Twenty-Seven

                                    

                                          
Strawberry Letter 23 by The Brothers Johnson
"Table or booth?" The new employee that Emerson doesn't recognize asks. Her father figured it would be a good idea to have tonight's dinner at the restaurant his daughter used to work at. Since the stove is busy cooking up dinner for Christmas Eve tomorrow, they figured it would be easier to eat out. After many protests from Emerson, Strange spoke up and said it would be a fantastic idea. So now here they are waiting to be seated.
"Whatever you prefer," Emerson responds to her father. The hostess brings them to a booth in the corner of the restaurant. Amanda scoots into the booth first, Emerson's father following right after her. Strange sits in the booth, expecting Emerson to park herself at the end of the table. "Actually, I'd like to sit in the booth as well. I haven't done so in a very long time," the sergeant sheepishly speaks up. 
"Would you like me to help?" Strange stands up from the booth, ready to assist his apprentice. 
"Nah, I've got it. Thanks though," she answers before scooting herself out of the wheelchair and into the booth seat. Strange smiles to himself, happy with Emerson's independence. He looks his apprentice up and down, eyeing her body up. She always manages to look stunning. 
She struggles a tad before setting herself down into the seat. Emerson adjusts her outfit and her father pulls the wheelchair out of the way. Emerson tries giving the sorcerer his space in the booth, but they are so close they can't help but touch. Strange's knee brushes against Emerson's and she instantly closes her legs tight, trying not to touch him again, afraid he'd say something. 
"Sorry," she mutters behind the menu and the doctor doesn't respond nor does he move. 
"A big, juicy burger sounds amazing right now," Amanda says aloud and Emerson lets out a chuckle. 
"That does sound fucking amazing."
"Emmy!" Her father scolds her for her language causing Strange to let out a laugh. 
"Now that is something I can agree with," Strange says before the waitress walks up. Everyone places their order for a burger and fries. 
***
"Ha! I'm never sick of this film," Emerson's father laughs as he lays back on the couch. Once dinner was finished they headed back to the house to calm down before bed. Emerson decided to put on The Big Lebowski knowing it's her dad's favorite comedy movie. 
"Come sit," Emerson pats the open spot beside her on the love seat hoping the doctor would come to sit beside her. He gives her a small smile and nods before taking a seat next to her, still keeping his space. "He loves this movie."
"He's got a good sense of humor then," Strange leans towards her and whispers in her ear, his hot breath hitting the side of her face. Shivers are sent down her neck and through her spine at the small feeling. "Now I understand why you are such a comedian."
"I'll take that as a compliment," Emerson gives him the side-eye glance in a playful manner. She tries to ignore how close he was just a second ago. 
"I wouldn't insult you," Strange tells her as he turns back towards the television. A smile creeps onto Emerson's face as she watches the film. Strange's words replay in her head as she overthinks what he's said. 
After laughing on and off with her father for the next hour, about halfway into the film Emerson finds her consciousness drifting off. She contemplates heading to bed but doesn't want to leave the sorcerer hanging out with her father all alone. Slowly, hoping the doctor beside her doesn't notice, she moves her head to rest on his shoulder. Emerson leans into him, closing her eyes for good. The sound of the movie and the feeling of his chest rising and falling instantly puts her to sleep.