Chapter 7
Emma
Fireworks erupted in the distance as Emma left the store, their sudden crackles and bangs cutting through the calm of the afternoon. Clearly, someone was ringing in the Fourth of July a day ahead of schedule. The loud explosions guided Emma's foot to the gas pedal, pressing down with urgency, as images of Riley's anxious face filled her mind. When she pulled up to her driveway, she hurried, grabbing the bags from the back seat, and hauling them to the front door.
As she walked inside, she exhaled, letting out a breath of relief at the sight of Riley snoozing away in his dog bed. When she dropped the bags on the floor, he stood up and trotted over to inspect them, wagging his tail.
“Hey buddy. These aren’t for you.”
Emma leaned down to scratch behind his ears, then picked up the bags and carried them to the kitchen. Riley stuck close to her heels, ever watchful for anything that might fall.
“Riley, you already ate lunch.”
She turned and looked down at him. “Don’t act like I don’t feed you.”
A whine rolled through the air, and Riley retreated to the living room, as Emma busied herself in the kitchen. She pulled out all the ingredients to make her special blend of dog treats, filling mixing bowls on the countertops with pumpkin puree and coconut flour. Hours slipped away as she baked and packaged the treats, her mind occasionally drifting to memories of past Independence Day celebrations with Chad.
Back then, on the Fourth of July, they would cuddle on a blanket, watching the sky light up, and downing champagne. But since their divorce and her growing awareness of the impact fireworks had on wildlife and other animals, especially dogs like Riley, those memories had soured. The discomforting reality that most pets were reported lost on the Fourth of July weighed heavily on her mind. The fireworks that once represented happiness now only brought distress.
As evening settled in, she pulled out the sixth batch from the oven and was startled by a loud popping sound outside. Emma peeked through the window, her face tightening at the sight of red sparks bursting through the sky. With a wearied exhale, she cleaned up the countertops and put everything away, her movements more deliberate as thoughts of Chad played in her mind.
The echo of fireworks followed her as she left the kitchen and checked that the front and back doors were locked before heading to the bedroom. There, she found Riley whining, hiding under the bed.
Emma dropped to her knees and coaxed him out with gentle words and encouragement. When he finally emerged, she cradled him in her arms, placing him on the bed and stroking his soft fur.
“You're safe here with me, boy,”
she whispered, holding him close. “I’m never gonna let anything hurt you.”
As she looked into Riley's eyes, she realized that her love for him had become a source of strength and healing. It was a pure, uncomplicated affection, free from the deceptions that had marred her marriage.
“You and I, we've got each other.”
She kissed him on his head. “And that's all that matters.”
Emma settled into bed, snuggling Riley as his trembling slowly ceased. The persistent sound of fireworks, the booms and whistles, filled the air. Her eyes focused on the window where occasional flashes of light appeared.
Why do we cling to things that we know cause harm?
The question wasn't just about the fireworks. It was also a reflection of her relationship with Chad. How many times had she tolerated his harsh words and dismissive behavior? Like the fireworks, beautiful but destructive, their relationship was a facade hiding a bitter reality. He had continued to hurt her, time and again, and she had endured it, believing it was just who they were.
With the sound of the last fireworks dwindling into the night, Emma's thoughts grew quiet, and she drifted into a peaceful sleep.
***
The following morning, Emma slept in, waking up later than usual, around 11:00. As she rose from the bed, she noticed that Riley hadn’t been there to greet her with his usual face licks. She stretched her arms, welcoming the salty scent of the ocean that had entered through the partially opened window. Gazing out at the sparkling sandy beach, a feeling of contentment washed over her as she prepared to start her day.
“Riley? Where are you, boy?”
she called out in a singsong voice.
As she made her way through the cottage, the sound of water droplets drew Emma to the bathroom, where she found Riley lapping up water from the faucet.
“Silly boy.”
She giggled as she crouched down to pet his soft fur. “You’re such a goofball.”
After feeding Riley and starting the coffee maker, Emma showered and dressed in a patriotic ensemble of blue shorts and a red and white striped top. She pulled her hair up into a neat bun, then went to the back door, ready to walk Riley. Just as she clipped on his leash, her phone buzzed in her back pocket—it was Lisa calling.
“Hey girl!”
Emma chirped.
“Hey! Happy Fourth!”
“Same to you. How are you doing?”
“I’m good. Just calling to see if you’re going to Phil’s before heading down to the beach?”
“Of course, I’m going. How could I miss that?”
“Well, I wanted to make sure. I’m gonna be there soon. Maybe we’ll get lucky and meet a couple of hot guys at the beach later.”
“Maybe,”
Emma said, letting out a nervous laugh.
Lisa’s tone turned serious. “I just want to see you happy again. I figured if you met someone new, it would help.”
