Page 38 of The Opposite of Romance
The morningswithout Logan working in my backyard are unusual. I’ve gotten used to the background noise of his tools and the eye candy whenever I glanced outside.
The afternoons, though, are even weirder. Each day after school, my moody, mostly antisocial pre-teen changes into old clothes and joins Logan. They work together in harmony, like she’s an experienced construction worker. Liv focuses fully as she follows him, no trace of her typical withdrawal. He doesn’t coddle her. No, he gives her age-appropriate but important tasks, making her feel like she’s contributing.
I could watch them for hours, fascinated by the scene in front of me. Even Asher tries to join, but his focus is short-lived, so he’s soon back to playing with his sword.
“I’ll be back Monday morning,” Logan informs us on Friday before he leaves.
Liv’s shoulders slump, her disappointment obvious.
“You enjoyed working with Logan?” I put my arm around her shoulders.
“Yeah. I’ve learned to do so much. I don’t want it to end.” Her words squeeze atight fist around my heart.
“I know, baby. I’m sure you’ll have the opportunity to work with him more.” The words coming out of my mouth are not something I fully believe. After all, there’s no way to tell if he’ll come in the afternoon again, and I doubt that making a ten-year-old girl happy is at the top of his list of priorities.
Sandy visitsme on Monday with Stella strapped to her chest.
“How’s your book coming along?” she asks, gently bouncing on her feet. Black circles underneath her eyes tell me all about her last few days.
“Good, actually. I’ve been on a roll this past week, even surpassed my writing goal.”
“Great. Walk with me.” She turns right around and walks out of my driveway.
“What?”
“We’ll take a walk. Stella just fell asleep. If I sit down, shewillwake up.”
“Ok. Give me a sec,” I call after her.
Quickly, I grab my phone. I’m already out on the street when I glance at my clothes.Hole-less leggings—check. Tits covered—check. Well,I shrug. I guess it’s good enough.
I speed walk to catch up to Sandy. We’ve been getting more and more sunny days, and each day reminds me of how glad I am to have moved here. The street is peaceful, only a few houses close to us. The front yards are well-maintained but not with fresh-cut lawns. They’re decorated with flowers, bushes and even some fruits and veggies growing. The sun is already roasting hot, but I welcome its glow, as well as the gorgeous blue expanse of the sky and the sea in the distance. Sandy pulls her huge, dark sunglasses over her eyes and I remember the dark circles underneath.
“Rough few nights?” I ask.
“Rough few weeks,” she responds. “She hasn’t been sleepingwell, night or day. And I’m starting to lose my mind.” Her voice falters, but her steps are strong and determined.
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
“Please, like you don’t have enough on your plate.” She waves me off.
“Sandy.” I gently pull her wrist, stopping us. “Talk to me. You know I’m here for you.”
She releases her hand from mine and continues walking. “Of course, I know that. But Sadie, I’m a happily married mom of a gorgeous, healthy little girl. Lucky enough to be home with her.” She shoots me a sad smile. “You’re a working, single mom of two, trying to clean up the aftermaths of the divorce. I feel silly complaining about it.” Her voice almost breaks and I’m pretty sure her eyes are glossy underneath the glasses.
“First, I doubt I could have survived it without you. And second, only because I’m going through something doesn’t mean your struggles are any less valid.” I stop once again. “Having a baby kicks your ass. I remember. You need your village.”
“I’m just,” she sighs loudly, “so tired.”
A lump forms in my throat seeing my sister suffering, but I swallow it down. “Come on. I have an idea.” I turn around and begin walking back toward the house.
She follows me in silence until we’re inside of my living room.
“Give me Stella.” I say, putting my arms out.
“What?”
“You’ll give me Stella and you’ll go to bed. I don’t want you up until you’re feeling rested. And tomorrow, you will come here and do the same thing.”
