Page 26 of Recipes for Life

“Wynn, do you think people can change?”

This.This was the thought that went round and round in my mind repeatedly.Could someone change?I used to think the answer was no, you were who you were and all that.

She turned to look at me and seemed to mull over her answer. “I think you know the answer to that question yourself. Sis, you don’t need me to answer it for you.”

Life happened, situations happened. I became a mom, I started working full time. I took shifts in the hospital. My husband cheated on me. Every single situation I've been through, the goodandthe bad over the last three years, had a lasting effect on me in some way, and I could honestly say that I’mnotthe same person I used to be.

So, if I’m not, is Murphy?

Chapter 19

Odette

On my way out the door the following morning, Wynn was getting Lux some breakfast when I asked her if she minded watching her for me after work so I could meet Benji for dinner. I noticed the way her hand hesitated on the spatula she was using to cook the eggs before she responded.

“Sure, do you expect to be back late?” Usually, that was her way of asking if I planned on being back after Lux’s bedtime so Benji and I could have somealonetime.

I looked at her funny. “Do you not remember our conversation from last night?” I knew she’d been drinking, but I didn’t think she was drunk enough to forget a whole conversation.

“No, I do...but minds can change after a night of sleep.” She continued to scramble the eggs.

I looked over at Lux to see she was drawing a picture that was keeping her attention occupied and not on us or our conversation.

“Look…if I’m being completely honest, I’m not sure what I feel for Murphy. All I know is that what I feel for Benji doesn’t even come close, so I need to end it. He’s too nice of a guy for that; he deserves better than what I can give him.”

“Yeah, he’s a nice guy.” She frowned, keeping her attention on the food.

“You’ve always said that like it’s a bad thing, Wynn.”

“Isn’t it?”

I thought about it for a second. “Just because he’smynice guy, doesn’t mean he’d be someone else’s”

Her head snapped, and she looked at me for the first time this morning. “What do you mean by that?”

“I just mean that just because he isn’t for me does not mean that he isn’t someoneelse’sMurphy, or McDreamy. However, you want to say that.”

Her usually tan face seemed to pale with that thought, and I worried that something was wrong with her. She wasn’t acting her usual self this morning.Maybe it was the wine she had last night?

“You okay, Wynn? I can always ask Murphy or Susan to watch Lux today and stay with her until I get back?”

This spurred her out of whatever she was in. “Oh, no, really, it’s okay. I have no plans until I leave again in a few days. We will be here when you get home.” She waved me away without looking at me again, and I realized I was officially running late to the office.

When I made it to the parking lot, I quickly took out my phone and sent Benji a text.

Me:Hey B. Dinner tonight?

It only took a few seconds before he responded, and I had barely made it inside and into the lobby area, which gave me enough time to check it before settling in for the day.

Benji:Sure thing. 6:15, usual spot.

His response made the guilt wash over my skin. He was always so amendable, always willing to bend his schedule to mine because of Lux.

Looking up, I met Gennie's stare as I walked in. I knew she saw the guilt as she cataloged the look on my face. She pointed to my office, signaling she wanted to talk before the first appointment got here, and I nodded.

I set my purse down with her hot on my heels. “You okay, Odette? You look a little flushed this morning, and not in a good way, no offense. Is everything okay with Lux?”

I waved away her concerns with Lux and told her I was ending things with Benji tonight.

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