Page 59 of Frozen Flames

I can’t stop my laughter. “How was your call withDylan?”

“Oh, you know, I made him suffer for as long as I could. He wants me back, but I said, ‘Nah, thanks, I’m good.’”

“Good for you, Audrey.” Some days I wish I were strong like her. I usually am, though lately I’ve been feeling all over the place emotionally.

“Thanks. You and Harvey…you’d make a cute couple, you know. I can see it. You make him happy.”

I swallow, hanging a few of her hoodies up.

I look up, holding back the tears before I turn around to face Audrey again. “Yes, well, perhaps in another life.”

She snorts. “I don’t think he’ll wait that long. I saw the way he looks at you—it’s always in the eyes, Claire.”

“Even if that were true, it doesn’t matter until he’s single.”

“Good point.” She’s texting as she says this. “Laura says hi. You know, we should do this more often—clean my room together.”

I sigh because she didn’t contribute in any way, shape, or form, like always. I might not be helping her by doing things for her, but she’s my baby sister, and I love her, and I want to take care of her.

That night, my mom finds me in the kitchen while I’m making tea.

“You can’t sleep?” she asks softly.

I shake my head. “Long day.”

She nods. “Audrey texted me about Dylan. I met him recently after school—I’m glad that’s over.”

“Mom! Why didn’t you say anything to her?”

She shrugs, holding on to her satin robe. “She had to figure it out herself.”

“I don’t get how you do it sometimes…let people be.”

“You do it too, Claire. As soon as you realize that the majority of things and people’s choices are out of your control, the easier it gets.”

I nod, unconvinced. “Maybe.” I wish I could let Harvey be. Perhaps I even am, in my own way. But really, deep down, I want to scream in his face to make up his mind because I actually like the guy.

Maybe even more than like him.

“Were you the same way with Dad?”

“I was different back then. I wanted answers, reassurance, so I tried controlling him to ensure he didn’t leave.” I wait for her to say more as I sip my tea. “I couldn’t control the fact that your dad was a serial cheater, and I learned that the things truly meant for us tend not to leave us.”

I think of Harvey and Gemma. And Harvey and me.

I swallow. “Do you think he’s a bad person for cheating?”

“Your dad has his flaws, Claire, but nothing matters more to me than how he treats you girls.” She shakes her head, a smile on her face. “He was a terrible husband—to me at least.”

I don’t say anything, but she already knows. I’m sure she sees it in my face, in my eyes.

“Time reveals everything, my love.” She kisses my cheek and wishes me good night.

I love her for not pressing me on this.

My mom is my world. She’s amazing. And I want to be like her. I don’t want her to think I’m like my dad, because I’m not!

I know I kissed Harvey, but…

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