AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“It’s okay to let someone take care of you, too, you know,” she says once she releases me, and the sentiment hits me square in the chest.
“Yeah.” I search for my sister, finding her across the beach, helping Tarra toss logs into the fire pit. “I think you’re right.”
“We’ll save you a seat,” she says, squeezing my hand before I make my way over to them.
They high-five, proud of their handy work, and I pick at my nails, struggling to find the right words.
“Hey, sis. Can we talk for a min—whoa.”
She looks beautiful with sunset-hued eyeshadow streaking her eyelids and pretty pink gloss on her lips.
Tarra beams proudly. “You like? I did it for her.”
“You’re getting good at that,” I say before arching a brow at Carrie. “Not your usual look, but I dig it.”
She dusts her hands off on her shorts with a timid shrug. “You inspired me to try something new.”
We grow quiet; me nibbling a fingernail, and Carrie crossing her arms.
Tarra looks between us before hooking her thumbs over her shoulder. “Um, yeah. Why don’t I catch you guys in a bit?”
I wave as she leaves, but Carrie startles me by throwing her arms around my middle.
“I’m so sorry, Pen. I know things have been awkward between us, and it’s all my fault.”
Despite myself, I smile against her hair, tickling the tip of my nose. “It’s okay.”
“You were right. What you do here, who you’re with… None of that is my business. It’s just hard being so far away from you, and I’m a fixer. I never ever want to see you hurt or suffering, but I understand now that I was overstepping.”
We’re smiling when she pulls back, and for the first time since she arrived, I allow myself to be honest with her. “I was only defensive because I feel like, all my life, I’ve been a black sheep, living in the shadows of our family’s successes. And I’m so damn proud of you, but those insecurities creep in now and then, making me wish I was half as accomplished as you are.”
“Funny, because I’ve always felt like I could never live up to you.”
I’m completely taken aback. “Really?”
She shrugs. “You have a real gift with others. You’re an empath, and that’s why those kids love you as much as they do. It’s why I do, too. Because you give them, and me, a safe place to land when we’re unsure of ourselves.”
I offer her my arm, and she slips hers inside it, laying her head on my shoulder as we walk. “I just want you to know that I love you, exactly as you are, and I never meant to make you feel differently.”
“Thank you,” I say, resting my head against hers, feeling so damn grateful for her—bossy, overprotectiveness, and all. “I’m sorry for making such a mess of your vacation.”
“Don’t be. It’s been an adventure, that’s for sure.”
We wear relaxed smiles as we stop short of the covered grill area.
“I’m heading out to Mom and Dad’s after this,” she says. “Don’t worry, I won’t say anything. But I think you should reconsider talking to them. I know you’re nervous about how they’ll react about everything, but I know when they see how much these kids and that home means to you, they’ll understand.”
Just the thought makes my skin crawl with anxiety, festering inside the wound Logan ripped open weeks ago. The one that took me to a place of fear, insecurity, and abandonment that I’ve long been neglecting.
“I’ll think about it,” I say eventually.
Carrie sticks her pinky up, and I shake my head before wrapping mine around hers. “I’m going to miss you.”
“I’m gonna miss you, too. But I have a feeling things will turn around for you.”
Over her shoulder, I see Ida’s friends stand to welcome the others, making room for them around the table, and I can’t help but turn my gaze to Logan and Ida, cooking together as if all of this is normal to him.
Carrie follows my stare. “You really like him.”
