I walk through the garden, letting my fingers trail over the leaves like I used to. The zucchini’s ready, so I tug one free then gather a few ripe tomatoes, sprigs of basil, and a generous handful of parsley.
Inside, I find ground turkey in the freezer, reminding me of one of the first garden hauls I had here.
"You were born to gather," Sam teases, watching me come in with arms full of greens. "Guess I'd better step up my hunting game if I want to keep up."
I push the memory away and get to work prepping aquick meal. Chopping the vegetables from the garden, browning the turkey, and adding in the parsley and basil. I love the cabin, but I won’t miss cooking all my meals in that tiny kitchen.
After I clean up the dishes, I still feel restless, unsettled in a way I can’t quite shake. I head to the couch and put in my comfort movie,Never Been Kissed.
It’s not a cinematic masterpiece, but it’s familiar. I bought it from a bargain DVD bin at a big-box store that went out of business years ago. This was always my go-to at home in the trailer. The predictability of it always soothes me. I often throw it on at the start of my period, which happens to be today—the familiar movie keeps my mind off my cramps, along with some chocolate.
I can’t count how many times I’ve lain on this couch, head in Sam’s lap, making him watch this movie. He always had something to say about the ending. My favorite scene, when Josie stands on the pitcher’s mound, laying her heart bare in front of the whole crowd, used to spark the same reaction every time.
“Sure, I get it,” Sam says. “She’s owning up to everything. That’s great. But on the pitcher’s mound? Right before a championship game? That’s sacred space! The coach and pitcher should be checking out the mound, not watching a couple make-out on home plate.”
I roll my eyes, laughing. “You really missed the point.”
But he didn’t, not really. I smile now at the memory, pulling a blanket tighter around my waist. He wasn’t wrong, but his version didn’t make for good TV.
As if my thoughts summon him, my phone buzzes beside me.
Sam
Hey, baby, I know what time of the month it is. Just wanted you to know I restocked your dark chocolate stash a few weeks back when I saw it was low, in case I got you home again.
My chest tightens as I get up to grab the dark chocolate squares that I swear have healing properties. I grab my pillow and hug it a little tighter and decide to put myself out there, as Josie did.
Thank you, it’s good to be home
As I lay there watching the movie progress, I receive another text. Looking down, I assume it’s Sam’s reply until I stop in my tracks.
Unknown
I hope that Lily Drive property deal was worth it for you and Sam. You didn’t just cut me out; you complicated a few things on his side too.
My first instinct is to handle it myself; it always has been. But this time … I don’t.
32
SAM
Idrive toward my grandparents’ little cottage in the 50+ community with more dread than I’ve ever felt in my life. I love my grandparents deeply, but this conversation is going to hurt.
Staying with my parents would have been easier for me, but I haven’t spoken to my mom since I confronted her about Mandy and the way she’s always treated Becca. Plus, I know I deserve whatever’s coming.
When I knock, Grammy answers with her usual warmth, “Hey, stranger. Fancy seeing you here.”
She pulls me into a hug. Then she and Grandad spot the duffel bag.
“What’d you do?” he deadpans.
“Why do you assume I did anything?” I shoot back, even though it's true.
Grandad snorts. “Son, I’ve been married for fifty-four years. A woman like Becca … she’ll carry the whole damn load, until she can’t.”
I nod, swallowing hard. I tell them everything. The loan to Holly. The things I said, how I didn’t make Becca a priority.Even the postnup with Becca removing any claim to the house.
“We thought we were being fair, giving you the house at a deal while letting Holly get the funds. Maybe that wasn’t the right call. A home should be between a husband and wife … and we complicated it by having family receive the payments,” Grammy states, shaking her head.