“I appreciate you looking out for me, but I don’t think I’m ready for all of that.”
Emma's voice carried traces of past heartache as she shook her head. “It’s too soon. I’ve only been divorced for three months.”
Riley trailed Emma as she stepped outside, her phone and leash in hand. As the stubborn door handle closed behind her, she made a mental note to fix it later.
“Take all the time you need, Emma. You’re an amazing, intelligent, and beautiful woman. And anyone would be lucky to have you.”
Emma sighed, her eyes falling upon a flock of seagulls taking flight near the shoreline. Lisa could be right about finding someone new. Still, the idea of opening her heart again was daunting. She could only hope that, eventually, she'd find the courage to take that leap of faith.
“Thanks Lisa. You always know what to say.”
Emma walked into the kitchen, grabbing Riley’s water dish from the floor.
“I’ll see you at Phil’s in a bit, okay?”
“Sure thing. See ya then.”
Emma hung up and filled the dish to the brim.
With a busy day ahead, the decision to leave Riley at home alone stirred guilt within her, especially since he hated fireworks. But really, what other choice did she have? He never did well in large crowds, like last year’s town Christmas parade incident, when he snatched a pretzel from a kid’s hand, bolted off, and narrowly escaped being caught under the wheels of the truck pulling Santa’s sleigh.
After bidding a reluctant farewell to Riley, Emma walked out the front door and into her car, driving a short distance to town. She found a parking spot on a side street a couple of blocks from Phil's Diner, where the usual parking had filled up. The sun beat down on her shoulders as she crossed the stop sign, making her way onto Main Street. As she dug into her purse, a sudden realization caused her fingers to pause: she had forgotten to bring sunscreen. Emma hoped Lisa had brought some; otherwise, she knew that her fair skin would soon be a painful shade of red. The thought quickened her steps along the cobblestone pathway, momentarily setting aside her guilt for leaving Riley behind.
The diner was packed as she walked in, taking a seat at the counter. She waved at Margie, the seasoned waitress, and Phil, who had popped out of the kitchen. “Hey, Em! Good to see ya!”
“You too, Phil,”
she said, nodding to a few familiar faces before Lisa slid onto the stool next to her, coffee in hand.
“You look festive.”
Lisa gave her a playful nudge.
Emma raised her hands under her chin, palms facing downward, and batted her eyelashes. “I try, sometimes.”
Margie approached with her notepad ready. “So, what’ll it be, honey?”
“I’ll do a large veggie wrap—with fries this time,”
Emma said, surprising even herself.
“You got it.”
Margie winked, tearing off the order and heading to the kitchen.
Lisa’s eyes widened. “Fries? That’s a first.”
“Yeah. I figured I’d treat myself, for the holiday and all.”
Usually, Emma would settle for a small salad. But today felt different. For years, Chad had scolded her whenever she dared to stray from the safe, low-calorie options on the menu. His critical glances and hurtful comments always made her feel insecure about her figure. Chad’s obsession with her maintaining a size six had been a constant pressure in their marriage, and though she'd dieted diligently, the struggle to meet his exacting standards had worn on her.
While waiting for her meal, Emma turned and was greeted by her old neighbor, Ada Harrison.
“Hey stranger! I haven’t seen you in ages. How are things at the new house?”
“Hey you!”
Emma pulled her into a friendly hug. “Things are going well. The new cottage is coming together finally. It’s smaller than what I’m used to, but it’s perfect for me and Riley.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
Ada’s mischievous grin lit up her eyes. “But I’ve gotta tell you all about the man who took your old house. He’s from Chicago, and what a dreamboat! His son is as handsome as he is...maybe sixteen or seventeen, I think? And no wife either. Boy...if I was about ten years younger, I’d think about leaving Frank for him.”
Several people chuckled at the story, while others leaned in, intrigued by the town's newest gossip. A couple near the window exchanged amused glances, while a woman at the counter sipped her soda with a knowing smile.
“He came in earlier this morning,”
Phil said. “A nice guy. Very nice guy.”
“Ada certainly thinks so!”
someone called out from one of the booths.
The walls of the diner shook with laughter, bouncing sound waves through the crowded space, drowning out the clinking of dishes and the hum of conversation. Emma was caught mid-laugh when the door chime drew her attention. Her eyes darted to see who had entered, a smile still on her lips...until she saw him. In an instant, every face turned toward the door, their raucousness fading to a hush.
Silence gripped the diner like a vise.
Emma’s heart sank when she spotted Chad with Ashley on his arm. It was the first time she had seen him since the divorce. She watched as he waved at everyone, including her, then led Ashley to a booth. Turning away, Emma fought to compose herself as her breath hitched in her chest.
