Page 51 of Right Where You Left Me
“Hm.” She hums. “Is it something you can fix?”
“I don’t know.” I sniffle and Piper huffs before grabbing me a tissue from the end table next to the couch. “I—” I try to take a deep breath and start again. “Emma and I broke up. I broke up with her.”
“Oh, Sage.” She says and hugs me tighter against her. I don’t even try to stifle my sobs now. I let them wrack my body, lettingall the guilt and shame that has been eating at me all night last night and all day today ravage my body. Piper holds me through it all, letting out soothing noises as she strokes my hair some more. “I know it seems like the end of the world right now,” she starts, “But things will always get better.”
“I don’t know if this will.” I manage to say. “I wasn’t… very nice.” I wince. That’s understating things. I was fucking horrible to her yesterday. I said some of the cruelest things I could, and she didn’t deserve any of it. I was lashing out just like River said, taking out all my insecurities and bullshit on the one person I never wanted to hurt. I wouldn’t blame her if she didn’t forgive me for it.
She lets out a thoughtful noise. “Can’t say I’m shocked to hear you weren’t being nice.” I let out an affronted grunt and she laughs lightly. “Emma will forgive you, love. You just have to apologize. I’m sure whatever it was can be fixed.”
“We’ll see.” I say, voice small as I snuggle in closer to my sister.
We sit there, tangled together in comfortable silence, until Hank joins us. He has a mug in each hand and I can smell the sweet scent of chocolate as he gets closer.
“Thought you could use one.” He says with a soft smile as he hands the mugs to us.
“Thanks.” I say taking a deep sip. “Hot chocolate does always help.”
I watch as he mouths ‘what happened?’to Piper and she mouths ‘I’ll tell you later’back to him. I love them so much. Hank and Piper have been together for so long now that it’s hard to remember a time that he wasn’t around. I know he loves me like I’m his own sister and I’m really grateful my sister has someone as steady and loving as he is. Together they’re a solid unit, my foundation honestly. I’d be lost without them.
“I should probably head home.” I say, once my mug is empty.
“You sure?” Piper asks with a furrowed brow. “You can sleep in the guest room if you want.”
“No, I’m okay. River will be wondering where I am anyway. I’ll see you tomorrow at the cafe though.”
I hug them each extra tight before I head out, driving as quickly as I can while still being safe to get myself home. River is sprawled out on the couch when I get in, watching some reality TV show that he loves. I trudge over and plop down on top of him. “Have a good night?” I ask as he shifts so we both are more comfortable.
“Not bad. You doing okay?”
I shake my head, focusing on the TV and not on my best friend’s knowing gaze. “Nope. But, I think I will be. I just need to figure out how to fix this shitty situation I created.”
He hums. “Yes, but you will. That tiny baker is head over heels for you, Sagey. You’ll win her back, I know it.”
“I hope so.” I whisper. “I can’t lose her, Riv. Not again.”
“I know.” He murmurs. “But, you won’t.”
I look off to the side and notice the clock on our wall says 11:11. I squeeze my eyes closed and wish for it. I wish for it with everything I have because Ineedher.
CHAPTER 19
Emma
There’s a lull in customer traffic this morning and I take the break to go and do my weekly inventory count in the kitchen. I was going to take the weekend off, but Liam insisted I work. He assured me he’d be just fine hanging out with my mom until I got off work at noon. I agreed and well, here we are. Me, miserable and trying to get through my work day without thinking about the giant gaping hole in my chest.
I’m finishing up the online order for next week when Piper comes to join me in the kitchen. “We’ve been empty for a bit. Left the bell on the counter if anyone comes in.” She says with a shrug. “Need any help back here?”
“No, I just finished the order and was just going to prep some cookie dough to freeze so we have some on hand if we need it.”
She nods slowly, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth. I know she knows what happened. It’s written all over her face, but I don’t know exactly what Sage said to her about it. To be honest, I don’t even really understand how we got here. One moment we were something amazing, and the next she didn’t think we were worth fighting for anymore. I think that’s the part that hurts the most about it. That even with her insecurities and her fears, she didn’t think that I was worth fighting all of those feelings for.
“So, you heard?” I say, not beating around the bush. I’m too old for games and if I’m going to stay working here, which I really want to do, I need to clear the air and move on.
“Yeah.” She sighs. “I’m sorry, Emma.”
I shrug. “Not much I can do about it I guess. Sage decided we were done and isn’t taking any of my calls. The tattoo shop was closed yesterday, and I know that because I called the shop all day. And no one was answering this morning. She’s screening my calls.” I shake my head and will the tears that want to fall again to stay inside. I cannot break down in the kitchen in front of her sister. I refuse. “I just want her back.” I choke out. “I hate this.”
Piper’s face does a weird thing and I arch a brow at her. “What is it?” I ask.
