Olive’s not the only one I need to talk to, though. I square my shoulders. “I really want to let Lacey know today. I don’t want to pretend any longer.”
Olive pops up. “Let’s do it.”
My sister heads to her desk, calls Blaine Enterprises, and asks for Lacey. They set up a time to meet tomorrow, and Olive says she’ll come with me.
Funny, how I pictured going it alone—doing this whole fix-my-mess-by-myself thing.
But my friends and my sister have been by my side all along.
Especially when Olive settles in next to me and we discuss her options, then mine, reviewing teachers and putting together a new plan. It feels amazing to have this kind of support.
But then, that’s what we’ve always done—support each other.
And it feels so damn good to have her here with me today.
Chapter 35
Katie
There is someone else who supports me too.
Who’s a big part of this situation.
Who’s the very reason for it.
I ring Harlan, but I don’t expect him to answer. He’s in practice most of the day. Still, I want him to know what’s going on.
When I reach his voicemail, I end the call and click to text.
Better to just tell him everything.
Katie:Hello! Can you saybusy day? It’s been one. My mother showed up unexpectedly at my place this morning, and it was kind of eye-opening. She asked me to be her maid of honor at her upcoming wedding. I said no. And I felt great. Amazing. Because I felt nothing for her—no anger, no hurt, no annoyance. I felt lucky to be on the other side. But I also realized, I don’t want to be like her onebit. So, I’m not asking you to change anything, but I don’t want to do this secretly any longer. I told Olive today, and we’re working together to find the best replacement for me to present to Lacey. I know this is all happening sooner than expected, but… I didn’t feel right pretending anymore. Especially after yesterday. I am falling for you, and I can’t keep working with the team and you this closely, knowing how I feel. I hope you understand. I’m working at the office with my sister today. Call me or text me or something!
Before I hit Send, I review the message, a new dose of anxiety running through me. Have I stepped out of bounds with Harlan? Assumed too much? Am I going all Lone Ranger?
But then, I replay what he said in his kitchen as we made monkey bread:whenever it works for you, I’m by your side.
I need to trust that he meant it. That he’s able to handle this change in plans.
That’s part of his job—to react to split-second shifts on the field. To his quarterback calling audibles. To getting open when other receivers are swarmed.
Harlan, I sure hope you’re open to catch this pass I’m lobbing your way.
But whether he is or not, I need to do this for me.
This is the right way to live. This makes me happy.
And I’m doing it.
***
My phone is silent the rest of the afternoon as I go for a swim to calm my nerves, then still as Olive and I bring Zachary into the plans and finalize our ideas with him.
Theymightalso watch a few more cat videos.
As a big orange cat leaps onto a piano on Zachary’s screen, I check my phone again, hoping for a reply.
But there isn’t one.
