Page 95 of Tough Love

“We got in his way,” Dad points out. “So yes, I think he’d want to get back at us for having one over him, so to speak. He tried to ruin our family, and he failed.”

“He didn’t fail,” I say. “He drove a wedge between Kath and me, one that hurt you two. He won.”

“Sweetie,” Dad says gently. “Are we talking now?”

“Yeah.”

“And are we dealing with our problems as a family, united?”

“I guess so.”

“So you tell me,” he says firmly, his tone shifting. “Did he win?”

No. He didn’t. He might have caused a lot of damage, but he didn’t ruin us like I’ve always thought. I’ve blamed Tristan for years for stealing away my relationships with those who I love—Evan, Kath, and my parents. When it comes down to it, though, I only lost Kath. And isn’t that ultimately my fault, not his? It was up to me, not him, to reconnect after time had passed.

“No,” I acquiesce. “I guess not when you put it like that.”

“Your father’s right,” Mum adds. “He can’t break us, no matter how hard he tries. You need to remember that, darling. He’s just a man. A scared, pathetic little man.”

A very dangerous one at that. “Thank you, for sharing that with me.”

“You just make sure you keep in touch with us daily, let us know what’s happening.”

“I will. Love you both.”

“Love you too,” Mum and Dad say in unison before I end the call.

I sit cross-legged on my bed and stare at the streaky clouds as they drift through the sky. Tristan is like a tornado, whipping through and destroying everything in his path. But at the end of the day, when the winds have died down, I can’t deny that beneath it all everything remains the same as it was before, somewhat battered, but existing. Alive. Fighting back.

Just like before, he’ll wreak havoc, yet ultimately leave after he’s had his fill.

All I have to do is weather the storm and keep Briar sheltered.

It seems so simple.

So why don’t I believe that it will be?

THIRTY-ONE

Seven years ago

My hand hangs in the air, ready to knock, yet I can’t bring myself to do it. It should be easy. All I have to do is walk in there and say goodbye. She doesn’t need to answer. Hell, she doesn’t even have to look at me if she doesn’t want to. But at least then I’ll know I’ve done my part.

I step back, drawing a deep breath into my lungs and letting it out slowly as I stare up at the ceiling.

I can do this. She’s my sister. It’s not that hard.

Yet it is. So damn hard.

I step forward and rap my knuckles against the wood three times before I give myself a chance to overthink it again, and wait.

The door opens, and Kath stands there in her bedroom doorway, staring at me with the same disinterested look I’ve come to learn she reserves just for me.

“What do you want, Mimi?”

“I’m leaving tomorrow, and you’ll already be at work when I go, so….”

She folds her arms across her chest and sighs as though my intrusion puts her out.

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