Page 95 of Heart of Gold

“Max,” I say, tears dropping down my cheek, “I didn’t expect it to go as far as it did. It would be easier for you to hate me than him. I wanted to tell you…”

“When?” Max asks. He runs his hand over his mouth while he stares at a gray car parked on the street. “I need to go home.”

I nod, and the tears finally come. “Max, can you look at me?”

When he does, my heart breaks even further. He looks at me like I was the betrayal. I was the reason we were apart. “Max, I’m so sorry. I had the week of my life with you, and I didn’t want it to end. I spent ten years dreaming about this moment. Yes, I took the money. Yes, I didn’t question it further when your dad told me you didn’t want to see me anymore. That you wanted me to…” I swallow because I can’t say it.

He nods, his gaze back to the ground.

“Okay,” I say, smiling through my tears. We stand there while pedestrians walk between us. I’m not sure how much time passes, until I say, “Well, you have my number.”

“I do,” he says. “Emily, I—this week meant a lot to me. I just need some time.”

“I understand.” The words I want to say most linger on my breath. Then, they tumble out, before I can really think on how to say it. “Just, please, don’t punish Olive for this.”

“Punish her?” His forehead creases and his mouth parts. “I thought you knew me better than that.”

My focus lands on Miriam Oliver, lurking between the building and the florist next door, looking at me with pity. Lashing out won’t do anyone good. Swallowing down my pride, I turn.

“I’ll call you. Do you need a ride back to the house?” he asks.

We took his car to meet his parents. “No, I’m fine.”

“I’ll talk to you later, Em. I have some stuff I have to figure out. I just…” I wait for more words, but it doesn’t come.

I smile through my tears. “Okay” is all I can muster. I walk away and turn.

Miriam watches me as I walk away. I wipe my nose and my cheeks as I keep my head down.

“Dear, do you need a ride?”

“I’m fine, Miriam.”

“Emily, let me help—"

“Miriam,” I say, a little too firm. “You’ve done enough. Let me have a broken heart in private for once.”

“Emily, this is not your fault.”

“I know.” There’s a swirl of anger, hurt, and remorse within me as we walk, side by side. While I wish she would leave me alone, it’s comforting to have her there.

My phone in my purse pulses, and I scramble for it. When I look up, Miriam is gone.

Tara: Are you okay?

I type back, I’ve been better.

The bubble with the three flickering dots appear and then her message: I’ll report back whatever I hear.

My heart sinks as I type Thanks.

She sends me back a smiling face. I try to smile, but it hurts.

I dial my mother. “Hi, honey. I’m at the brewery dear with Olive. Are you with Max?”

I squeak out a sound, and my mom says, “Come to the brewery. Where are you?”

“I’ll be there in five.” I end the call.

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