Page 18 of What Maple Heard

“I’m fine.”

“You’re not fine. I’m really sorry about what happened with Maple. Kyle told me.”

“Thanks Sapphire.” I said and started walking towards the entrance. She fell into step beside me.

“Are you going to see Sue Robbins? I’m going there too.” She breathed out as she quickened her steps to keep up to my speed.

“No, I’m going to meet the Events Volunteer Coordinator. I think her name is Jasmine Simmons.”

Sapphire stopped in her tracks and I stopped involuntarily too. “Wait a second,” she said. “Is this about Maple? Are you trying to get yourself into her dance class somehow?”

That was some smart deduction. I glanced at her. “Yes.” I said.

“Why?”

“What do you mean, why?”

“I mean—“ She spread her hands. “Come on, Cade. I know everything about what happened that night. I know the words you spoke about Maple were mean. But, what you said was not entirely wrong.”

“Which way do you not see that as wrong, Sapphire?”

“Look, Cade. I understand you’re feeling guilty that she heard you. Maybe even sad because you miss her. But the truth is, your parents would never accept her. She really doesn’t belong in your lifestyle, in your family. What you said came out from deep within. And you know it was the truth.” I was filled with rage, but didn’t want to create a scene in front of the town council and ruin the only plan I had to place myself back into Maple’s life.

“I’ve known you my entire life, Cade.” Sapphire continued, mistaking my silence for acknowledgement. “You’ve never chased anyone. Not once, in the entire time I’ve known you. You don’t do this.”

“I do now.” I said with clenched teeth.

“But why her?” She shook her head. “You’ve been connected to some incredible women. Women who fit your life—“

“Because I’ve never connected with anyone the way I connected with her.” I kept walking. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have an appointment.”

Sapphire stepped in front of me. She was about to say something when I looked past her at someone approaching the entrance from the other side. . I literally pushed Sapphire aside to get a better look.

Maple. She had a folder of papers tucked under her arm. Her hair was down the way she wore it when she wasn’t teaching. She was moving fast. Then she spotted me and stopped. She looked at me, then looked at Sapphire standing next to me. Then she looked at the gap between us, which was not nearly as large as it should have been given the circumstances.

She started moving again. Faster.

“Maple—“ I started toward her. “Maple, wait—“

Sapphire followed. Of course she did.

Maple stopped at the top of the steps, one hand on the door, and looked at me. “Are you following me?”

“No — I had an appointment—“

“He’s not following you,” Sapphire said, appearing at my shoulder. “Maybe you’re following him. Maybe you realized you walked away from a very good catch and now you’re desperate to have him back.”

“Sapphire!” My voice came out sharp and flat and completely done. “Do NOT say another word.”

She blinked at me.

“Not ONE word.”

I turned to Maple. She was watching this with a tiredness around her eyes. I physically resisted the urge to hug her. “I will not hear one word against her. Not from you, not from anyone.” Sapphire went very still. Maple looked at me. “I’m not interested in this drama. Looks like you two are having a great time out here. Have fun.” She pushed open the door.

“Maple—“

“What about everything you said about her?” Sapphire said behind me, and I heard her but I was already moving toward Maple. “None of it was wrong—“