Page 65 of Severed Rivalry
I let my gaze drift. The woman I’m so invested in, the one I never stopped loving… I know so little it’s almost embarrassing.
“I don’t know. She ran away from home as a kid. I didn’t know that in college. I was just learning all the details, and then this.” My index finger pokes out of the water at my face.
“Take it from me. Knowing someone and knowing about someone are two different things. Unless it’s critical, move forward and trust. It all comes out in the wash.” She looks away and her voice goes quiet. “Or it doesn’t, and that’s okay too.”
“It’s like I finally had everything I wanted within reach onlyto have the rug, the floor, and the foundation below it ripped away.”
“I understand that more than you know. Only it’s in my grasp, and I’m left holding on for dear life.”
“Murphys are made of stronger stuff than what tries to take us down.”
“I think Ocotea’s are too,” my sister says quietly.
“I know they are.”
I’m a prune by the time I get out. I’m relaxed and am not far from retiring for the night when Christian walks out. “Wife.”
Fuck. I’m out. “Goodnight. See you in the morning.”
“I’m out early tomorrow morning. Can Ellie go with me?”
“Eleanor. And sure. She needs it. No bears.”
“No bears.” She holds up four fingers. “Scouts’ honor.”
She was no scout, and that’s no salute. It’s merely her telling me she’s going to do what she wants and let the chips fall where they may. And she’s taking my Eleanor along for the ride.
I shake my head and wave over my shoulder as I head for the living room doors.
Another man’s hot tub – ick.
Sariah
I can’t remember the last time we spent the night at Rosie’s. It’s been ages, and I don’t know why we don’t do it more. She’s a blast.
There’s something about it being her house that made it easier for me to turn off mom mode. Not all the way, but enough…
She turned in around ten. The effects of last night are still making her more tired than normal.
Renée slipped into her guest room to play her game, realizing there’s no table here where she has to leave her phone. After last night and lunch today, I’m willing to be more lenient. We’ll getback to regularly scheduled programming tomorrow at home. For now, a little extra flexibility won’t hurt, right?
My last text to Cian went un-replied to.
Me: What if I am?
Nothing like being left on read when I’m trying to put myself out there. If he wants me to call before I go to bed, he can’t leave me hanging like this.
I flip to the silly game that made me late going home yesterday. One game won’t hurt.
One game turns into ninety minutes of accelerated heart rate and probably dilated pupils. I’m turning off the lights when my phone vibrates in my hand, and not from the gaming notification.
I feel like a teenager with a crush—or how it’s portrayed in the movies anyway.
Cian: Goodnight, sweet Angel. Or good morning if you see this on Saturday.
Me: Goodnight, Ci.
Cian: If you’re awake…
