Page 87 of Fanning the Flames

“I haven’t been giving you enough credit. You consistently show everyone how capable you are.”

“Thank you,” Sadie said.

“I’m, uh… This relationship stuff is new to me. At least a healthy relationship.”

“Me, too.”

“I’m not great with feelings.” Joan glanced at Mom and Dad. “Sorry, I don’t know if you want to hear all this.”

They weren’t bothered—they were a pretty open family about most things. “We love to see Sadie in a healthy relationship,” Mom said.

“We’re working on our communication,” Sadie acknowledged. “I’m clearly still bottling things up when I should be expressing them.”

“You know you can always talk to me,” Joan said.

“Yeah, but you’ve been so busy lately with everything.”

“I’m never too busy for you.”

Sadie tried to communicate with her faceBut Supervillains are attacking you.

To her parents, Joan said, “Sadie helped a bunch of people get to safety today.” A small smile tugged at her lips. “You were so brave. You did really good.”

“Thanks.” Sadie’s frustration lessened in slow waves. “Joanie helped with the other food trucks. She saved lives today. I’m so proud of you.”

“Thanks, honey.” Joan walked over to her. “I’ll teach you a few things. I didn’t know that was something you wanted.”

“I don’t think I knew until I said it. But I would like that.”

“Of course.” Joan rubbed her knuckles against Sadie’s. Sadie linked their pinkies. “Anything else you want to get off your chest?”

Yep.“Not tonight, no.”

Eyebrows quirking, Joan said, “That’s a yes. Come on. What is it?”

“No, it’s been a long day.”

“I can handle it. Tell me.”

Well, she’d asked for it. “Can you maybe be a little more, uh, patient with me around here? I’m working on putting my dishes in the dishwasher and stuff.”

Mom unzipped her quilted midnight-blue coat. “Oh, is she being messy? Leaving her art projects all over the place? She does that.”

“Not helpful,” Sadie grumbled. “And not your business.”

Joan chuckled. “I’ll be more patient.”

“It’s just…” Sadie stared down at their joined hands. “I live here, too. I mean, I moved into your place, but it’sourplace now. And I respect that it’s your home too, so I’m trying.” She looked up into Joan’s gorgeous face. “I really am trying.”

“It’s okay. I know you’re trying. I’m trying not to be such a butthead about it.”

“You can be a little bit of a butthead.” Sadie glanced at her parents taking off their coats. Guess they were staying. “Assomeonesuggested, I have a habit of not picking up after myself.”

Dad hung his and Mom’s coats on the back of a barstool. “Habits can be unlearned.”

Mom gave him a look. “Does that mean you’ll stop leaving your gardening supplies in the back porch?”

“When you only have one basket of yarn next to the couch.”

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