AllFreeNovel
Share Us
It was the truth, and something I had never voiced aloud until now.
“So, why did you leave?”
I thought about Laurent’s and my conversation the other night, and how Parker was young and naïve. I could tell her the truth, but I doubted she’d understand.
“I needed to find myself. I had relied on Laurent for so much, and it had been time for me to put my big girl panties on and face life head on alone.”
It was mainly true. That was what I had told myself, and in the end, I realized it was exactly what I had needed.
“Did you?” she asked. “Find yourself?”
“I never would have become the woman I am today without leaving Laurent back then.”
“Do you have regrets?”
“Of course I do.”
“But look how well it turned out. Who would have thought when you left him you two would find each other again, get engaged, and be ready to start your lives together?”
An ache poked at my heart. The love story Parker thought she knew was all fake. A poor attempt on my part not to come across as the forever single loser at my own sister’s wedding festivities. It wasn’t even about me. It should have been about Parker. I was no better than Marion.
“You can call off the wedding and go travel,” I said, giving her the advice I knew she needed.
“What about Mom? She would never let me.”
“That’s the great thing about being an adult. You can make your own decisions.”
“I’ve been Mom’s life since the day I was born. Without me, she has nothing.”
“That’s what she wants you to think, but Parker, she’s manipulating you and keeping you from doing what you want to do. She’s trying to live your life, but it’s not her life to live. It’s yours. Take control before it’s too late.”
Parker threw her arms around me, and shock flooded my system. “Thank you for not treating me like a child, and for being honest with me.”
Guilt washed over me, heavy and dirty. If she only knew.
“Who is ready for more cake?” Lainey asked.
Parker raised her hand. “Me!” She glanced at me with a smile. “But we’re no longer tasting for my wedding. We’re tasting for Phoebe and Laurent’s wedding cake.”
Great. Just great.
After a long day at the vineyard, I pulled into my driveway, only to see Phoebe’s car again. Sitting on the steps, staring off into the distance, she looked as lost as ever. I put the car in park and hopped out.
I walked up the stone path, yanking at my shirt collar. The heat had come in hard and fast, and dress shirts were not made for this weather.
She didn’t acknowledge me as I approached. “Hey,” I said.
She jolted “Hey.” She pushed to her feet and fiddled with her skirt. A large bag hung from her shoulder, and I knew she had a change of clothes in there.
“You okay?” I asked.
“Yeah, been a long day and when I went up to my place, Parker had her clothes all over the place again. It’s hard to unwind and relax when all I want to do is pick up the clothes and hang them in the closet.”
“So you came here.”
The green-blue of her eyes spoke volumes, but I didn’t want the silence. I wanted the words.
“I can leave. I just thought—”
