Page 57 of Since the Day We Kissed

“Uh-huh, sure, whatever you say.” Charlotte snickered, reaching for her phone. “Anyway, I’m heading out. Friends are doing a beach thing.”

“This late? Thought you were staying in tonight.”

Charlotte stood, snatching up her purse. “Mom, it’s only ten. And yeah, I was, but plans change. There’s a bonfire happening, and I’m not missing it.”

“Be careful, all right? If there’s drinking involved, promise you’ll call me. I don’t want you getting into any—”

“Mom,” Charlotte cut in. She gave Kara a quick hug and peck on the cheek. “We’re not drinking, and even if we were, Uber exists, you know. I’ll be fine. Don’t wait up, okay? I might not be back till after midnight.”

“Okay, okay. But if you need anything—anything at all—call, all right?”

Charlotte was already halfway out the door. “Mom, I’m twenty-one, remember? I’ve got this.” She glanced at her phone. “My ride’s here. I really gotta go.” She paused, tossing a smile over her shoulder. “Love you!”

“Love you too. Have fun!”

Not too much fun.

Kara stood by the kitchen window, watching as Charlotte darted across the yard and slid into a friend’s car. The taillights disappeared into the night, leaving her staring at the empty street, lost in thought. For a moment, she imagined Ethan’s truck pulling up instead, stirring memories that left her heart heavier than expected. The kettle’s sharp whistle snapped her back to reality.

After pouring her tea, she curled up on the couch, tucking her feet beneath her, the warmth of the mug seeping into her hands. With a quiet sigh, she pulled out her phone and started typing a message to Emma.

Kara:Em, you up? Had the BEST time with Ethan tonight. But now I’m thinking ... maybe it’s time to tell him about Charlotte?

She took a sip of tea, watching the dots dance as Emma typed.

Emma:OMG, details please! So happy for you. Also, if you feel ready to tell him, I say go for it. But no pressure, okay? I’m in your corner no matter what.

Kara:What would I do without you? Seriously. Love you.

Emma:Love you MORE! Now get some sleep, missy.

A smile played on Kara’s lips as she set her phone down. Emma had always been her constant—a friend who stood by her side through it all. From last-minute adoption events that seemed impossible to pull off to impromptu wine nights and endlessGilmore Girlsbinges when life felt overwhelming, Emma was there. Everyone needed an Emma in their life, and Kara knew how lucky she was to have hers.

Draining the last of her now-lukewarm tea, Kara ambled to the kitchen and placed her mug in the sink. As she turned toward her bedroom, ready to call it a night, her phone blared to life.

She glanced at the screen and frowned.

What now?

She swiped to silence the call, then slipped the phone into her pocket and continued to her bedroom. She’d call her dad back in the morning.

PING.

Why is he texting so late? Can’t this wait until tomorrow?

Letting out a groan, she opened the message and read.

Dad:Kara, Ada mentioned seeing you and Ethan at the diner. Are you sure you want to go down this path again? I remember how he left—no call, no explanation. Do you? And now he’s back like nothing happened? He wasn’t around when you needed him most. I know you might think he’s different, but people don’t change. I’m worried about you going through that again. And have you thought about Charlotte? This could turn her world upside down, and she doesn’t need that right now. Just be careful.

Kara placed her phone face down on the nightstand and collapsed onto her bed.

Why does he always have to make everything so difficult?

20

Ethan

Tuesday

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