Page 89 of The Charmed Friends of Trove Isle
Rose was quiet for a moment. “I’m sorry, Liz.”
“You can’t apologize for Melody.”
“I’m not. I’m apologizing for myself,” Rose said. “I guess I never really understood all that you went through that night. And after that night. It makes my small dramas seem so stupid.”
Liz glanced over.
“Eyes on the road!” Rose ordered, teasingly.
Liz whipped her gaze back to the front windshield. She pulled up to a STOP sign and then turned onto her street, slowing to turn into her driveway.
“Maybe I overreacted. Josh is a really nice guy.” Rose looked out the front windshield as Liz parked. “Cuddling would have been nice.”
Liz laughed. “I think you could have probably told him how you felt and it would have been fine. You should text him,” Liz said. “Tell him that he can pick you up here and that he can drop you off here no later than midnight. No hotel room.”
Rose looked relieved. “You should text Matt and tell him to catch a ride home with Christopher tonight.”
Liz nodded. “That’s a good idea.”
Rose’s phone rang in her lap. She stared down at it. “It’s Josh.”
“Answer it,” Liz said.
Rose hesitated and then connected the call, holding her phone to her ear. “Hey . . . mm-hmm. I know. I believe you.” Rose locked eyes with Liz as she listened to what Josh was saying. “So, um, do you want to come pick me back up at my sister’s house and start the night over?” Rose smiled at whatever he said next. “Okay. I need to be home by midnight though. Are you good with that?”
Liz was happy for her sister. Her disappointment was temporary and could be resolved easily. Liz’s wasn’t.
“Okay. See you soon.” Rose lowered the phone and disconnected the call. “Josh is coming to get me. Unless you need me to stay with you instead.”
Liz was grateful that Rose would be willing to pass on one of the most important nights of her young life. “No need. I’m just going to sleep.”
“I’ll wait here then.”
Liz nodded. Then she pushed the truck door open. “Have fun,” she called over her shoulder. Closing the truck door, Liz headed toward her house. She couldn’t wait to get these heels off. And this dress. She climbed the porch steps, unlocked the door, and stepped inside, breathing a sigh of relief. The momentary feeling dissipated when her phone began to ring. First Melody. Then Matt. “Go away,” Liz muttered. She wanted everything to go away right now, especially the slight headache that had begun to throb at her temple. She didn’t respond to Melody, but she owed it to Matt to let him know she was okay. She tapped the screen, sending off a quick text.
Liz: I’m home safe and sound. I’ll call you tomorrow. Right now, I just need to go to bed.
To: Melody Palmer
From: Bri Johnson
Subject: Making memories
Mel,
I won’t lie. I’m a little jealous that you and Liz are at prom tonight—even though it’s not ours. A person can’t turn back time. If they could, everyone would be doing it, and we’d all be in a bigger mess than we are right now. Probably. Anyway, take pictures. I’m sure Liz has that covered. Have fun. And try to remember as much as you forget. I think that’s key in moving on. Fifty-fifty remembering and forgetting. Add in some fun and a whole lot of love. And a few hard-earned charms.
B
CHAPTERTWENTY-SEVEN
MELODY
It was gone. For the last thirty minutes, Melody had crawled around on her hands and knees looking for the charm bracelet. It was as if it had disappeared when Liz had tossed it to the floor. Melody needed to get up and return to chaperoning the prom. It was something she’d committed to, and looking for the charm bracelet any longer was pointless.
Melody walked to the door that led to the gym and paused, listening to the music on the other side. Before she’d come in here with her call, she’d been swaying in Christopher’s arms. Tonight her feelings were all hanging out on the surface where she couldn’t control them. It was risky putting herself in a situation where she might say or do something she’d regret. Like leaning into Christopher for his support after her fight with Liz.
Was Liz in the room beyond this door? Would she cool down enough to let Melody explain things in a rational manner?
