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“Yeah, I better go.” I spin on my heels. “Juliet’s probably wondering what’s taking so long.”

Really, she’s probably grateful to have a break from me and my noncommittal commitment.

We both reach for the doorknob at the same time, fingers tangling over the handle. Emma jerks her hand away, like she touched a hot iron.

“Well, goodnight,” I say, pulling the door open.

“Goodnight.”

My eyes stay on her in her oversized shirt and pajama shorts until the final seconds when the door clicks shut, and she’s no longer there.

I let out a heavy breath, not even sure what’s behind it.

Halfway across the lawn, it hits me. For the last twenty minutes, I haven’t felt stressed about the wedding or Juliet. Somehow, chasing a rodent around Emma’s apartment with her made the knot in my chest disappear.

Strange how she always seems to have that effect on me.

EMMA

Juliet:

I hate to ask this of you, but is there any way you can go with Vinny in thirty minutes to taste-test cake for the wedding? My mom fell when she was getting out of the shower. I just left work, and I’m rushing to help her, but I don’t think I’ll be able to make it to the bakery in time for the appointment.

Emma:

Is she okay?

Juliet:

I think so. I’ll assess when I get there, but she can’t get up without help.

Emma:

Why don’t I go to your mom’s house and help her so you can go with Vinny?

Juliet:

No, she’d be so embarrassed if you showed up. She’s lying naked on the bathroom floor.

Emma:

Okay, we both could go. Then once you got her dressed, you could leave for the appointment, and I could stay with her.

Juliet:

You’re so sweet to offer, but what I really need is for you to go pick out the flavor of the cake so that Vinny doesn’t choose something gross. You know what I like. Something rich and decadent. Are you free to go?

Am I free to go?

Technically, yes.

But after last Friday night, when Vinny was in my apartment, I’m feeling like this is a horrible idea for my state of mind.

Juliet:

Em? I need you. Can you go?

There’s nothing Juliet could ask here that I wouldn’t agree to.