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“So, how have you been?” she said, tying her hair on the top of her head.
“Really good. It’s been busy here, balancing Shiloh and my grandparents with the few work tasks I have to do, but I’m glad we came. Shiloh’s been having some great times with family,” I said.
“Shiloh has a lot to say about Arya. So that must be going well,” she said. It would have been easy to misread her as a jealous ex-wife, but there was sincerity in her voice and in her eyes. I could tell that she was happy that I was moving forward–or trying to, at least. If Arya and I could ever get it together. I was confident we’d end up together in the end, though.
“Isn’t she Mason’s sister?” Regina added, when I just nodded in response. “Doesn’t that make her like a sister to you?”
She burst out laughing, clearly teasing me.
“No. She isn’t like a sister at all. She’s my best friend’s sister. Very different.”
I could understand where she was coming from, but Arya and I had never had that kind of relationship growing up. The age gap had been big enough that, when we were kids, we didn't really spend any time together because we didn't have much in common. Sure, I saw her around a lot when I was at her house or when my grandparents were watching Arya and Mason, but it hadn’t been a close brother-sister relationship at all.
But our families were definitely connected.
“Sure, sure,” Regina continued to tease me.
I huffed in mock frustration.
“Okay, settle down. I’m just teasing. Really, I’m glad you’re happy. And I’m glad Shiloh is happy, too,” she said. “According to Shiloh, Arya is way more fun than both of us combined. I’m glad you found someone who can handle all of…this,” she said, gesturing between the two of us over video. “I’m sure it’s not easy for her to consider stepping into this situation.”
“Thank you, Regina. That truly means everything to me that you would be so supportive.”
We smiled at each other for a minute, enjoying this place of easy friendship our relationship had ended up in. It was refreshing.
“So, just to make things more awkward for you and Arya, I’ll be visiting next week,” she said, chuckling. “I’ve talked with your mom and everything is all set. You’re sure you’re okay with me staying at your parents' place? There don’t seem to be many hotels or vacation rentals in Bardstown, otherwise I’d stay somewhere else.”
I hoped Regina was ready for my mom’s games.
“Yeah, of course. It'll be fine. The important thing is that you and Shiloh get to spend time together."
“Your mom has made a few comments that haven’t sat right with me, though.”
“Oh yeah? Like what?”
“She keeps telling me you miss me and want to get back together with me.” Regina paused and rolled her eyes, knowing that was clearly not the truth. “I tried to tell her I was only visiting for Shiloh, but I’m not sure she really heard me.”
“I know you’re just coming down for Shiloh and that’s all I expect,” I said, trying to reassure her. “My mom can be a handful. In her head, she still believes that we’ll get back together. No matter what we tell her.”
“I just don’t want to cause any trouble for you or for Arya. I’m sure your mom hasn’t been easy on her,” she said, and I appreciated her concern. “I need your mom to respect our boundaries. I’m seeing someone else, too. We’ve both moved on. I’m not sure what she isn’t understanding about all of this.”
“I think it’s hard for her to understand that we’ve been through the whole process of divorce. That's huge. I can't be happier about the friendship we've managed to save. It's great for Shiloh. Honestly, I don't want to argue anymore. We've had our day. As for my mom,” I said, scrubbing my hand across my face. “I'm going to have to deal with my mom. You just focus on Shiloh and spending time with her. And if Mom becomes too much, let me know. You can always take Shiloh to Louisville for a getaway or something like that. There are options.”
She smiled in relief.
“Thanks for talking that out, Tristan. Your mom can be convincing sometimes, and it was more than a little confusing.”
“Anytime. If she says anything else weird, just talk to me. You and I know the truth and anything else is just my mom daydreaming,” I said, and she nodded in response. “I should go. It’s Shiloh’s bedtime.”
“Absolutely. Give her a hug and a kiss from me, yeah? And I’ll see you next week. Goodnight, Tristan.”
Chapter 19
Arya
ThelastpersonIwanted to see on Saturday, or any day, was Rebecca Adler. But I wouldn’t give her the satisfaction of knowing she was getting to me, so when Shiloh asked me to teach her to bake some cookies, I agreed. This particular Saturday was the standing date my mom, Grace, and Rebecca had lunch together. They mostly gossiped over a glass of wine and a lot of laughter–or so I thought. I typically didn’t stick around.
But this month, my mom was hosting and Shiloh was in the kitchen, waiting for her first lesson. Even though I had no desire to hang out for the gathering, I was powerless to say no to Shiloh.
