Page 56 of Taming Georgia

“And I have.”

“It’s been, like, three months, George.” London laughs.

“Well, I’m bored and sad. I miss the dogs.”

“Then, go back.”

“I can’t.”

“You can. You’re just too stubborn.”

She’s right. I could return to Cooper’s Place. I know they’d take me back. They can use the help. But it’s weird now.

“Go volunteer at another shelter,” she suggests. “That place isn’t the only one that needs help. In fact, I’m sure there are rescues down here that would love your help. Come stay with us.”

“I don’t want to go to another one. It wouldn’t be the same. Plus, I’m not staying with you and Loïc. You need your space.”

“We have plenty of space.”

“You know what I mean.”

Newlyweds who are trying to conceive don’t need a permanent houseguest.

“You don’t have money to travel to Africa anyway.”

“I do. Dad’s been giving me an allowance from the trust fund to pay for my expenses here. I’ve been getting way more than I need. I have plenty for a plane ticket and living expenses over there. I don’t need much.”

“How do we come from the same family?” London sighs with a grin. “You could look for a real job, one that uses your degree and pays you a salary. That might be fulfilling?”

“I don’t want to. I’m not like you. I don’t need fancy things or a big house. I like being free. Helping others makes me happy. I hate that I have a huge trust fund in my name. It makes me feel guilty. I’m at least going to take advantage of my resources and put my time to good use.”

London knows all of this, and so does my entire family. Yet I seem to have to explain my choices to them every couple of months. They love me, but they don’t understand me.

“Someday, you’ll meet someone who’ll tame your wild spirit. Then, you’ll settle down. Until then, it’s fine to travel around. I envy you in that way. I just worry about you. I want you to be safe.”

“I know you do. I don’t need to be tamed. I love being free. I simply want to be seen.”

“I see you.” There’s concern in her voice. “I know you, George, and you’re right; you’re perfect the way you are. I just want you to be happy.”

“I am—or I will be.” I glance outside at the dreariness. “Maybe I just need some sun.”

“Oh my gosh, yes! I always feel blue that last month of winter when it’s almost like sunshine and warmth will never come again. That’s one bad thing about Michigan.”

“Definitely. Anyway, enough about me. Let’s talk about you.”

“You sure you want to open that can of worms? I’m a bit of a hot mess at the moment.”

I smile. “Yes, please. I need your mess to distract me. Spill it.”

London tells me of her fertility woes and stresses of life and marriage. I welcome all of the details. I’m sad for my sister, and I wish she didn’t have to go through this. Though the distraction of someone else’s life problems is a nice change. I spend too much time wallowing in my own stuff.

I don’t need Wyatt or his rescue. I literally have an entire world of people I can help. Starting with my sister. I doubt I’ll have any profound words of advice. Yet sometimes one feels better by having someone hear them. I can do that. I can listen.

My arms wrap around my knees as I hold them close to my chest. When one can’t find the answers in life, there’s always a Netflix binge. I’m currently engrossed in a new-to-me show, and it’s intense.

I’m glad my sister’s not here. I’ve bitten off the tips of all of my nails. I know it’s a disgusting habit. I only do it when I’m really anxious, and this show is making me nervous. It’s so good.

I jump with a yelp when there’s a knock.

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