NINETEEN

On his way to find Emilia, Max bumped into Zander. “Good morning”

“Where is mom? She wasn’t in the bedroom”

“She has her own room now,” He responded, hoping the child was too young to understand the meaning. No such luck.

“Did you make her angry again? Aunt Thea says I’m the only person who can get away with that”

“Any tips on what I should do to make her forgive me?”

“Flowers and diamonds. Girls like shiny things”

Max couldn’t help feeling proud. His son gave better advice than his best friend. He couldn’t wait to rub it in Nash’s face.

“Have Mel make you breakfast. Tell her I said you could eat whatever you want”

Zander nodded, then left. He moved to the guest bedroom and stopped in front of the door. In the past, whenever Emilia got angry, all he had to do was corner her and ask for forgiveness. Was it still the same, or had she changed? Pushing the door open, he went inside. Emilia was curled up in bed, reminding him of the time he’d brought her back all those years ago. He’d come