Emily gave Jake a guilty look, and he responded with an “I told you so” look.
“I’ll definitely try.” She fiddled with her mother’s engagement and wedding ring, which hung from a silver chain around her neck. She hadn’t taken them off since her parents had passed away four years ago. “How’s Mr. Hughes doing?”
Mom jammed her hands on her hips. “Emily, you’re almost thirty. When are you going to start calling us Diane and Leon?” Her expression brightened. “But thanks for asking. He’s doing better.”
“I’m so glad to hear it.” Em shot Jake an accusatory look. “I would’ve come sooner if Jake had told me about the heart attack.”
Jake held up his hands. “It was a crazy time.”
“Too crazy to callme?” Her brown eyes challenged him.
Jake grimaced. She was right. He should’ve called her when it happened a month and a half ago, but Dad’s heart attack had been such a shock that he’d barely remembered how to tie his shoes. “Sorry.”
“Just don’t do it again.” Emily gave his bicep a playful punch before they followed Mom into the house, where the delicious scent of chili and cornbread drifted over them.
Emily gasped. “Mrs.— Uh, I mean, Diane, it smells fantastic in here.”
“I made your favorite.” Mom pointed toward the sweeping staircase. “Jake, help Emily get settled and then head down for supper. It’s almost ready.”
Jake nodded toward the staircase. “You know the way, Carmichael.”
Emily gave him a mock salute and then jogged up the stairs to the spare room. Since Emily had sold her parents’ house, theroom basically belonged to her now. She flopped on the bed as he set the suitcase beside the closet door.
She crossed her legs under herself. “How’s your dad—really?”
“Stubborn.” He straddled the desk chair backward and rested his elbows on the back of it.
She waved him off. “Besides that.”
“Huh?” He rubbed the stubble on his chin and considered the past month and a half. “Well, I guess I have lots to tell you.”
“Sounds like we need to go out to the dock and talk after supper.”
“Yeah.” The muscles in his shoulders began to relax. “That’s exactly what I need.” He smiled. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
She laughed. “I could tell from your text that you needed me.”
“How long can you stay?”
She shrugged. “As long as you need me.”
“What about work?”
She hesitated and began fiddling with her mother’s rings again. She was holding something back, and he was going to get it out of her.
“Supper’s ready!” Mom called.
Emily popped up from the bed and hurried toward the doorway. “Yay!”
He shook his head. Emily was definitely keeping something from him, and he would get it out of her when the time was right.
The two friends sat across from each other while Jake’s parents settled in their usual spots at either end of the oak table.
“So, Emily,” Mom began as she passed the cornbread, “what have you been up to lately? Jake tells me you’ve been working at a coffee shop in Charlotte.”
After taking a piece of bread, Emily pasted a bright smile onher face. “Yeah, I was, but being a barista just wasn’t for me. I’m sort of between jobs now.” She shrugged as if it wasn’t a big deal.
Jake set his jaw.So that’s why Em is being so evasive,he thought.She’s quit another job.
