He scrolled back through their extensive text log, pausing at the wordsI’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 anentire 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.”
CHAPTER 26
If Emmett didn’t eat soon, something bad was going to happen.
