Page 58 of Something like Desire

“And Mr. Aries?” Maren asks. “Do you think that was the end for you two?”

I let out a sigh, one that is way more heart wrenching than I meant it to be. If it’s the end, what was all of that for? He opened my mind to an excitement and ease that I didn’t know existed.

“He hasn’t messaged or called, and I haven’t reached out either. I like him. I mean, Ireallylike him. When I saw him yesterday, I felt so many things, all at once. I wish I’d just been honest from the start. I regret that, but at the same time, I can’t really jump right in at this point.”

“Life’s too short for regret,” Maren says. “What’s meant to happen will find its way.”

“Is that your version of an astrological pep talk?” I ask dryly.

“Kind of. If your conversations happened with as much ease as you said they did, then you’ll find your way back to each other. Life will pull you back together.”

I chew on my thumbnail. “Life may pull us back together but that doesn’t mean he’ll forgive me.”

“If he really understands you, he’ll forgive you,” Maren says lightly.

We sit in silence, the sun beaming down on us. I watch a pair of lizards run along the stones surrounding the pool.

Maren clears her throat. “And the long-lost sister thing?”

“We’re going to sort it out before I leave,” Gia says casually, flipping onto her stomach to tan her back. Now that this girl’s hangover’s gone, she’s got a very chill energy.

“What?” I try to force my tone to match her laid-back vibe, but it comes out squawky. “You leave for your honeymoon tomorrow. How are we going to do that?”

“No worries. It’ll be fine.” Gia smiles, her face pressed against the lounge pillow. “I invited Mom, Dad, and Claire over. They should be here any time now.”

“How did you get them all to come here at the same time? Theyagreedto that?” I ask.

Gia shrugs and runs a hand through her hair, twisting a strand around her finger as if it’s no big deal. “It’s possible that none of them know about the others,” she says casually.

“So... what... you’re saying is this is going to be another tense event?” Maren asks, bolting upright.

“Probably,” Gia says.

“Nope. Not for me. Not today. Forget lunch, I’ll pick up some McDonald’s. I had my fill of drama to last me for at least the next year.” Maren shakes her head so hard that it looks like it could fly off, then jumps to her feet and grabs her bag. “I’m out of here, guys. Call me later, Lex.”

After an hour of conversation, gathered in Gia’s living room on the sofas around her coffee table, we’ve aired out many of the issues. Despite the surprise of having the other family members present, and the intensity of the conversation, no one’s stormed out yet, so that’s a win in itself.

“Now this may upset you to hear, but we’re selling the house and getting our own places,” Mom announces. “Your dad wants a condo, and I’m moving into a townhouse.”

Gia and I nod agreeably, a way different reaction from when they sold our childhood home. That move hit harder than a plot twist in a soap opera. But their new place? It holds about as much sentimental value as giving up your seat on a crowded bus.

“I’ve apologized to your mom many times but I also want to say sorry to you,” Dad says, his blue eyes glossy. “I’m sorry for all my mistakes and for causing this. I’ve also talked to Claire a lot about wishing I knew about her sooner. Things would have been different.”

Claire fidgets with the handle of her coffee mug and gives us a shy glance. “But I’m happy to get to know you all now, if you’re up to that.”

I trace the woodgrain on the coffee table with my fingertip, thinking of the words to choose. “If you give us time to wrap our heads around everything, we’re up for it.”

The conversation continues until Mark pokes his head into the room and announces he’s going to start grilling burgers and sausages. Gia jumps up to join him, Claire says she’d like to get some air, and Mom excuses herself to use the restroom. I’m left alone with Dad, who shifts in place on the sofa like he’s suddenly uncomfortable around me. “Mom said you quit your job. I guess you were serious about not liking it.”

“It wasn’t quite for me anymore,” I say with a shrug. “I’m going to start scouring the job listings, looking for a position I can be creative in. How’s golf going?”

“It’s fine. Still fun.” Dad runs a hand through his gray hair and shifts his weight awkwardly. “I should have told you about Claire as soon as I found out,” he blurts out. “There was no way you would have suspected you were her sister. When I found out you invited her to the wedding, I should have told you then and there instead of trying to convince her not to come.”

“Yeah,” I say softly. “Honestly, I thought Mom was this horrible villain and that she just came out of left field and broke your heart by creating a dating profile out of the blue, and hooking up with the first match that she made. I felt sorry for you. But now I feel like you should have noticed that and taken more blame from the get-go.”

Dad’s brow furrows and he fidgets with his hands. “I didn’t know how to start the conversation, and it never felt like the right time.”

I let out a long sigh. That’s pretty much exactly what I said to Zach. It doesn’t make my dad right... but it’s a little harder to be mad at him. Still, he messed up.