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Gina laughed. “Good. I was thinking it was my turn anyway.” She continued folding her paper. “Did you know I’ve been married three times?”
“No.”
“The short of it is, my first marriage was awful, and I sunk my second one out of fear that it would go the way of my first. I’m a slow learner, Sadie. But you don’t have to be. If it’s not right, that’s one thing, but don’t let fear hold you back from something really good. Denver seems like a really good thing for you.”
“I don’t know why I’m so afraid. That was dumb high school stuff. Why is it still affecting me now?”
“You lost your mom to cancer at a young age. And I know you don’t remember a whole lot about it, but that fear of things changing on you without your permission has not left you. People you counted on left.”
“Fear of change.”
“Yeah. Sometimes it’s as simple as that. And if not, I know a great therapist.” She smiled. “For reals, though. I wish I’d gone to therapy earlier.”
Therapy sounded… overwhelming. Not that I was discounting it. But right now, my mind was turning over the fear-of-change thing, and it fit me in so many ways. It was why I’d pushed this nice woman away from me up until pretty much tonight.
I rubbed my neck. “I’m sorry if I made you feel like an outsider in this family when you married in.”
Gina, of course, moved to comfort me. “Oh, honey. You didn’t. You were aloof, but that was to be expected.”
“Well, I’m sorry all the same. You’re right. It was a big change for me, and I botched it.”
“Nah, I knew you’d come around.”
“Do you think I need a therapist?” I whispered. I wasn’t sure she’d outright tell me if I did, or if I even wanted to know.
“I think you need some life experience, which you’re obviously getting. We’re so proud of you. I hope you know that. But if you get stuck, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. I’ll give you her card, just in case.”
She got up and retrieved her wallet before sorting through a stack of business cards that rivaled anything I’d seen in Jenny’s messy purse. By the time she found the one she was looking for, I was already helping my dad load me up with baked goods. Maybe I’d take some over to Makayla if Denver didn’t eat all of them.
Dad had his own advice to give that was just as good. He’d had lots of practice being alone, and a single parent to boot. I owed him so much, and the best way I knew how to repay him was with my time. Dad was a big fan of karaoke. Maybe I could bring Denver over and let them embarrass themselves together some night.
I hugged them both goodbye and headed out to my car, eager to see Denver. It was time to be brave. Just because he thought I was worth waiting for didn’t mean I needed to make him wait and wonder if I wanted him in my life. I did. And I should definitely tell him. I checked my phone and smiled when I saw a text message he’d probably sent while I was stuffing myself with pumpkin bread smothered in cream cheese frosting.
Denver: Hope dinner’s fun. See you tomorrow, partner. Unless you want to talk. Or come by for a few minutes. Or I’ll come by. Or none of those. I’m covered in sediment from taking apart a water heater, but we’re all finished and I’m heading home to shower.
Oh, that poor man. Trying to hold back for my sake. I sent him a quick text.
Sadie: Are you home now? I could stop by in about ten minutes. You’re on my way.
Denver: I just got home. I’d love to see you.
I put down my phone and drove straight to his house. He had his door open before I even got halfway up the walk, and he leaned against his doorjamb, trying to look suave and casual in a T-shirt and plaid pajama pants. His hair was still damp from his shower, and he smelled AMAZING.
“Hey, there.”
I walked straight to him and wrapped my arms around his waist, pressing my face into his chest. If I had any lipstick on, I’d have left it on his shirt again.
“Aw, Sadie.” He dropped his act, resting his cheek against my head and wrapping his arms around my back. “I can’t even describe how happy I am to see you. But I don’t want to keep you out late.”
“I won’t stay long. I just wanted to show you something.” I took a step back and pulled my necklace chain out from under my shirt, showing him the pendant at the end. It was a south sea pearl. A flat one with rough edges. Nothing like a typical perfect round pearl. Even its color was mixed. And I loved it.
“Ta da. I’m sorry this turned into a big reveal. I don’t even know why I hide it.”
“Because it’s special to you.”
I nodded. “My dad gave me this after the whole friendship blow-up in high school. He told me I was as precious as a pearl, and nothing would ever change that. We were never really good at sharing feelings, so I said thanks and tucked it under my shirt, and we never talked about it again. I got used to wearing it like that. It was my secret armor against the world. I should probably stop doing that. Hiding things.” I let the pendant drop to my chest and looked up at Denver.
He leaned down and kissed me softly. “Your dad sounds like a pretty awesome person.”
