? That’s what I’m afraid of happening. The worst thing to happen to an unknowing person is accusations such as that…” His cheeks were flushed pink after hearing the last statement.
She wagged a finger at him. “Professor, I thought you’d know better than that! You don’t seem the type that would even let such baseless rumors shake you.”
He shook his head. “No, I’m not. I… I wouldn’t like it if someone talked about you in any derogatory manner. You’re innocent, after all.”
“That’s sweet and all, but if I’m innocent, there’s nothing to worry about. I’ve got nothing to hide.”
“But—”
Emmy folded her arms. “Who do you think would start these rumors, anyway? Do I need to talk some sense into them?”
His shoulders slumped. “No, no… That won’t be necessary.”
“Or maybe,” Emmy flashed a sympathetic smile at him, “You’d much rather I try finding a hotel I could afford till my apartment situation’s fixed?”
He took a moment to think. She was more than willing to stay regardless of circumstances. She may have already packed her bags in preparation of moving into his home. Was this fair to her? He had come to his senses.
Standing up straight, he said, “What sort of gentleman would invite you into his home and then suddenly put you out over some silly fear? If you are fine with this, I too have no qualms with you staying here.”
An eyebrow raised. “You sure?”
“Positive.”
After a nod, she turned on her heel and began walking out.
“Besides, if we were to do the… horizontal tango at some point, why should they care? As far as I’m concerned, two consenting adults don’t need approval from anyone else,” she coolly said as she took a glance at the speechless professor.
“They should do everyone a favor by butting out and minding their own business.”
She strode out soon after that, the conversation apparently finished. Layton, whose mouth was still agape, fumbled with his words.
When it came to words, Emmy was quite direct and to the point. It made it much more difficult for Layton to argue. Especially when she was right.