Page 58 of It's Complicated

Jessica is the worst workaholic in the family and has literally no time for relationships.

Her face turns tomato red. “Uh, thanks, but no, thanks.”

“How about we change the subject altogether?” I prompt.

“And what should we discuss?” Mom quips.

“How about your upcoming art exhibit?” I ask Mom. If anything can get her distracted from her grandkids plans, it’s her art. “Is everything ready for the grand opening?”

“No. There is still much work to be done.”

Mom talks on, leaving us free to relax for a minute.

Lori and I share a stare, and she mouths a thank you to me.

When Mom stands up to get dessert, Dad turns to Lori. “We should all go to the gallery opening together. What do you say?”

“I’d love to.” Lori turns to me for confirmation.

And I nod.

“It’s a date, then,” my dad says jovially.

We eat Mom’s famous Battenberg cake and homemade coffee cremino bonbons and at half past four, I dare to ask to take Lori home.

Jessica jumps at the opportunity to leave, saying her car is blocking ours, so she has to go, too.

Dad and I help Mom clear the table and do the dishes, and once everything is clean, we all get ready to go. We say our goodbyes to my parents, and Jessica escorts us out, placing herself between us and looping an elbow with each of us.

“Kids,” she says once we’re halfway down the driveway and out of earshot of my parents. “You made me proud today. I wouldn’t have been able to tell half of what you said was made up.”

I roll my eyes. “Whatever, sis.”

And then she actually surprises me by saying, “I’m thrilled you’re giving this thing between you a real shot.”

“But you’re still going to blackmail us for free labor?”

“Totally.” She lets us go and continues down to her car, waving back at us. “Bye, kiddos, don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

Jessica gets in her car and backs out of my parents’ driveway, honking in greeting as she speeds down the road.

After my sister disappears around the corner, Lori looks up at me, hugging my low waist. “Dealing with your family was so much worse than I expected.”

I drop my forehead to hers. “What did you expect?”

“For it to be a little lessintense,” she says.

“Want me to take you home?”

“Yes, please.” Lori pulls back and stares up at me. “Will you spend the night?”

I smirk. “I don’t know. Are the cats going to accept me in their bed?”

“It’smybed, and they’d better get used to you sharing it.”

I have to keep my emotions in check and not read too much into her words. It’s just early days, and no matter how much I want it, I can’t get my hopes up. Lori won’t forget Aiden that easily. After all the years of secretly loving him, it won’t be so fast.

I sure wouldn’t be able to forgether.

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