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“You’re changing the subject.”
“And I thought you were hungry. We skipped lunch.”
“That doesn’t sound like a good idea,” Levi said. “How about an early dinner?”
Emma’s lips twisted and I knew she caught that I hadn’t told Levi everything yet.
“Fine. Food is a good distraction.”
“What are you feeling, Emma?”
“I was thinking about cooking.”
“Since when do you cook?” I asked. She’d had a stint with it in high school, but she stopped after lighting the kitchen on fire.
“Since I’ve been practicing. I’m working on being a well-rounded adult.”
“What do you want to make?” Levi asked.
“You have a grill, right? I have a hankering for burgers.”
“Someone would have to go to the store,” I said. “I don’t think I have anything for that.”
“I could go, if I could borrow a car. I have a secret ingredient.”
“That worries me.”
She waved me off. “You won’t say that when you try the food.”
“I’ll take you to the store,” Levi offered. “Amy can have a moment to relax while we go.”
“And she needs to drink some water,” Emma added. “You’ve had enough caffeine to kill a lesser person.”
“I’m the one who’s supposed to tell you what to do.”
“Then take care of yourself so I don’t have to.” Emma stuck out her tongue.
“I second that,” Levi said. “Please drink water, darling.”
“Fine,” I muttered. “Have fun at the store.”
I did what I was told, and as I drank water, I realized that the stresshadtaken a toll on me. A distinct pressure built behind my eyes, which was not a good sign.
I pressed my palm against my forehead. I needed Emma to accept my damn car so she would be okay. Then everything would be fine.
But that would have to take convincing, so I sat after drinking water and read while I waited for them to return.
I was stuck trying to comprehend the same page for the tenth time when they walked through the door.
“So not only is chocolate banned, but so is red velvet, which is honestly the most tragic part of this,” Emma said as she walked in.
“Have a fun trip?” I asked.
“I was just telling Levi here all about your birthday parties.”
“Emma, why?”
“Because some were funny. And I needed to warn him never to get you chocolate. You’ve suffered with enough cake that you hate for a lifetime.”