Chapter 35

Riva took back the note and shoved it in her pocket. She looked like she might cry, and Emmy’s conscience prickled again. She couldn’t spend the week making girls burst into tears.

“Whatever you have to figure out,” she said, “you’re going to have to be the one to figure it out. We’re different people.” Emmy shrugged. “Thanks for apologizing, but the next time you’re doing that, maybe try not to make it all about you. It’s not my job to help you. It’s really not my job considering what you did the other day in school. And maybe think about how you can work out your questions without hurting anybody else. Whatever girl you like, she probably doesn’t need to get drawn into this nonsense with your boyfriend.” She shook her head. “I’m sorry if that’s harsh.”

“Yeah,” Riva said. She seemed dazed.