“I sure am.” Emily sat up straight and wanted to kick herself. Could she think of anything more basic to say?
Claire pressed her hand to her chest. “I couldn’t believe it when I heard that Leon had fallen. How horrible! He’s alreadybeen through so much with his heart attack.” She stuck her lip out. “That family has just had a rough go of it. I mean, how much can poor Jakey take?”
It took everything in Emily not to roll her eyes. Claire had always called Jake “Jakey” when they were in high school, and Emily teased Jake about it. Hearing her say it now, nearly twelve years after they’d graduated, made her want to gag. But instead, Emily worked to keep a nonchalant expression on her face.
“I was here when Leon had his heart attack,” Claire continued. “I sat with Jake in the ER.” She pointed across the waiting area. “Right over there, and I held his hand. He was devastated, Emily. Justdevastated.”
Emily was certain every single muscle in her body tensed. So Claire had been with Jake during the heart attack. A vision filled her mind of Jake slumped over in an uncomfortable waiting room chair while Claire held his hand and whispered in his ear, promising that his father would be fine and that she’d always be there for him. Claire had been his strength, his comforter. And now she was back after his father’s fall, prepared to do it all over again.
Emily felt like a fool believing that she could provide Jake all the comfort he needed. She’d never be enough for him.
And another thought hit her like a punch to the stomach:How did Claire find out that Leon fell?
And then the pieces fell into place. Had Jake almost kissed Emily and then called his ex-girlfriend to come to the hospital after his father’s accident?
The thought sat like a lead bar in her churning stomach.
But that didn’t make any sense. When would Jake have called Claire? After they arrived at the ER?
Stop it, Emily! This isn’t aboutyou. It’s about Leon and his fragile health.
Emily gripped the hoodie’s cuffs while she stared at Claire.
“Have you heard anything about Leon’s condition?” Claire asked.
Emily shook her head. “I haven’t seen Jake since he went back to find his parents.”
Claire clicked her tongue. “I hope he’s okay.”
“Yeah. Me too,” Emily said.
Claire recovered her phone from the depths of her Gucci purse. “I texted Jake, but he hasn’t responded.” She sighed. “I hope he gets back to me.” Her eyes locked on Emily again, and Emily felt itchy under her stare. “How long are you staying in Splendid Lake?”
Before Emily could respond, the doors leading to the treatment area opened with awhoosh, and Jake and Diane headed out into the waiting room. Emily popped up to her feet.
Claire craned her neck over her shoulder and gasped as she stood. She took off toward them and hugged Diane before wrapping her arms around Jake and nearly knocking him over. He patted her back, but his eyes were focused on Emily.
Then Claire took Diane’s hand and led her to a chair across from Emily before sitting down beside Diane. “Do you want something to drink?” she asked.
Diane shook her head. “No, thank you.”
“I’m so sorry this happened. How is he?” Claire asked.
“His right arm is broken, and he has several bumps and bruises. He also sprained his knee and bruised his ankle.”
Claire turned toward where Jake stood stoically watching them. “Jakey!” she exclaimed. “Sit.” She pointed to the chair beside her.
Jake shoved his hands into his pockets and just watched her. Emily tried to read his expression. He was stressed, but was heupset about more than just his dad? She couldn’t tell, and she wanted more than anything to grab his hand, yank him over to a private corner, and convince him to spill everything that was burdening his heart.
“How can I help?” Claire asked Diane, taking her hand in hers. “I can stay at the house with you.”
Emily swallowed a groan. If Claire moved into Jake’s parents’ house, then she’d for sure head back to Charlotte soon—like, immediately!
Once again she wondered who had told Claire about Leon. Had Jake called her? But why would he call her if he was pulling away from her?
Because when the chips are down, Claire will always have his heart...
The thought was like a knife to Emily’s soul. She sank back against the hard vinyl chair and worked to keep her raging emotions under control.
