Page 18 of The Problem with Dating

My sisters and I looked remarkably similar despite not being blood-related. Technically, Avery was my stepsister, and Willow was my half sister, but we didn’t believe in those words.No steps, no halves, just full.We were nothing less than sisters. They were my full heartbeats from the moment they entered my life. Daddy always called us the melting pot of love, and Mama used to say that our heartbeats were the same race. I grew up in a home where love was the centerpiece. Mama and Daddy were the definition of soulmates. I wasn’t certain I’d believe in true love if it wasn't for them and their love story.

Avery was Mama’s first daughter, and after she was born, Mama thought she couldn’t have any more children again due to her health issues. Avery’s biological father wasn’t in the picture, so she never knew much about him. The two met Daddy and me when I was only two, and Avery was four. We met at the annual picnic event, Snack on Hillstack, where Daddy picked Mama’s basket. They fell in love right then and there over a peanut butter and jelly sandwich that Avery and I shared. If I were honest, I didn’t remember a time before Mama was in my life. I hated that I had to know a time after her.

Even though I wasn’t biologically hers, there was no denying that we were destined to be mother and daughter. When I was younger, people would say we had the same eyes, and for some reason, that made me always tear up with happy tears because Mama’s brown eyes were always so full of joy. It was an honor to be compared to such a woman.

Besides our looks, we had the same heartbeats. Family had nothing to do with blood but everything to do with heart. Our hearts beat in sync from day one. Daddy said we were destined to love one another. I always liked that idea, too—that people were destined to cross paths just so they could love one another.

That was how it was at the picnic. One day, we were strangers sharing a PB and J sandwich, and then boom—we were family. The day Mama adopted me and Daddy adopted Avery, they each bent down in front of us and said, “Forever,” as they wrapped our pinkies with theirs. The ultimate promise.

Willow was a surprise to us all. When I was eight, I overheard Mama crying because she’d found out she was pregnant. Daddy was so worried about Mama’s health, but she swore Willow was a blessing from above. I couldn’t argue that fact. My little sister was something special—even if she didn’t realize it just yet.

I loved that we all held parts of both of our parents in different ways. Avery was a beautiful brunette with full, straight hair like Mama’s and freckles all over her cheeks. Her skin was a warm shade of rich mahogany, and her smile stretched far when she allowed it, though she was more into a resting grimace.

My hair, in its natural state, was nothing like Avery’s. Mine held tight coil curls that fell slightly below my shoulders. My deep brown skin matched Daddy’s, and my laughter echoed his. I always thought Willow received the best of both worlds regarding her looks. She was the perfect blend of Mama and Daddy. She had golden brown natural curls that touched her lower back, sun-kissed smooth skin, and a nose covered in freckles. She had Mama’s eyes and Daddy’s nose.

I called her my favorite snapshot because whenever I looked into her eyes, it was like I stared straight into Mama’s. It felt like the gift that kept on giving.

“Avery’s going to have a panic attack,” Willow stated as I held the door open to my apartment building. She walked inside and by “walked” in, I meant she floated on her tiptoes. Willow always had a bit of dance in each step she took. She moved like jazz music, with smooth, unique rhythms all her own. Her long legs only made her movements that much more mystical.

“Did you hear about Nathan being back in town?” she asked.

“Oh, I heard, along with Avery. I doubt she’s okay.”

“I can almost feel her erratic energy in my own body.” She shivered in her handmade dress. Willow was the definition of stylish without even trying. When she walked into the building wearing a long lavender spaghetti-strap dress with little green turtles all over it, one would’ve thought it was the most bizarre fashion choice ever, but for some reason, it looked insanely expensive and classy on her. She belted it with a thin brown rope and tied it together with the same fabric that wrapped her curly hair.

“I thought she’d be here already. Normally, I’m the late one,” Willow said. “You think she’s off breathing into a brown paper bag?”

“No, I’m not,” Avery remarked as she darted into the building. She seemed a bit flustered and red in the face. “And before we start sisters’ night, I am stating that the name Nathan Pierce should not leave either of your tongues or so help me I’ll throat-punch you.”

“Noted,” Willow and I said in unison.

After setting into the apartment, I ordered a few pizzas for the night. When they arrived, I headed downstairs to grab them only to run into my new enemy.

Mr. Tall, Dark, and A Pain in my Behind.

As I went to get the pizzas, I noticed the delivery driver was Jason Evans, one of my customers.

“Oh, Yara. Hey. How are you?”

“I’m good, and you?”

“Good, good.” He handed me the pizzas. “Look, I’m behind on payments at the dog daycare, but I will catch up soon. I planned to pay last week, but the Taylor Swift tickets went on sale, and I couldn’t just not go, you know? It’s Taylor Swift, after all. I spent two thousand for my girlfriend and me, but it will be worth it.”

I smiled even though I wanted to tell Jason to pay up or piss off. “Oh, it’s fine. Whenever you’re able to would be great. Have a good night.”

He walked off, and I headed back toward the elevator, hoping that one day I’d get a backbone of some kind one day.

Alex stood at the elevator in a navy-blue suit and a cream-colored tie, looking like he’d stepped outside a luxury Beverly Hills country club or something. Even though I despised him, he looked damn good in a suit. I bet it was custom, too. A suit that fit that well had to be custom tailored.

A chill raced throughout my entire system as I stood beside him.

He didn’t say anything at first. When the elevator arrived, he followed me in. I pushed the sixteenth floor. He pushed the fifteenth.

We stood on opposite sides of the elevator.

“Do you always let people take advantage of you, or just the pizza guy?” he questioned.

“I beg your pardon?”

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