Jake shifts on his feet, his expression unreadable.
And I stand there in complete ignorance of what is unfolding around me.
Brett lets out a bitter laugh, but there’s no humor in it. It’s hollow, sharp, edged with something dangerous.
I feel sick.
“Tell me this is some kind of joke,” Brett whispers. “Tell me this isn’t real.”
Jake exhales, rubbing a hand over his face. “I’m real, buddy. I’m here.”
My head spins. My body sways.
River takes a step toward me, but I recoil.
“Don’t,” I snap, voice raw. “Don’t come near me right now.”
His face hardens. “Emily, let me explain.”
I shake my head again, wrapping my arms around myself.
I don’t want explanations.
I want River back. I want him to return my love.
Something cold grips my chest.
Brett’s pain is written all over him. He’s barely holding himself together, his entire body trembling with the force of it.
Sienna places her other hand on his arm. He doesn’t shake her off, but he doesn’t relax either.
Silence stretches among us, thick and heavy.
I look back at Jake, at his wary expression, at the ghosts haunting his blue eyes.
There’s more to this. I know there is.
I lick my lips, trying to steady my voice.
“Tell me,” I say. “Tell me everything.”
River looks at Jake.
Jake looks at Brett.
And Brett looks like he might break apart right in front of us.
But no one says a word.
Not yet.
Until June comes barreling toward us, clad only in a towel. “Why do you all look so glum?” Then she turns to Jake, a smile lighting up her pretty face. “And who mightyoube?”
EPISODE 193
HEATHER’S STORY
Heather
