AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I crumble the paper in my hands. “Thanks, but I—”
Miriam waves at me. “I’m just making a gesture. But I’ll say one final thing. You won’t find a woman better than Emily Finch. Yes, she kept something from you, but it came from a good place. Her heart was always made of gold, that one. You seem like a smart guy. I know that because that little girl is one half of you. I already think highly of you, and I don’t even know you. Don’t disappoint me. Also, make sure you call Olive if you’re leaving town. It’s the least you could do.”
I watch the old woman shuffle across the lawn of the town square as I mull over what she said to me. When I look up, I see my parents hovering by their car, and my mom waving me over.
Holding up one hand, I grab for my phone with the other.
Emily’s voice is hopeful when I answer. Then, she gives the phone to Olive, and I tell her I love her and I have some things to take care of. That I love her mother and we’ll figure it out. I ask her not to say anything.
When the call ends, I stand from the gazebo to join my parents, clear on what I need to do.
29
Emily
Friday
Seated at the desk I share with Cam and Reid, I’m lost in a trance when I hear a knock at my door. I told my mom I wanted to be alone, and she ushered Olive away. An hour could’ve passed, fifteen minutes, I’m not sure.
When I look back, my eyes bug in surprise.
It’s Tara. I consider her one of my best friends, ever since she moved to Goldheart and took over the local, iconic coffee shop. She’s about my height with long dark hair and the prettiest hazel eyes. She says nothing as she touches my shoulder, and I fold into myself, the emotion so heavy from this week.
“Is Max gone?” Tara asks.
I nod.
“They were talking about some party?”
“His stepdad is retiring.” Max will go back to San Diego and meet his destiny, the reason his stepdad offered me fifteen thousand dollars to disappear.
“Can I sit?” Tara motions to a small chair tucked in the corner, piled high with papers.
“Sure.” I move the tower of paperwork for her. When Tara’s seated, she rests her hands on her thighs and takes a deep breath.
“He’ll come around. I just know it. It’s a shock, is all,” Tara says.
“I hope so.” My voice quivers. “He called her. To say goodbye.”
Tara shifts in her seat and her posture contorts. “That’s a great sign, then.”
“I hope so.” I lean over and shove my fingers through my hair.
“Don’t freak.” Tara stretches her hands out like I’m a feral raccoon.
“What?”
“I saw Miriam Oliver talk to Max.”
“What? What did she say to him?”
“I don’t know. I tried my best to hear, Em, but I couldn’t.”
I smooth down my ponytail. “Oh my God.”
“No, I think it was good,” Tara says.
“Still.”
