Page 91 of Someone Like You

Mom and I are in the living room, sorting through Christmas decorations, and we exchange a look. There’s a beat of stillness while recognition dawns.

‘That’s Issy,’ I say, leaping up.

I rush to the entry and Issy is standing next to a huge suitcase, her face red and blotchy. She holds it together for no more than three seconds, then bursts into tears, falling into my arms. Mom comes up behind me and envelops both of us in a hug.

When Issy’s sobs subside, Mom and I draw back and glance at each other.

‘Isabella, what’s going on?’ Mom asks gently. She takes Issy by the elbow and leads her into the living room, scooping up a tissue box from an end table as she passes. She sits Issy on the sofa and hands her the tissues.

Issy grabs a handful and wipes her cheeks then noisily blows her nose. Mom and I make wide eyes at each other as we wait for my sister to compose herself. Issy sniffles a few times and does her best to sit up straight.

She looks at Mom, then at me. ‘I’ve left Jon,’ she says.

‘At home?’ I ask.

‘Well, yes, but no, I mean I’velefthim. I’ve left our marriage.’

Inside, I’m rejoicing and I can imagine Mom is too, but Issy is clearly hurting. I figure it’ll be a long time beforeshe’sable to rejoice at no longer being married to the world’s biggest douchebag.

‘Oh, hun,’ says Mom, going to her and wrapping her in another hug. ‘Tell me everything.’

Issy glances at me, then bites her lip before burying her face in Mom’s arm. I signal that I’ll leave them to it and Mom nods over Issy’s shoulder. My sister and I are close, but she also knows how I feel about Jon, the one bone of contention between us. I don’t blame her for wanting to talk to Mom alone.

I head into the kitchen and find Monica sitting at the counter on a stool, earbuds in and scrolling on her phone. ‘Hey,’ I say.

She lifts her head and takes out the earbuds. ‘Hey.’

‘So, heads up: Issy’s just arrived. She’s left Jon.’ I make the ‘eek’ face.

‘Holy shit.Really?’

‘I hope so.’

‘Well, yeah, he’s a total dick. He once told Mom she was attractive for a woman her age.’

‘What?’

‘Yep.’

‘Ignoring that it’s a back-handed compliment, what was he implying by that?’

‘Probably something inappropriate – so gross.’

‘Yeah,’ I reply, shuddering with disgust.

‘Oh!’ says Monica excitedly. ‘Does this mean Issy will be here for the wedding?’

‘I guess so. Although, your mom totally lost her shit over Raffcoming – and that was with two weeks’ notice. This is only five days!’

‘Aunt Gina can tell Mom,’ she replies matter-of-factly.

I agree it’s the most logical solution.I’mcertainly not going to do it.

‘So, do you have much on today?’ I ask, wanting to change the subject.

‘A facial and a mani-pedi at two, then a hair treatment. Just chilling till then.’

‘Enjoying your Mom-free zone,’ I say with a grin.

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