Page 14 of The Art of Being Merry
“Because I had to tell someone, and you’re always my someone. But that doesn’t mean I want to keep talking about it.”
We’re still sitting in the driveway of her house, the one her husband had custom-built for her. The most my husband ever did for me was give me my children. I suppose we’re even.
“Why are your cheeks red?”
“Uh, it’s freaking freezing outside.” At least to this southern girl.
“It’s warm in here.”
“Must be that then.”
My twin ogles me, looking for something only she’s privy to. Though if I had to guess, I’d probably be right.
“Is there something going on between you and Dax?”
Her question stops me in my tracks.
“What? No.” My voice pitches high to a sound only dogs can hear. I try again. More calmly this time. “No. Why would you think that?”
She points to my cheeks and my neck. “Because your skin is all red and heated, Clementine.”
“I’m a redhead. My skin’s highly sensitive to my emotions.Not news to you.” I shake my head, hoping she doesn’t press. When she gives me a minute’s reprieve, I’m in the clear. I put the car in reverse, using my first ever backup camera to navigate out of her driveway.
“He’s not the relationship type. I’m not sure he’ll ever settle down.”
She’s talking about Dax, but I ask, “Who?”
“Dax.”
“Thanks, I guess. What do I need that information for?”
I can’t let my eyes stray from the road, but I feel her staring. “Because I know you. You can’t help but get attached to people. It’s both a blessing and a curse. You won’t want to be single forever, and I don’t blame you, but all I’m saying is don’t make him into someone he’s not. He’s not built to be more than he is. Who he shows you.”
“I’m not looking for a relationship. Hell, I’m not even officially divorced yet.” My words are heated. I’m pretending it’s because she’s wrong. “Bet he’d be a good lay, though. Even if just once, to break this stupid years-long dry spell.” I’m not sure what makes me spew the words, but at least it’s only Willa. She knows me inside and out, sometimes better than I know myself, and she doesn’t judge me for my actions.
“You have to be okay with being a number on his list.”
We’re stopped at a light when she issues the statement, so I turn toward her. “Is that you giving me permission?”
“It’s me saying be careful. You’re kinda vulnerable right now. I don’t want to see you more hurt. He wouldn’t do it on purpose, but the possibility’s there. He isn’t some random guy you’d never run into again. He’s my brother-in-law. You’d be stuck with him for life if things go sour.”
“Jeez. Way to bring a girl down. Always gotta go to the dark side, even when your life is the happiest it could be. I haven’t even had sex with him, and you’re giving major ‘I asked for a pony for Christmas and got a dictionary’ energy.”
Willa reacts by breaking out into a fit of giggles, taking a minute to calm down. The light’s green, so my attention is back on the road. “I’m sorry, but what? Want to say that again?”
“Nope. Once was enough.” I’m certainly not going to embarrass myself further, even if she is my sister and closest friend. I blow out a breath. “I miss sex.” Again, my lack of filter—something that happens more when I’m around Willa—gets the better of me.
“Can’t say the same.”
“Don’t rub it in. I don’t need to hear about it.”
“Maybe a fling would do you good. Find an out-of-towner, someone who can fuck your brains out and then be on his way.”
What if I’d rather have the man I already know ignites a fire within me?
At Target, I find what I need in about thirty minutes, but Willa takes her time, confirming what Dax was talking about.
The thought of him has me pulling my phone from my purse and shooting him a text.
