Page 12 of Right Where You Left Me
He putters around in the kitchen for a bit before setting a plate of toasted baguette smothered in melted cheese in front of us. “You should’ve been the new baker for Pipes.” I say around a bite.
“Well, I am notclassically trained.” He says, putting on a perfect French accent for the last two words. “And I also am not a baker.”
“But you can bake.” I say and point at him with a new piece of bread. “And then I would get to see you at both jobs.”
“Sage.” He sighs. “I know this shit sucks, but what can we do to make it better for you? I don’t want you to let this eat at you.”
I narrow my eyes at him. “That was a lot of words for someone as drunk as you are.”
“You only think I’m as wasted as you are.” He says with a shrug. “I’m a big guy, Sage. I am drunk, yes, but it takes a lot tofuck me up as you well know. You on the other hand,” He slides me a glass of water, “are going to feel like shit tomorrow.”
I roll my eyes, but drink the water and shove another cheesy piece of heaven in my mouth. “I’ll be okay.” I say finally. “Tonight was a shock, but I’m not going to let her get to me anymore. I’ll be over it in the morning.”
River lets out a heavy sigh. “You know you’re my best friend right? You’ve been there for me through some of the worst parts of my life, and—” Oh god his eyes are watering. I can feel mine burning too. This big, dumb sentimental idiot.
I get up and wrap him in a tight hug. “I know. You don’t have to say it. I know. You’ve got my back.”
He nods and squeezes me tight. “Always, okay?”
“I love you, River. But now that we’ve reached the blubbering stage of the night I think we should head to bed.”
“Yes, that is a wise decision.” He says with mock seriousness. “Night Sagey.” He kisses the top of my head before giving me one last squeeze and making his way into his bedroom.
“Night, Riv!” I call after him.
I stumble through my nighttime routine and crawl into my bed. My sheets are cold against my skin and I settle in, sleep trying to pull me under as I find some peace. I don’t like being angry, don’t like feeling out of control and upset all the time now. I need to let go of this, and I will. Emma Newton will not consume my stupid brain any longer. She will no longer create this chaos inside of me. Her and her pretty, perfect face will no longer take up residence in my thoughts. As of tonight, I am over it. Overher.
I smile to myself as sleep finally takes me, my dreams making me a giant liar of myself.
CHAPTER 5
Emma
“What do you think about this one?”
I look over at my mother who is currently sifting through an entire shelf full of cat figurines. We decided to go thrifting today on my day off, and I guess that actually meant ‘help my mom find her thirtieth fucking ceramic cat’. I’m honestly shocked that there are so many here to even choose from. I guess my mom isn’t the only person who would decorate their home with tiny, breakable felines.
“I don’t know, Mom. That one kind of looks like five of the ones you already have.”
She lets out a tiny distressed noise and I try not to laugh. “Mom, if you like it, get it.”
She puts the one she was holding down gently and lets out a heavy sigh. “How am I supposed to choose?” That’s when I lose the fight and laugh. She rolls her eyes at me. “Emma Gale, help me or go walk around and leave me to it.”
“Okay, okay. I’m sorry, I’ll help. I like that one.” I say pointing to a tiny black cat lying on its back. It has a ball of dark green yarn balanced in its paws.
“Hm. Maybe.” My mom says with another dramatic sigh.
“Oh my God, Mom. Why even ask me to help?!” I say, lifting my hands in defeat. “I’m going to walk around while you pick. I’ll meet you up front.”
She waves me off, barely paying attention to me now. That woman and her fucking cats. Why couldn’t it have been gardening or I don’t know, a knitting group or something. But, I guess whatever makes her happy.
I wander around for a bit, grabbing a cute hand-painted floral mug I come across, and wait for my mom at the check out. She isn’t far behind me with an arm full of tiny kittens, and wouldn’t you know it, the one I pointed out made the cut.
“All set? You sure you didn’t leave any behind on the shelf back there?” I ask as she gently sets each cat down on the counter, inspecting every one again as she does.
“You are in a mood today, Emma.” My mom huffs as she does one last count of her figurines before paying. “I do not appreciate this attitude. I just wanted to have a nice day with my daughter, and instead I’m spending it with the sixteen-year-old version of her.”
“I’m not in a mood.” I mutter under my breath.
