Page 66 of Summertime Friends

I leave without a final look. I grab the ice cream from Whole Foods at the corner of Natalie’s block.

New markets are always woozy—never set up the same, even if they are the same brand. I meandered around the aisles until I found the ice cream. Then, I retraced my steps through them, picking up some of Emerson’s other favorite snacks.

I return to my place after dropping off the food. My evening now free. I changed to weight train in the gym on the first floor of our building, before lying on my couch reading, when I decided to text Emerson. It’s almost nine, and I figure she’s probably no longer with Chloe and Natalie.

Are you okay?

Emerson: What do you think?

Emerson: No.

I’m sorry.

Emerson: Why are you sorry?

He broke off an engagement with you. . . and I care about your happiness.

Emerson: He heard our conversation last night.

Oh.

Is that what you are upset about?

Emerson:IDK.

I’m sorry.

Emerson: Don’t be. He deserves better than me, anyway.

Don’t say that. That’s not true.

Emerson: It is.

Emerson: I didn’t love him as I should have; he deserves someone who does.

So do you.

28

EMERSON

Six Summers Ago

I promised myself two things the night I decided to stay at that table with Liam.

Promise #1: Do not go home with Liam Hayes—completely broken. Absolutely shattered.

Promise #2: Do not fall for Liam Hayes—not broken.

That’s why I shouldn’t be falling for him.Right?

Ten days with someone is not nearly enough time to fall for them. It’s supposed to take more time than this, right?

But after today, how could I not fall for him? How am I supposed to feel anything other than—nope.He said one nice thing to you, that doesn’t mean you abandon your beliefs.

I’ve never spoken about my parents like that to anyone. Not even to Natalie, and she lived through it with me, a front-row seat to the idiocracy that devoured my family, but I never said anything about how I felt.

And I told Liam all of it because I knew I could. I know I joked about him thinking I’m messed up, but I didn’t mean it. I don’t think he judges me at all. He’s a safe space for me to be me.

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