Page 51 of Someday You Learn

“I agree,” Hazel says, emotion clogging her voice. “But it’s better that my brothers all tie the knot before me anyway.”

Diane looks over at her. “Why do you say that?”

“Because they need women to make them see reason,” she says matter-of-factly, making me roll my eyes.

“And you don’t need a man in order for you to do the same?” I counter.

Hazel crosses her arms over her chest. “Hell no. I’m independent and always have been. The only man I’ll ever love is our father, and that’s just the way I think it’s meant to be. Besides, nothing could live up to the love in books and movies.”

Diane hums. “You’re only twenty-seven, Hazel. You’re too young to write off love completely.”

“Most men aren’t worth my time,” my sister says. “Plus, you never married, right? So you can’t blame me for not wanting to settle.”

“I didn’t marry, you’re right,” Diane says. “And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. But sometimes, I wonder if I let my pride keep me from opening up to something wonderful. It’s not about needing someone—it’s about letting them in.”

The room falls silent, her words hanging heavily in the air.

“At least you have Blueberry,” Hazel finally says, standing from her chair to hold him still as I grab the syringes for his vaccines.

Diane smiles, stroking her dog’s head. “That’s true. Your dog is your best friend for only part of your life, but you are your dog’s best friend for all of theirs. There is something so incredibly special about that honor. I just wish I’d had a human best friend to share this life with too.”

Her words almost bring tears to my eyes. Hazel looks down at Blueberry, her expression tight, as if she’s searching for the right response.

“Anyone lucky enough to know you—human or otherwise—is better for it, Diane,” I say, finishing Blueberry’s vaccines and setting him back on the floor.

Hazel attaches Blueberry’s leash and places him on Diane’s lap with a small smile. “Absolutely. We all adore you, Diane. And I’m not just saying that because Blueberry is the most fashionable dog in town.”

“Thank you. That means a lot.” Straightening his cape, she chuckles. “He does look quite dashing, doesn’t he?”

“That he does,” I reply. “Keep spoiling him rotten and we’ll see you guys back here for his next checkup.”

“Thank you, Dr. Sheppard,” she says as Hazel opens the door to make room for her scooter.

Once Diane is out of range, Hazel turns to me. “Well, that got a little morbid.”

“Right? She must be having more bad days than good ones lately.”

“Yeah… I know her doctor says her labs haven’t been looking great.”

“How much time does she have left, do you think?”

Hazel wraps her arms around her body. “I don’t know, but I fucking hate this. It’s like watching Dad deteriorate all over again.”

I pull my sister into my chest, wrapping her tightly in my arms. “I know,” I murmur.

“I miss him every day, Parker.”

“Me too.” My eyes start to sting as I breathe in deeply, holding her close as she sniffles into my chest. I give her a moment, my own heart aching. Losing someone you love, whether to death or something else, fucking sucks. And it’s yet another reason I haven’t put myself out there.

First, it was Sasha. Then, my dad.

But Cashlynn makes you feel things again, Parker.

Hazel releases me a few moments later, wiping under her eyes. “Okay. I didn’t plan on breaking down this morning, but thanks for letting me.”

“Always. You know you don’t have to be so strong all the time.”

She holds her hand up to her ear, mimicking a pretend telephone. “Hello, pot? This is the kettle. You’re black.”

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