How could he move on so easily?
Phil leaned in. “You want me to kick him out? I don’t have to serve someone like him, not after what he did.”
“I don’t want you to lose business on my account, Phil. Let them stay.”
Phil's eyes narrowed as he reached across the counter and squeezed Emma’s hand. “Alright, sweetie. But if you change your mind, let me know.”
“Thanks, Phil.”
Emma lowered her gaze as Phil walked away.
“Are you alright?”
Lisa whispered to her.
“Not really.”
Emma knew this day would come. She had imagined this moment countless times in her mind, preparing herself for the encounter, but now that it was happening, she realized that she still wasn’t ready for it.
Just then, Margie set a veggie wrap and fries in front of Emma, who felt a sudden certainty that she wouldn't be able to eat a single bite.
“I have to go,”
Emma said, turning to Lisa as Margie walked away.
“Okay. I’ll go with you. You still need to eat. Do you wanna take this over to the beach?”
“I...I can’t, Lisa. Not now. I’m sorry, but I need to go.”
Emma’s hands trembled as she reached for her wallet, pulling out a couple of bills, then laid them on the table.
“Is everything okay? Is something wrong with the wrap?”
Margie asked.
Emma shook her head and stood up from her stool. “No, it looks great. I’m just not hungry anymore.”
“Okay, dear, I’ll get this boxed up for you.”
Once Margie had returned with a plastic bag, Lisa walked Emma to the door. “Want me to go with you? We can just do margaritas at your place.”
“No, you stay, have fun. I’ll call you later.”
Emma scrambled to her car, hoping that no one would try to make her stay. The thought of trying to have fun with Chad and his girlfriend nearby made her stomach turn.
Once inside the car and away from prying eyes, she shifted it into drive. As she did so, the tension within her began to unravel. With every mile she placed between herself and Chad, she could feel her racing heartbeat return to its normal rhythm.
***
When Emma arrived at the cottage, she took her bag and walked inside, eager to spend the afternoon watching movies and cuddling with Riley rather than pretending to be in a good mood. She looked over at his dog bed in the corner, hoping to see him snoozing, but it was empty.
“Riley? Where are you?”
Emma walked into the kitchen and put her wrap in the fridge. Riley’s water and food dish were still full and untouched.
She searched the bathroom, then the bedroom, checking in the closet and under the bed.
“Where are you hiding, boy?”
Panic rose as she returned down the hall and saw the back door hanging wide open. She had forgotten to close it earlier when she was on the phone with Lisa.
Riley was gone.
Emma frantically called out for him while running onto the porch, hoping he hadn’t strayed too far. “Riley! Here, boy! Come here!”
She shouted his name, scanning the beach for any trace of Riley. A few people walked by, but there was no sign of him. Desperation mounted as she asked the beachgoers if they'd seen a loose golden retriever. But no one had.
A lump formed in her throat as she reached for her phone and dialed Kara’s number.
Kara answered on the second ring. “Hey Emma. Charlotte and I just made it to the beach. Are you here somewhere?”
“No, I’m not at the beach.”
Emma’s voice shook. “It’s Riley. I left the back door open, and he got out. I can’t find him anywhere.”
“Okay, he couldn’t have gone far. I’ll start walking toward your cottage and ask anyone if they’ve seen him.”
“Thanks, Kara. I'm heading out to look around the neighborhood..”
After hanging up, she grabbed her keys, hoping against all odds she’d find him. She drove around town and the outskirts for hours, asking anyone and everyone if they’d seen Riley. But it was hopeless.
No one had seen him.
As the sun was setting, her phone rang. It was Kara. She pulled over, her heart pounding with anticipation. “Did you find him? Please say you found him.”
“Sorry, Em. No luck on our end so far, but it's not over. Our volunteer team is gonna search around town early in the AM. I texted our coordinator, and she’s arranging it as we speak.”
Emma broke down in tears, regretting she hadn’t been more careful. “Kara, how could I let this happen? I should’ve shut the back door.”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself. Accidents happen. Go home and get some sleep. I’ll text you in a bit to let you know when we’re meeting.”
There was something reassuring in Kara’s voice that allowed Emma to regain her composure. At least somewhat. “Okay, sounds like a plan. And I should’ve said this earlier, but thanks for today. You and Charlotte didn’t have to spend your day doing this.”
“Emma, we’d do anything for you. You know that.”
After they hung up, Emma leaned back into the seat, massaging her temples in a circular motion to ease the tension behind her eyes. She sat for a moment longer before pulling back onto the road.
As she drove home, she prayed for a miracle: They’d find Riley, he’d be okay, and they’d move on with their lives.
If only she had a second chance to go back and do it over, she would’ve made sure to shut the door.