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Pippa
Pippa closed the door to her apartment before the first tear escaped. She clutched the newest episode of Selfie that had come in. This makes four. Four episodes of the comic that Aspen hadn’t come in for. Pippa had been watching out for the little girl who hadn’t shown in three weeks. Not one word from Mason either. Pippa wasn’t sure what hurt the most—the fact that after everything they’d shared, Mason had ghosted her, or that he’d kept his daughter away, too, as if she wasn’t fit to be around the young girl.
Pippa walked over to the couch and slumped on her belly across the cushions. Lady came over and licked her cheek. Pippa gave her a watery smile, hoping to ease her pet’s concerns. She hadn’t been herself since that awkward car ride with Mason’s father. Since Mason had torn her heart out and shredded it into a million little pieces.
Everything ached, and for once it wasn’t from a seizure, though they’d been coming more frequently too. I’m probably due for my period soon.
Ring! Ring!
Pippa’s stomach flipped. Every time her cell went off, she couldn’t help but hold out just an ember of hope. I always say what I mean. Mason’s words used to be the biggest comfort; now, they were his sharpest weapon.
She took a deep breath and pulled the phone from her pocket. Her sister’s name was displayed on the phone. Pippa sighed and sat up, carefully wiping the wetness from her eyes before she accepted the FaceTime.
She forced a smile. “Hey, chica.”
“What’s wrong?” Sophia’s brows drew together.
Pippa chuckled. There was no hiding anything from her sister. “Why do you think something is wrong?”
Sophia tsked. “You haven’t taken a FaceTime call from me in three weeks. Only texts. I’m surprised this one went through. And don’t bother to tell me you’ve been busy with the bookstore. You have employees and you’re only open nine to six. There are plenty of evening times for you to call . . . unless . . .”
“Unless what?”
Sophia smiled. “Unless a certain marine is keeping your nights busy.”
Tears burned the back of Pippa’s eyes as she swallowed a lump of emotion. She shook her head. “He’s a SEAL actually. But no, that’s . . . over.”
“You broke up with him?” Sophia asked. That was how it usually went. Pippa had almost always been the one to pull away.
“Tell me everything, cariño.” Her sister’s voice softened with sympathy.
Pippa filled her sister in as the tears fell freely. When would it stop hurting?
“Oh, Pip, I wish I could be there to hug you. You should have told me weeks ago. That’s it; we’re coming this weekend. Vivian and I will drive up Friday after I get off work.”
“No, Soph. Please. You guys have enough going on with the wedding planning. Don’t even try to tell me you wouldn’t have to cancel a dress fitting or something. I’ll be fine. I’m a big girl, and this isn’t my first broken heart.” But it’s the only one that’s been this painful, like a piece of my soul is missing.
Sophia sighed and tucked a strand of her dark hair behind her ear. She looked so much like their mother, it was bittersweet. I wish Mama was here.
“If you’re sure. But, nena, you can let someone in. You don’t have to deal with everything on your own.”
I did, and look what happened. “I know.”
“Promise you’ll call me if you need me?” Sophia leaned in toward the screen.
Pippa nodded. “I promise, you’ll be my first call.”
“How are the seizures? Are they worse with the stress?”
“Nope,” Pippa lied. “Same as usual.”
“Have you eaten dinner?”
“Actually, I was just on my way out to meet a friend. I better go so I won’t be late.”
Sophia’s eyes lit up. “Oh, then don’t let me keep you. Call you this weekend. Te quiro.”
“I love you too.” Pippa ended the call and turned to Lady, scratching behind her furry ears. The dog’s brown eyes met hers skeptically.
