Page 34 of Fielder's Choice

But if he was, I’m sure I’d have a smile on my face.

The large smile I’m currently sporting is purely coincidental.

Through the rest of the song, I leap and bend and pirouette, finding another piece of the old Olive in each movement. By the time it finishes, I’m a tiny bit closer to feeling whole again.

Hands on my hips, I lean forward and catch my breath. However, I don’t realize I’m not alone.

“That was beautiful, Liv.” My mother’s voice is warm and affectionate.

“I didn’t realize you were there,” I say as she crosses the room to stand beside me.

“I heard you come down and just wanted to see you.”

I smile as we both walk over to the small bench and sit. “I thought a bit of dancing could help clear my head.”

“Is everything okay?” she asks, concern clear in her voice.

“Yes,” I reassure her. “I’m completely fine. Just in my head a bit right now.”

She turns toward me and puts a hand on my arm. “What’s going on?”

After being closed off for so long, I don’t even think about keeping it in. “Well, it’s Lane, actually.”

My mom raises her eyebrow. “Sage’s dad?”

“Yeah.” I fidget with the hem of my sweatshirt. “We’ve been getting to know each other, and he’s really sweet.”

“Is that so?” She looks like she’s trying not to smile.

“It’s not like that,” I say, bumping her shoulder with mine. “But we’re friends now. Which means I can see Sage more often.”

She laughs now. “I understand that desire. She’s such a sweet girl.”

“She is,” I breathe, sighing wistfully. “She’s the best kid.”

“Olive…”

“I’m fine, Mom.” I squeeze her arm. “I promise. Sometimes, the knowledge hits me, though, and it’s still hard.”

She pulls me in tight, wrapping her arms around my shoulders. “I know it is, sweetie. But don’t forget that family doesn’t have to be blood.”

“I know.”

She’s right. I know she is.

But my new friend that I can absolutely see myself developing feelings for already has blood family.

I know I shouldn’t be concerned about it—we’re not together or anything—but I can’t help but be a little bit sad that he could never have that with me.

Nobody could ever have that with me.

thirteen

Lane

“No,Daddy.Pwee-ay.”

Sage demonstrates the move for me by lowering herself with her knees bent and facing out.

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