Page 24 of Into the Fire
Emery’s heart pinched.
“Hey, bug,” Emery greeted gently as June climbed into the back seat. “Rough day?”
June didn’t answer right away. She justbuckled in, staring out the window.
Emery didn’t push, just waited until they were back on the road before trying again. “Wanna talk about it?”
June’s small voice finally broke the silence. “Some girls were being mean.”
Emery’s grip on the wheel tightened slightly. “What happened?”
“They said I talk too much. And that’s why I don’t have a real mom. Just a babysitter.”
Oof. Emery’s chest ached, and her knuckles whitened on the steering wheel.
June sniffed. “I said you're not my babysitter, that you are my Emery. But they just laughed.”
Emery swallowed the lump in her throat. “Well, for the record, I think talking too much is what super smart people do. And I happen to love being your Emery.”
June glanced sideways, still fighting tears. “You’re not just a babysitter, are you?”
“No,” Emery said softly. “I’m your friend.”
That seemed to land better. June didn’t answer, but when they pulled up to the house, June looked calmer, but Emery’s heart still hurt.
Levi stepped out onto the porch as they arrived, his brows knitting together when he saw their faces.
“She okay?” he asked, voice low as June trudged inside without a word.
“She will be,” Emery said, stepping closer. “Some girls at school said some pretty crappy things.”
“Shit...” Levi swore under his breath, eyes flicking toward the house.
“Hey,” she said gently, placing a hand on his forearm. “You’re doing a good job with her. She’s kind, strong, and resilient.”
He looked at her then, tension in his jaw, that familiar storm behind his eyes.
“I hate that people talk,” he muttered. “About her. About you. About us.”
Emery’s breath caught at the last part.
Levi didn’t say anything else, just reached up, brushing a thumbacross her cheekbone as if he didn’t even realize he was doing it. His touch was rough from his calloused working hands, but careful.
“I know, and I'm sorry to add more stress to your shoulders, but you were right, I only care what you say,” Emery told him, a little breathless.
That seemed to knock the wind out of him. For a beat, he just looked at her. Then he stepped back, dragging a hand through his hair.
“I should… check on June,” he said, his voice hoarse.
Emery nodded, pulse still hammering.
“Dinner in an hour?” she asked.
“Yeah, I’ll grill again. This time, I’ll try not to burn the vegetables.” He paused in the doorway, half-turned.
“I’ve got dinner,” she said with a small smile. “June could use some time with her dad.”
His eyes softened, something unspoken passing between them. He gave a short nod and disappeared into the house.
