Em was 15 when his dad left, so he was craving approval and wanting friends so he wouldn't think as much. He had a much deeper side, so depending if they ever had some conversations, or she knew anything of his family situation, she would know there was more to him.
He was in Portland playing in a band with ~rlinley, and went through a really dark time when it all fell apart and he moved back home. He started working for Logan and got his life together in time, so he would've been good to run into. Maybe they hiked together, because he saw she needed something to do, yet they didn't have to talk and could just enjoy nature and get their heads cleared and sorted. Both of them needing it in ways and happy to share it with someone, but not be pressured to open up and talk all the time.