Page 23 of For The Weekend
She sighs with annoyance. “Yes, just like that. Because that’s what family does, you dick. Now, finish up. You’re going to buy me a coffee.”
The nonchalant transition from tearing me a new asshole to forcing me to take her out throws me for a bit of a loop, but I suspect that’s what she wanted. By the time I put everything away, Shawn and Luis have finished their lunches, so Taryn and I take a walk to Aster Street, where we order from Cuppa Jo’s.
She tells me about Dante and how they met, rushing over the details of how it was a one-night stand until he showed up at her bed-and-breakfast to work on the renovation, and how she really loved the gift I sent her for her birthday last year, a smallI Love Lucyvase. She and our mom loved that show, and as soon as I saw it, I bought it. While I may not have always acted like it, my brothers and sister were never far from my mind.
I appreciate how she’s doing all the talking now so I don’t have to. She’s showing me that not every conversation has to be an apology or a list of every bad decision I’ve ever made. Sometimes, it’s this. Fifteen minutes to hang out with my sister, doing nothing special.
Which is really kinda special.
That I have the ability to do it. That I have my family.
Once we’re done with our coffees and we’re standing at the corner of the block, she tells me seriously, “For a long time, I didn’t have the bandwidth to deal with anything outside of my own life, my kids, and my marriage. It was really difficult forme, and that was why I had such a hard time with you. You were drowning, and I wanted to help, but I couldn’t. I was drowning too.”
“I know.” I curve my hand around her elbow. “I never expected you to help because I wasn’t ready yet. You don’t need to feel bad.”
She sniffs and clears her throat of emotion, placing her no-nonsense mask in place. “Oh, I don’t.”
“Good.” I fight the twitch of my lips. So does she.
She punches my arm harder than necessary. “I’m happy you’re home.”
“I’m happy to be home.”
“Start acting like it, huh? Ian’s not the only one who wants you here.”
I nod, though I suspect it’ll be a while before our other brother comes around. As if she can read my mind, she says, “Griffin’s still trying to work through everything in his mind. Might go a long way if you actually put on your big-boy pants and went to see him.” She arches her brow and aims her index finger at me. “Not like you made me come to you.”
“Yeah, okay.”
She nods once then takes off in the direction of her B&B a few blocks north. “I’ll see you later, Rome. And buy some stickers or something to make your kid stop cursing. Goddamn.”
I huff out a laugh. “Look who’s talking.”
She pivots, walking backward with a shrug. “It’s what happens when you’re raised with a bunch of feral boys.”
I lift my hand in a wave then cross the street, my mind on Mazie and how I really do need to do something about her mouth. Watch my own, to start with. But I’m the first to know bad habits are hard to break.
My mind drifts back to the fall festival, not for the firsttime today. Spending that too-short time with Eloise on Saturday was the highlight of my weekend. And Mazie’s.
My daughter’s laughter still echoes in my ears, their conversations on repeat, and I can’t help but want to smile, thinking about how they’re like two peas in a pod. Eloise slipped right into the dynamic Maze and I had built, especially over this last year. What my daughter needs more than anything is love and fun. Especially from women in her life.
And there was Eloise, providing Mazie with everything she needed, all while dousing us in a kind of addictive chaos, a flurry of energy and sunshine. I could get used to it.
Although my gut dips when I think about being in a relationship again. It isn’t only me who could be hurt, but Mazie too. Not that I think Eloise would ever deliberately hurt anyone, but things happen. Good people make bad decisions.
Amy’s face flickers in my memory, a reminder of all I have to lose. And while the idea of committing to anyone stalls me out, I’m not averse to daydreaming.
Or indulging in spur-of-the-moment purchases. On our way home from errands yesterday, Mazie spotted a pink cruiser in the window of the bike shop, offhandedly pointing it out, and I pulled a uey.
It had Eloise written all over it. I pictured her riding it, hair flying, smile bright, laughter trailing behind her. So, I bought it. Just because.
I brought it with me today. Right now, I have it in the back of the shop with a big bow on it. I’m not sure when I plan on giving it to her; I didn’t think that far ahead, but it’s there. Waiting for her.
My imagination conjures up the vision of Eloise seeing it for the first time at the same moment I spot her in real life. Out front of her bakery. With Kyle standing way too fucking close.Her body language screams discomfort, and I march right over, not quiet about it.
They both pivot toward me, and Eloise’s shoulders physically fall as if she’s relieved to see me. On the other hand, Kyle is none-too-happy, according to the way his face pinches.
Good.
