Page 64 of Unforgiven

Melonie took another sip of her coffee before pushing it aside. “Why do you look like you’ve been through the wringer?”

“I tried to stay at her house last night. She didn’t want me to do that.”

She looked scandalized. “I can’t believe you even suggested such a thing!”

“Oh, settle down. I was going to sleep on her couch, Mel. Just so she’d feel protected.”

“Why does she need to feel protected?”

“Again, no comment.”

His sister pursed her lips, just the way she used to when she didn’t get her way. Usually he thought it was cute. Not at the moment. She was wearing him out.

He picked up his cup, saw that he’d drained it, and walked back to the coffee maker. “Mel, instead of focusing on me and my lack of sleep, how about you tell me why you’re here.”

“Mamm and Daed said you could come over for supper tomorrow.”

Seth was glad the coffee cup was still on the counter. Otherwise, its contents would’ve poured down the front of his shirt. “Why do they want to see me?”

“Beyond the fact that you’re part of the family?”

Hardly. “We know I’m not that anymore,” he said as he joined her again.

“I think they’ve finally come to realize that they’ve been too judgmental.”

“Yeah, right.”

“Well, it might also be because I’ve been seeing more of Lott.” She lowered her voice. “Please think about it.”

“I’ll try.”

“Gut,” she said, looking pleased.

“Hold on here. Tell me what’s been going on with the two of you.”

“Only that we’ve been seeing more of each other.”

He rolled his eyes. “So you two are getting serious?”

Melonie looked away. “I’m not sure.”

“How come?”

“Seth.”

He couldn’t resist needling her. “What’s wrong? Don’t tell me that being on the receiving end of endless questions isn’t enjoyable for you.”

Her cheeks turned pink. “You made your point. I shouldn’t have pestered you about Tabitha. Just as you don’t need to pester me about Lott. We’re adults now. Neither of us should have to explain ourselves to the other one.”

“I agree with what you’re saying, but I’m not pestering you, Mel. I really am interested. You’re my little sister and I care about you.” He smiled. “Unless you’d like to chat about Cousin Lorne.”

Melonie looked pained. “You heard about Lorne?”

“Yep. How he was your date at the singing and everything.”

She opened her mouth to protest, then seemed to realize that he was joking. “Oh, stop. It was horrible. I’m so glad our cousins went back home.”

“Let’s talk about Lott, then.”

---