Page 81 of Can We Skip to the Good Part?
Ella examined this thing from all angles. “She’s also beautiful. I saw her photos on Instagram.”
“Millicent? It doesn’t matter. She has ice in her veins.” She waved a hand, over it. “I can’t with you. It’s never gonna happen,” Rachel said, scoffing. “You must have birds and butterflies chasing each other around your head and blinding your vision. The most logical explanation. I’m off to shower.”
“Big Saturday plans?” she called after her.
“Getting my nails done this morning and headed to Lisa’s tonight for her informal engagement party. Remember her from my holiday party two years ago? Wanna come?”
Ella closed one eye. “Max and I kinda made plans to not make plans.”
“Ah. Well, I’d say bring her, but I’m not there yet.” She held up a hand. “Not that I won’t ever be. I’m working on the evolution of Rachel, but it’s gonna happen one step at a time.” She turned for her shower.
“Hey,” Ella called again, a softness coming over her.
Rachel turned, and the lighthearted smile fell away when she saw the look on Ella’s face. She shifted her weight. Vulnerability flashed. “What? Why are you looking at me like that?” She’d never been one for interpersonal moments, which was why their relationship rarely dipped out of the playful realm.
“I wanted to say thank you for the effort you’ve been putting forth. I know none of this has been easy.”
“No. It hasn’t. Thank you for seeing that.” She pulled in air as if gathering her courage. “But you’re my person, and I want the world for you, so there’s that. And now we’re done with the sentimental display. Thank God.” The words came out as one long run-on sentence that made Ella grin.
“We’re done,” Ella said. “Go. Find the shower you seek.” But she understood the sentiment of that blurt. After all, they were all works in progress attempting to take shaky steps forward in the world. It wasn’t all that easy. Extending each other a little grace went a long way.
“Where did you drift off to?” Max asked as they strolled the outdoor nighttime market Everly Springs hosted every third Saturday.
“Just wondering why I haven’t hit every one of these things. It’s so quaint out here.”
The cobblestone street was lit with string lights zigzagging overhead, casting a golden glow on vendor tents and perusing locals. The scent of kettle corn, spiced cider, and something smoky—maybe brisket or grilled peaches—hung in the air. The day had been long, but Ella refused to give in to her fatigue, very much enjoying the night with Max, warm at her side. They held hands as they browsed the various tents and booths, looking for the next great find.
“My mother would love this.” Max picked up a white and blue tea kettle with a very intricate floral pattern. “Honestly, she could probably use a nice gesture about now. She’s starting to feel the effects of the treatment.”
“Oh no,” Ella said, frowning. “Is she just feeling weaker overall or nauseous?”
“I don’t actually know. She says she’s fine.”
Ella paused. “I’m not following.”
“Because you were raised by a mother who probably admitted when things were hard. That wasn’t my mom, still isn’t. You have to be the best, work harder than everyone else, and show superhuman strength and resilience.”
Ella blinked. “That’s a lot.”
“I don’t think I realized how much until I moved out and started life on my own.” She shrugged. “But I know her well enough to see that she’s much more tired than usual. She’s not staying at the office as late. All of the signs are there that the medication is beginning to take its toll.”
“So, if she won’t admit anything is wrong, how do you help?”
Max handed the man behind the table with kind eyes her credit card. “You bring her a beautiful tea kettle and hope it cheers her up and lets her know you care.”
“What about a simple hug?”
“Um, that’s tricky. Under the right circumstances, sure. But it’s something I generally feel out first.”
Ella frowned, trying to understand. “Because it might show weakness?” she said slowly.
“Now you’re with me.” Max touched her arm. “Is that Olive?”
“It is. Olive!” Ella yelled. Their friend turned at the sound of her voice. She offered a shy wave, but made no point to come over. That was weird. She was standing with a man of about her age, who leaned into her ear and whispered something, making her laugh.
“We might be intruding,” Max said quietly.
“Are they on a date?” Ella asked.
