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I blur the lines of what’s true, muddying them like one of Mable’s chaotic finger paintings. “I saw an opportunity, and I took it. I’m using him. It’s as simple as that. And before you say it, this goes deeper than just asking Dad for money. This job gives me a chance to advocate for this place, sis. Logan has connections to people all over this city that I couldn’t dream of reaching on my own.”
I felt a twinge of satisfaction yesterday after nailing that contract with George. I could have what it takes to rebuild this place. I just need to get in front of the right people.
Her brows furrow as she considers this. “Okay, I hear you. But once that’s accomplished, then what?”
“Then I’ll quit, and I’ll never speak to him again.”
“And you’ll get a real job and start taking care of yourself, right? No more lying.”
I cross my heart like the little fibber I am. “That’s right.”
She stares at me for a beat before conceding. “Okay, okay. I’ll back off.”
“Thank you,” I murmur, hoping my relief isn’t as obvious as it feels.
Her approach may not always be the best, but I know in my heart that Carrie only does what she does because she wants what’s best for me.
That sentiment jars me, and the hair on my arms raises with a wave of goosebumps.
I’ve heard those words before, long ago. And they burrow through my mind, dredging up more memories with Logan that unearth themselves like the living dead.
Carrie pulls me in for a hug, but distracted by my whirling thoughts, I only catch the tail end of her apology. “… we’ve been arguing lately, but I’m sure it’s because this is the first time we’ve been apart for so long. So, I’m sorry for taking that out on you.”
She must be talking about her boyfriend, and I hug her hard, hating to have added to her stress. “I’m sorry, too.”
“It’s okay,” she says with a gentle smile, but it’s duller than usual. I don’t know why I take it personally, but I do.
“Look, I know this isn’t the vacation you expected, but I’d like to make it up to you tonight.” I remove the apron covering my work clothes and hand it to her. “Then we’ll make super-extra-fun plans for the rest of the week.”
When her smile brightens minimally, I grab on to that thread of hope that this will all blow over. “What do you have in mind?”
“I know the perfect spot for snorkeling. There’s a group of sea turtles that swim up every evening, like clockwork. We can go as soon as I get off.” I give her a nudge with my hip. “Don’t think I forgot how obsessed you are with them.”
Her laughter is like a bump of serotonin, forcing out the ick of upsetting her. “Just because I liked them as a child doesn’t mean I was obsessed.”
“Tell that to the teacher who called Mom because you wore the same sea turtle shirt to school for a week straight.”
She looks toward the ceiling, uttering a drawn out, “Okay, fine. I love them.”
A pair of skinny brown arms wrap around my waist from behind. “Wanna play doctor-hospital with me, Nellie?”
I check my phone for the time, realizing how close I’m cutting it to being late to the office, but those big eyes of hers are so full of light and hope that it damn near breaks my heart.
Kneeling to her level, I give her arm a gentle squeeze. “As tempting as being your patient sounds, I can’t. The boss gets cranky if I’m late.”
Carrie harrumphs, but I’m thankful when she crouches beside me, and says, “I’d love to play doctor-hospital with you, Mable.”
“Yay!” she shouts, giving me a parting hug before rushing out of the room to grab her toys.
“Don’t worry about these guys,” Carrie says as we stand. I grab my bag and pumps from the chair by the hall and slip them on. “I’ll man the fort until Dorthea gets back.”
“Thank you, Carrie. Seriously. I really appreciate it.”
“Of course.” I twist the knob just as she adds, “Go kick some ass, and tell your boss I’m grateful for the place, but his taste in wine is shit.”
I laugh as I descend the steps onto the sidewalk with an extra beat flickering in my heart.
See? Everything’s going to be okay.
