Page 75 of The Double Play

I turn around to give her a reassuring smile. “We have to tell the truth even when it could upset people. It’s important to be honest.”

My words settle like rocks in my stomach. I need to be straightforward and honest with Emmett. I can’t keep dodging his questions about how I’m doing. It’s not fair to him or to June. So, even though it scares me, I’m going to do it. Tonight.

Chapter thirty-six

Hazel James

BeforeIaskedEmmettif I could talk to him, he told mehewanted to talk tome. My stomach churns with nerves as I sit on the couch, a cushion between us. Through the windows in the living room, I can see June jumping on her trampoline. She’s doing a ‘front flip,' a.k.a. a forward roll, in between jumps. I’d told her–and myself–that I would tell Emmett everything, so I don’t want to wait without him at least knowing I have something to say.

“I know you said you wanted to talk, but something happened at June’s school today that I wanted to tell you about. And I had some things to say that sort of went with that too,” I ramble.

He gives me a gentle smile, but I can see the concern in his eyes. “You go first, then. I can wait.”

“Are you sure?” I question. “You seemed rather antsy when you came in. Well, antsy for you, but still.”

His hair is mussed from how many times he ran his hand through it, and he stumbled over his words a little when asking me to talk. “Hazel, just talk.”

I suck in a deep breath. “June was bullied at school today, about me–well, us.”

His brow furrows. “What do you mean?”

“Some kids must have heard their parents talking about our relationship.” I look down at my hands. “They called me, and then June, a tramp.”

Silence settles over the room like a rain cloud. I glance up at Emmett. His expression is thunderous.

“I’ll go down there tomorrow and speak with them. This won’t happen again.”

The gravel in his voice sends goosebumps over my skin.

“Imighthave already talked to them. I know Brock said to lay low, but I couldn’t leave without talking to someone. So, I made sure the principal would reprimand the students and the teacher who let it happen. June’s teacher should apologize to her tomorrow.”

Emmett’s jaw tightens, then relaxes again. “I’ll see about transferring her to another class if she wants me to. She’s never been too fond of her teacher anyway.”

I nod. “That’s a good idea. I wish I could have done more.”

He shakes his head. “I hate that you had to do anything at all. You could have called me–you should have.”

“I’ll be honest, I was a little too fired up to even consider it.” I toy with a string on the couch cushion.

“I wish I could have been there to see that. It’s hard to picture you angry,” he teases. “What did you say?”

“I told the principal I would tell a bunch of reporters what happened if she didn’t do what I asked.”

A surprised laugh bursts out of Emmett. “Youthreatenedher?”

“Not all of us are tall, imposing athletes with giant muscles and a scowl that could make a grown man cry. I had to get creative.”

Mirth fills his eyes. “You’re something else, Wildflower.”

Just being around Emmett like this makes the day wash away. I want to stay in this warm, bubbly feeling forever, but I know we have more to address.

“This isn’t all I wanted to talk about,” I blurt out before I lose my nerve.

He shifts in his seat. His expression turns attentive and serious again.

“I’ve been thinking about our unique situation.” I can’t look at him. I turn my attention to the yellow flowers on my socks. “And I think it would be best if I worked somewhere else. That way we have better boundaries.”

“Did I do something to make you uncomfortable?” Emmett asks, confusion in his voice.

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