Page 106 of Summertime Friends

She puts her hand up to stop me talking.

“I need to leave but will be back in a few hours.” She’s heading toward her bedroom door. In the archway, she turns back to look at me, biting the inside of her cheek. “Come back later? There’s something I need to tell you.”

It’s Liam.

Chloe: Hello?

Do you know where Emerson is?

Chloe: Why?

I know, you know.

Chloe: Know what?

About Emerson and I.

Chloe: Your point?

Please help me. I need to talk with Emerson.

Chloe: What do you want with her?

Her. . . she’s all I want.

Then, now, always.

Please, Chloe.

Chloe: She should be on a run.

Chloe: Let me track her.

Chloe: Lincoln Park.

Thank you.

Chloe: Go get her.

44

EMERSON

Now

Mile five: loop around the park and head back, my inner voice repeats. I may or may not have gotten lost a few times while running. I even had to Uber home once.

“Emerson!” I hear my name called faintly.

The park is busy this morning, so I don’t think much of it. I keep running.

“Emerson!”

I hear my name again, louder this time. I keep going, but I look around. No one I recognize is in my surroundings. They must mean a different Emerson.

“Emerson!”

I halt.

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