Free Aftermath by Sandy Goldsworthy

attitude. But, she was right—no one got hurt. Everyone moved on.
    I didn’t know if I could do that to Emma.
    Knowing our time together would be limited meant potential heartbreak for both of us if I let her back into my heart.

Chapter 18 
    Emma's Story
     
    My palms were sweaty when Mrs. Warner opened the door.
    Aunt Barb stood by my side with an armful of things I’d normally be embarrassed to bring. She loaded up a wicker basket filled with a casserole the Inn prepared, a couple loaves of French bread, some cheeses, and a bottle of Mrs. Warner’s favorite wine.
    I never met Mr. or Mrs. Warner before, but they welcomed me like I did.
    “I didn’t know you were related to Barb Carmichael. She’s really cool,” Lewis said after my aunt offered up Jet Skis from the Inn, for the day. Lewis led me outside to where our classmates congregated.
    For a single second, I felt proud.
    But when a guy I barely knew stopped talking mid-sentence to look at me, I realized I was that girl, the orphaned girl that left school abruptly a few days earlier.
    Lewis didn’t seem to notice the silent stares I got, as he leaned over the deck railing in search of Melissa. Flagstone paths led past a volleyball court and wrapped around a fire pit. Mature trees and picture-perfect flowerbeds scattered the meticulously landscaped yard.
    “She must be in the boathouse,” Lewis said.
    I followed him down the stairs to the path. We were still a distance away when I saw Matt. He had his back to me and, suddenly, I found myself nervous to see him.
    A football player at the table with Matt crushed a can in his fist. Frank was the type of guy that didn’t care what people thought of him. He partied a lot, told obnoxious jokes, and made a scene, all for fun. Aimee laughed at whatever was said, throwing her head to the side in an overdramatic motion. Melissa and I labeled it her signature move. The way she tilted her head was annoying, like time stood still and the spotlight was all on her.
    The uncomfortable feeling I had earlier swept over me when Aimee leaned across the table and touched Matt’s arm.
    Was she flirting with my boyfriend?
    Omigod. What was going to happen after I moved?
    Thoughts swirled in my head, and all I wanted to do was leave. I had to look away. I didn’t want to see if Matt flirted back. I focused on the boathouse and searched for Melissa. When I finally got the courage to glance at Matt again, he was no longer sitting with Aimee. Instead, he was on the pier talking to a blond-haired guy on a Jet Ski.
    By the time Lewis and I reached the lakeside patio, Melissa saw me. She screamed my name and ran to greet me in a strong-gripped hug. Frank did the same, repeating the same words I’d heard for days, the words that triggered the resurface of tears—I’m sorry.
    Melissa asked one question after another. When did you get here? How long can you stay? Did you hear about the island party? She rattled them off faster than I could answer, not to mention she barely took a breath.
    When she finally paused, I told her I could stay overnight.
    “Oh, I’m so happy.” She gave me another tight hug.
    I lost track of where Matt was and if Aimee was watching him. Before I could worry about it, Lewis suggested we pick up the Jet Skis from the Inn.
    Matt was untying the ropes at the bow of boat when we reached the pier. He didn’t notice Melissa or realize I was there. He stood and turned into me.
    “Hey!” His tone was low, and I realized I startled him.
    “Hi,” I said. The nervous feeling I had before went away when our eyes met.
    I stepped into the boat, and Lewis started the engine. The gentle chug as it came to life and the sound of bubbling water made me feel at ease. The familiar scent of exhaust and mildew calmed me. I was suddenly content. I felt at home.
    Lewis slowly backed away from the pier. The sun was hot on my skin. I took off my cover-up and settled into the bench seat at the back of the boat. Melissa sat in the