Page 48 of The Heir

“Not weird, Emma, but I just, I’m not sure about this–everything is happening different than I thought–”

“I know you don't have kids of your own, and it's probably weird to be my guardian, but it’s normal for girls my age to have crushes and to date.”

“I know that; I do–it’s just–”

“I will be okay, Mary. It's just the movies.” I touched her shoulder, and she finally smiled.

“Okay, just text me when you are headed home.”

“Thanks, Mary.” And before she could change her mind, I dashed down the hall to Shad.

“Hey, Shad. Thanks for offering to drive,” I said as we walked down the porch steps of my house to his car.

“No problem. You and your aunt share a car?”

“Yes, it was my mother’s car. Mary used to live right across the street from the Rose Village, so she didn’t need a car. She actually sold hers a while ago. My mother used to help her out ifshe ever needed a ride, but it was rare. Sharing can be a pain, at times. Ryker is usually around to help, but he’s been busy lately,” I frowned.

Shad opened the car door for me, and I got in, and I watched him as he walked around to his side, slipped inside, and buckled his seat belt.

“How long ago did you guys break up?” he asked as he started to drive.

“What?” I asked with a gasp.

“How long ago did you break up with Ryker?” he asked again, switching gears from park to reverse.

“No, I heard you. It just surprised me because Ryker and I never were—I mean we have never been in a romantic relationship. I am not his girlfriend, never have been. He’s like my brother.”

Maybe not fully true, but Shad doesn’t need to know all about my confusing feelings for Ryker.They were not, at all, like the feelings I had for Shad.

Shad looked at me, then, a little shocked, but he smiled, “truly?” he asked.

“Yes, I know some people assume we are dating, but we never have. I did at one point think we could be something, but not anymore. We are just best friends.”

“I mean, I didn’t assume. He told me.” The light turned red, and he slowed down, looking at me as the car stopped.

“He did, what?” I asked a little too loud, moving in my seat to face him fully.

“After I invited you to my house to look at my book, he saw me walking with you and told me that you two were seeing each other and that I should not spend time with you, and that I should not hang around you, unlessyouinitiated it.”

“You justbelievedhim?” I asked as the light turned green, and he shifted gears and started to drive.

“He told me how much you love him and need him, and that you are having a hard time. I could see you were having a hard time. I just wanted to help you. I would never want to hurt you, Emma,” he said softly, not looking at me.

“I do love him—but, as I said, more like a brother than anything else!” I nearly yelled, leaning my head hard, back against the headrest. “Iamhaving a difficult time. You know about my nightmares, but I am also alone so much, and I hate that. Ryker has been so busy.”

“Well, maybe you and he need to have a serious conversation, because he has told everyone at school that you are dating him.” He paused. “I am so sorry, Emma.”

“That’s why no one has asked me to Homecoming,” I said, leaning over my lap, my face in my hands.

“I am sorry, Emma; I would not put it past him to do something like this, just to irritateme.”

“Why does he not like you?”

“We are complicated. I do not want to tell you stuff that might make you feel differently about Ryker.”

“I’m not sure he will be honest with me. He’s been distant lately, and lying to me about so much. He thinks I buy all he says, but I can tell when he is not telling me the truth.”

“I am so sorry, Emma. I am so–I wish– He makes me so angry, sometimes. I hated thinking you two were together, and he knew that would make me angry,” he grunted.

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