Emily was closing up the plein air painting area when Diane approached her.
“Pack up, sweetheart. We have plans tonight.”
After stowing her paints, she pushed her thick ponytail over her shoulder. “What plans?”
“Claire’s mother called me, and we’re all invited to their house for supper. Sherry was very excited and said that it’s going to be fun.”
Claire Chapman and her unfiltered mother were the last people on the planet Emily wanted to see. Emily worked to keep her expression blank despite the irritation nipping at her. “Oh, no thanks. You all go and have fun. I’m pretty tired, so I just want to—”
“Nonsense,” Diane declared. “Claire wants you to come too.”
She does, huh? That can’t be good.“I appreciate it, but I’m happy to just rest tonight. This is a family thing.”
Diane rubbed Emily’s arm. “Youarefamily. You’re my second daughter.”
Oh boy!Now Emily had to work extra hard to hold back the tears building in her eyes. If Diane started talking about how much Emily meant to her, then she’d really lose it. Leaving Splendid Lake was going to be even more difficult than she imagined, since she’d have to leave Diane and Leon behind. They were the only surrogate parents she had left.
Emily had to come up with an excuse to avoid the supper before she burst into tears and wound up telling Diane that her son had completely annihilated her heart.
“You go on without me. I have so much to do before the anniversary celebration on Saturday. We’re running out of time, so I really need to be here, but you have fun. And if there’s cake, save me a piece, okay? You know I’m a cake fiend.” Emily tried to laugh, but it came out as a squeak.
Diane shook her head. “I’m not gonna hear it. You deserve a break from all the work you’ve done. We’re leaving at six, so be ready.”
While Diane headed back to the house, Emily sagged against her stool and rubbed her forehead. Now she was forced into going to supper with Claire and her parents—the day after she realized Jake was cheating with Claire. Could this day get any worse?
“Emily!” Jake called as he darted over to her. “I’ve been trying to get you alone all day.”
Yup. Unfortunately itcanget worse.
Squaring her shoulders, Emily faced him. “Jake, I don’t feel like talking. Just—just leave me alone.” She shouldered her bag of painting supplies, and he took it in his hands.
“Let me carry this for you.”
Ugh. Why is he always so nice?
They started down the path side by side toward his parents’ house, and the sound of their feet seemed to echo off the trees. Emily couldn’t remember a time when she and Jake had run out of words, and the silence between them tore at her soul.
When they reached the driveway, he spun, facing her. “Why are you ghosting me in person?” His striking blue eyes seemed to beg her. “What did I do? Tell me so I can fix it. It’s killing me, babe.”
Her lip trembled.Oh no. Keep it together, Em!
She swallowed back her threatening tears. “Things have come into clear focus in my mind.”
“What does that mean?” he asked.
“It means I understand how things stand, and it’s okay.” She hated the vibration in her voice, and she fought to keep her emotions under control.
He studied her. “Are you talking about us?” He motioned between them.
“I’m talking about a lot of things.”
“Emily...” He drew out her name.
Diane appeared on the porch. “We have to leave in ten minutes, so you need to get ready now. Chop-chop!” she sang before disappearing into the house.
Emily reached for her bag, and he captured her hands in his. “Promise me that we’ll talk later.”
“If I promise you, will you give me my bag?” she asked.
