Chapter 25
To celebrate Lizette’s thirtieth birthday, her family took her and Emmett to SeaWorld.
He had good memories of going there with his dad when he was a kid, but not since he was seventeen and a ride operator at the new manta ray–themed roller coaster looked him up and down and said, “We’re probably not gonna get you on this.
” In fact they did get him on, by smashing the restraints down over his chest and stomach, but the experience was so humiliating, and the ride so physically painful, that he’d never tried it again.
These days Emmett would have no trouble, but out of respect for Lizette, who didn’t stand a chance, he walked the park with her while her family and Armando stood in line.
They bought soft pretzels and explored Wild Arctic, observing the belugas and harbor seals.
Emmett stood entranced before the walrus exhibit, in awe of the unselfconscious poise with which they maneuvered their exquisite fatness through the water: pushing off the glacial rockwork with a showy ripple, flattening their blubber against the acrylic as if to make their bodies all the easier to admire.
Emmett envied them. Over one hundred pounds down from his starting weight, his own return to the water still felt a long way off.
In the hubbub of the crowded park, he didn’t notice his phone buzzing. By the time he checked it, he had several missed calls and texts from Aaron.
Just got to Humphreys. Are you here yet?
Got our tickets. I’m by will call when you get here.
ETA? Don’t want to be late…
Where are you? The show’s already started
Seriously where TF are you? Are you ghosting me???
What was Aaron talking about? He had mentioned he and a friend were going to see some comedian at Humphreys by the Bay, but there’d been no discussion of Emmett coming along.
He scrolled back through their extensive text log, pausing at the words I’m so excited, I love comedy!!! When had he written that?
A little further, and here was Aaron saying his friend couldn’t make it, asking if Emmett would like to join him. Emmett agreeing. Aaron refusing to accept payment for the ticket.
What? Emmett couldn’t remember any of this. How had he forgotten an entire conversation?
His phone began to vibrate.
“Shit.”
“Everything okay?” Lizette said.
“I’ll be right back.” Adrenaline pumping, he squeezed through the crowd to the back of the ice cave–like exhibit area. How was he going to explain this? How had this even happened?
“Aaron—” he said, answering the call.
“Thank god, I thought something happened to you. Where are you?”
“I’m with Lizette—”
“Lizette?” In the glare of Aaron’s snappish tone, Emmett lost his nerve.
“There was an accident. She cut her hand chopping vegetables and I had to take her to the ER.”
“Oh my god, is she okay?”
“She’s fine. But there was a lot of blood. It was really scary.” What are you talking about?
“Shit. I’ll come over, where are you?”
“No, no,” Emmett insisted. “I mean, thank you. But we’re fine.”
“Sorry for freaking out on you. I should’ve realized… Glad you’re both okay.”
“Thanks.” The word oozed guilt; Emmett swallowed it down. Looking around, he saw Lizette cocking an eyebrow and making her way toward him.
“Well, I’m gonna head inside and try to catch the last half,” Aaron said. “Text you later?”
“Sure. Enjoy the show.” They said their goodbyes and ended the call.
“What’s happening?” Lizette said.
“I’m such an idiot. I told Aaron I’d meet him and totally blanked.”
“That’s not like you.” She looked concerned. “Do you think it’s the—”
“It’s not anything. I just forgot.”
“Okay, jeez. Is he mad?”
“I gave him an excuse. By the way, you’re in the ER. You almost lost a finger.”
“Wow.” Lizette’s head rolled back. “That’s some deception. If you ever lie to me like that, I swear to god—”
“All right,” he interjected. “Come on. Let’s find your family.”