Flopping back onto the pillow, she tried to dismiss the familiar grief that bubbled up inside her when she least expected it. This room had become her sanctuary after she’d lost her homeand her parents. Her mom and dad had been on their second honeymoon,enjoying their twenty-fifth anniversary in the Caribbean. It was a decision that had destroyed the only life she’d ever known.
She closed her eyes and took a deep, cleansing breath as the events of last night scrolled through her mind. She was back in Splendid Lake with Jake.
Jake.
When she’d received his text three days ago, she was pleasantly surprised but also confused. They’d gotten into a routine of texting each other memes and jokes every couple of days, along with sporadic messages with actual words maybe once or twice a week. Although she craved more meaningful communication with Jake, she’d given up that hope years ago—four years ago, to be exact, when she’d lost her parents. After that, reality had smacked her in the face—her parents were gone, Jake had chosen Claire, and that was that. It was time to grow up and move on—literally—which was why she’d sold the house and fled to Charlotte with what few pieces she had left of her heart. Her plan was to start over and try to build a life centered on her art and her dream of falling in love with someone other than Jake, someone who loved her completely. So far neither plan had worked out. And although Jake was in love with someone else, she treasured their friendship.
When she’d gotten Jake’s text on Wednesday, the tone was different from their usual “Hey, what’s up?” She grabbed her phone from the nightstand and reread their text discussion from a few days ago.
Jake: Yo, Carmichael! Any chance you can come home for a bit? I need your help with something important.
Emily: What’s up?
Jake: It’s complicated.
Emily: Is your dad okay?
Jake: Yes.
Emily: Your mom and Ally?
Jake: They’re fine.
Emily: Are YOU okay?
Jake: Yes! So can you come?
Emily: How soon?
Jake: Yesterday
Emily: What’s going on?
Jake: I’ll explain when you get here.
Emily: Fine. See you Saturday.
Jake: Great. You’re the best.
Emily: You know it.
Jake:
While she was frustrated with Jake’s secrecy, she was relieved to have a reason to go home—not that she needed one. But knowing that Jake needed her was comforting and gave her trip a purpose.
Although she treasured Jake and his family, the holiday visits were agonizing for her. She appreciated how Jake’s parents treated her like their bonus daughter, but seeing Jake with Claire was painful. She’d accepted years ago that Jake would always pick Claire over her, but seeing them whisper, kiss, and cuddle felt like a stab to her heart, even after thirteen years. She’d done her best to appear nonchalant every time Jake touched Claire, but Emily was convinced Claire enjoyed basking in Jake’s attention in front of her. And Emily couldn’t blame her. She’d do the same if Jake were hers.
All right, enough of the pity party. Get your rear in gear!
Emily pushed herself out of bed and chose a pair of jean shorts and a T-shirt from the dresser. She’d unpacked before showering and climbing in bed last night.
It felt strange not to put on her khakis, black shirt, and yellow apron before heading to the dreaded coffee shop. She’d given notice the same day that Jake texted, and she tried not to smile as she told her manager that she had to go home due to a family emergency. She’d despised the job. The only fun part was doodling on the cups, and she relished when the customers complimented her artwork.
After styling her hair in a ponytail, she trotted down the stairs toward the savory smells of eggs and toast. Leon sipped coffee and read the paper as he sat in his usual spot at the table.
She reached the kitchen and stopped in the doorway while Jake flipped eggs in a pan and his mom buttered two pieces of toast.
Emily leaned against the doorframe and enjoyed the view for a moment. Jake had always been cute with his blond hair and striking blue eyes, but his easy sense of humor, tender heart, and unwavering loyalty to his family and friends were what won Emily over at a young age. She’d always sort of crushed on him. If she were honest, sometimes in their treehouse, she wondered what it would be like to reach over and kiss him on the lips. She just wanted to see what it felt like.
