Page 59 of The Sound of Harmony

“I should have called back sooner.”

“You needed time,” he said.

“I needed time,” she agreed.

“I was worried about you.”

“I know.”

They sat in silence for a moment.

“Bummer about the tacos,” Kendrick said.

She snorted. “Yeah.”

“Raincheck?”

“Sure.”

Kendrick caught his reflection in the mirror across the room. For the first time, voice communication wasn’t enough. He wanted to look at Emma, and for her to look at him. He wanted her to see the acceptance there. He wanted her to know that he would listen to whatever she had to say. Whatever she chose to share with him would be enough.

“You read about me on the internet,” she finally said.

“Some,” he said. “Enough. Emma, it wasn’t your fault.”

“Wow, you’re leading with that?” she asked. “Okay.”

Kendrick desperately hoped she wouldn’t hang up on him again. “But you already know that. Everyone knows that. And I’m stupid. And now you know that too. I can’t believe I said such an obvious thing.”

“Shut up,” she said. “This isn’t about you.”

“It’s not,” he rushed to say. He curled into himself, fetal with discomfort. “I’ve never been here before and I am very bad at this. But you don’t have to explain anything to me. You don’t have to prove that you’re worthy of sympathy or understanding.”

“No one does,” she said softly. After a moment she added, “I usually handle this better.”

Kendrick sat up and sucked in a gulp of air. “I’m glad you’re here now,” he said. “In Cannondale. I’m glad you’re close to your sister.”

“Gwendolyn saved my life,” Emma said in a matter-of-fact tone. This wasn’t a figure of speech. This was the absolute truth. The thought sent chills through Kendrick.

“Now I see why anyone who wants to date you has to get your sister’s approval.”

Emma’s breath hitched, but she plowed ahead. “Not only hers, but also Brooke and Lauren and Melanie and all my other friends.”

“That sounds like a challenge,” Kendrick said.

“Or an opportunity.”

“So,” he said. “When can I meet the rest of your friends?”