THE GIRL WHO STAYED FOR ONLY ONE SUMMER
Chapter 9
Their last dinner was at June’s diner.
June knew.
Everyone knew.
Nobody said anything.
She brought Maya her usual coffee.
Then Ethan’s.
Then two slices of pie.
“No charge.”
Maya smiled.
“Thank you.”
June nodded.
“Come back someday.”
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Maya looked at Ethan.
“I will.”
June walked away.
Ethan stared at his coffee.
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Maya reached across the table.
She touched his hand.
“I meant it.”
“What?”
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“I’ll come back.”
Ethan looked at her.
“Don’t promise.”
“Why?”
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“Because promises make leaving harder.”
She held his hand tighter.
“You don’t believe that.”
“I do.”
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She shook her head.
“You just don’t want to hope.”
Ethan looked out the window.
Maybe she was right.
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