Page 80 of Engulfing Emma

“Get out, Brett. Just go.”

“Gladly.”

I put my clothes on in brooding silence while she makes sure the coast is clear. I almost tell her it doesn’t matter. That Evie is most likely in the kitchen waiting for me.

But tonight is not one of those times I want to stay for cookies and milk. I just want to go home and be pissed at Emma and angry at myself for being such a goddamn doormat.

“Bye,” she whispers as I walk past her.

I don’t bother replying.

When I get to the bottom of the stairs, I don’t even look around to see if Evie is awake. I go straight to the door.

“You’re mad at her,” Evie says behind me. “I can tell by the way you stomped down the stairs.”

“Go back to bed,” I say, opening the door.

“She doesn’t have other guys over, you know. You’re the only one who’s snuck out of here in months.”

She has my full attention. I turn around.“Months?Are you sure?”

She nods. “She really likes you. I’m just not so sure shewantsto like you. You know, because of my grandpa and all.”

“Yeah.”

“I like you. Grandma likes you. That has to count for something.”

“I think you’re pretty cool, too.”

“Stay for milk and cookies?”

“Not tonight,” I say. “I really need to go.”

“Promise me you’ll come back. Don’t give up on her.”

“Evie …” I run my hands through my hair and sigh. “It’s complicated.”

She sits on the bottom step, pouting. “Well, it shouldn’t be. When two people like each other, they should be together. It’s stupid if they aren’t.”

I laugh silently. That might be the most twelve-year-old thing she’s ever said.

But that doesn’t mean she’s not one hundred percent right.

Chapter Twenty-four

Emma

It’s been a week since I’ve seen Brett.

Well, that’s not entirely true. I’ve seen him plenty of times in the window. But never when he’s been able to see me back.

Since the night of the cocktail party, it’s been complete radio silence. And despite my continued nightmares I have to admit I miss him.

If you miss him so much, why did you go on two more dates this week?my inner voice asks.

I put down my coffee. Brett’s right. Iamusing him until I can find someone else who can make me feel like I do when I’m with him.

The problem is—no one has even come close.

---