Page 36 of Ember's Heart
Both Garrett and Owen have been my rocks. Garrett had been furious at Colton that night, threatening everything short of actual murder, but since then, he’s shown nothing but support and has gone out of his way to see how I was doing. Owen, too, had been amazing. Those first few days all he did was sit with me while I cried my eyes out.
I’d read Colton’s message countless times, his heartfelt apology and promises. But what was I supposed to say?Okay, I’ll just wait indefinitely while you figure yourself out, even though I have no idea where you are or when you’ll be back?My responses had been short, vague, non-committal.
“Alright, last one,” Garrett said, sealing a box with tape and putting the last name on it. “You gonna head out soon?”
“Yep,” I replied. “Just need to grab my bag and I’ll be off. Are you sure you don’t mind handling the pickups? I feel bad leaving you to deal with it, but I completely forgot about meeting Avery.”
Garrett leaned back against the counter, crossing his arms. He looked at me, his serious gaze telling me he had something to say and wasn’t sure how to. “Look Em,” he started. “I just want to say something. At first, when Colton first came back to town, I was furious. I didn’t think he deserved your forgiveness, or a second chance after what he put you through.” He paused, his jaw tight. “But then… I talked to him. Listened to his words and what happened. And I’ve seen what he’s been going through. What he went through over there.” He scrubbed a hand over his face. “Look, I’m definitely still pissed at him for how he handled things with you. But I also believe he loves you, Ember. He really does. And at the end of the day, this is your life, your heart. The decision is yours, and all I want is for you to be happy.” He pushed off the counter, coming over to wrap me in a brotherly hug. “But maybe… I don’t know, maybe keep the faith, Em. And give him one more chance to prove himself. But don’t put your entire life on hold waiting for him.”
His words were unexpected. Garrett, despite his gruff exterior, was a big softy on the inside.
“Thanks, G,” I murmured, a genuine warmth spreading through me and I hugged him back. “I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me. But the same goes for you. I want to see you happy too.”
“I’m fine. No need to worry.”
Grabbing my bag, I headed out to meet Avery.
As I was walking up to Rose’s Bean and Brew, the fresh aroma of coffee washed over me, I bumped into someone.
“Oh! I’m so sorry!” I exclaimed, looking up, surprised to see who it was.
Jake Miller. He smiled, a friendly, easy-going smile. “Ember!. How have you been? I’m sorry I ran off that night. I shouldn’t have just left you there without making sure you were ok.”
My cheeks flushed with embarrassment with the reminder of how drunk I’d gotten and used Jake to make Colton jealous. “Oh, no worries,” I said, waving my hand like it was nothing. “I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have pulled you into whatever mess me and Colton have going on. It wasn’t right. Colton had no right to act that way. I won’t apologize for him, but he’s been struggling lately.”
He rubbed his jaw, his gaze flickering nervously. “Yeah, I understand that.” Jake paused and looked down at his feet before looking back at me. “Look, Ember, I know this might be… awkward, given everything. And I know you and Colton have… history. But I was wondering if… if you’d maybe want to grab dinner sometime? Just… as friends, of course. No pressure. Just to catch up.” He looked genuinely hesitant, clearly unaware of where things stood with me and Colton.
I was about to politely decline, my mind already formulating an excuse about being busy, when Avery’s voice cut in from directly behind me.
“Yes! Ember would love to, Jake!” Avery chirped, appearing beside me, a triumphant grin on her face. She’d clearly overheard the conversation.
My eyes widened as I shot her a glare, but it was too late. Jake’s face lit up.
I sighed, then looked at Jake and thought,What do I owe Colton? I don’t even know where he is. Why shouldn’t I go out with a friend?
Deciding I was going to accept Jake’s invitation, I said, “As friends.” My gaze was firm as I stressed thefriends’part.
Jake nodded eagerly. “Absolutely. Just friends. How about Friday night? I could pick you up around six?”
“Sounds good,” I agreed, even though I was conflicted and didn’t feel excited about it.
“Great! See you then, Ember. Avery.” He gave a quick wave as he walked away.
After Jake was far enough away and out of ear shot, I spun to face my bestie. “Seriously, Avery! What was that?”
“What?” she asked, shrugging a shoulder, “Ember, it wouldn’t hurt for you to get out. It’s just dinner with a friend.”
“I know, but I didn’t want to. I don’t need any more hassles in my life. The last thing I need is for Jake to get the wrong idea, or startthinking he has a chance. I don’t want to hurt him.”
Avery raised her eyebrows at me and rolled her eyes at me. “Ok, first,” she said as she held up a finger, “he doesn’t think that. You made it clear it was as friends. Second,” she held up another finger, “you need a little distraction! Just go and have fun. And third, Colton walked away. I know, I know,” she rolled her eyes again and waved a hand, “he has his reasons. But that doesn’t mean you live as a hermit or a nun until he decides he’s ready to come back.”
Narrowing my eyes at her, I said, “Have you been talking to Garrett? He said something strangely similar to that.”
Avery just giggled as she pulled me inside Rose’s Bean and Brew to take a seat.
Just as we reached the table, my phone chimed. I glanced down. A text from Colton. My stomach lurched, a sharp pang of guilt twisting in my gut.
I read the text before putting my phone away. Deciding I would deal with it later.
