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I laugh a little. “Kind of.”
The woman looks around. “I don’t see her. Unless of course you’re talking about one of those fine young men you’re here with.”
I choke on a laugh. “Oh, no.Sheisn’t here. We aren’t together at the moment.”
The woman cocks an eyebrow at her husband. “Been there. Made it through that. I’d bet you will too.”
The man smiles at her and says, “You were always mine, though.”
She beams at him and a swell of emotions hit me in the chest. “Yes, I was. Even when I hated you.” She shakes her head. “I don’t mean to dishearten you at all. We don’t know your story, but I know the look in your eyes. If you love her, don’t give up. Sometimes life pulls you apart so it can make you strong enough to be together.”
Those words hit home. “Thanks,” I say.
They both nod and chatter with each other as they head for the exit.
I pull my phone out. I don’t know what to say. I just want to talk to her.
Me: Still want a sandwich?
Rae: That’d be great! Thanks. I want the one with the fried eggplant and mozzarella cheese and garlic mayo.
Me: You got it.
Me: Having fun in the sun?
There’s a long pause and I wonder if she’s gonna answer me.
Rae: Something like that. Have fun with the boys. See ya later.
I let out an exhale. She’s pushing me away. Shutting down.
How can I push past my fears when she’s embodying all of them right now?
Rae
The air conditioning against my still-damp skin feels heavenly. After spending the day outside with Jesse, it feels good to be freshly showered and comfortable in the AC.
I wander into Sarah’s room, where she, Mackie, and Amanda are waiting.
“About time. What were you doing?” Sarah asks.
“Showering. What are we talking about?”
“Actually, I was just making a no-talking-about-relationships moratorium for this girl time,” Mackie says.
I plop down on the bed next to her and fist bump her. “I am one hundred percent here for that.”
“Things that bad with you and Aaron?” Amanda asks.
I look up and say, “There is no me and Aaron.”
Sarah stifles a laugh. “Well, that answers that question.”
“Doesn’t matter, ’cause we aren’t talking about it. It’s freeing, actually. I know relationships are a big part of our lives, but it’s nice not to talk about them sometimes.” I turn to Mackenzie. “Macks, when are you going to visit your dad?”
Mackie’s face lights up instantly. Despite her dad living a few hours away down in Pennsylvania, they have a close relationship.
“I’m leaving tomorrow, so I’ll be there for the last week of June, Fourth of July, and the week after that. I’m excited. It’s weird compared to here. I have the bakery, all of my half-siblings and step-siblings, and, of course, you guys. At my dad’s, it’s just him, my stepmom and my stepbrother. It’s quiet and family-focused. I love my life here, but going to my dad’s is quiet, relaxing, and more personal. After how the last few months have been, I’m really looking forward to it.”
