Page 61 of Since Always

"Look, Owen. I know there is a lot of shit between us, and that things have been tense."

I cock my eyebrow at him and a rueful smile tugs at my lips. "They've been tense?"

"Well, you know what I mean. But I want to extend an olive branch."

"Why?"

"Because, whether or not we like it, you and I have to work together. We represent the same people, and Colorado needs a voice. I don't want everything to be a battle with you."

I cock my head. "You don't want everything to be...You're kidding, right?"

"I know I shoulder a lot of the blame for keeping things how they are now. I can't pretend to like you, because we both know I never have. Not even before the accident. But somehow, in some sick twist of fate, this is where we ended up. And you and I could work together for years, if not decades."

The thought makes me shudder, but I nod.

"I don't know what the way forward is, but I just think there has got to be one; that's all I am saying."

"I see," I say. "I agree, it would be easier if things weren't contentious with us. We also both know I never really liked you either, if we are being completely honest; which, apparently, we are. But you were Kaitlyn's brother, and she loved you, so I didn't hate you. I still don't hate you, but I wish you would let some shit go."

"Well, maybe we just have to agree to disagree on that, and also I think we need to leave my sister out of this conversation."

"Fine. Great."

"How was the rest of your time in Aspen?" He asks as he sits back on the couch. He shifts gears too quickly.

Is this some kind of sneak attack? Could he know about Cassidy? But he smiles. He seems to actually be trying to make small talk with me. I don't trust him, but I can play whatever game he is playing, too.

"It was good. I got a few good runs in. I hadn't been on a board in two years, it was a little rusty at first."

"Yeah, I know what you mean. It always takes me a little while to warm up."

"Were you up for New Year's? I thought I might see you at the Sloane's party." I don't add how grateful I am he wasn't there. He may not be a friend of the family, but he is important enough Jessica wouldn't have denied him an invitation.

"No, we headed back down that morning. An old friend was having a party. How was the Sloanes'? I went to a couple of their Fourth of July parties a long time ago—I don't know if you remember. Those were great nights, though."

"Yeah, they are always fun. It was..." Flashes of her skin, under mine, run through my mind and I have to blink them back. "It was a good night."

"You're like a part of that family, aren't you?"

"More or less. Chris Sloane and I have been best friends since we were pre-teens."

"Did you have anyone special with you at midnight? Seeing anyone?" Again, I listen for the accusation in his tone, but it isn't there. He seems to just be curious.

"No, not right now."

"Have you...Have you dated anyone, Owen? Since Kait?"

So much for leaving her out of the conversation. "No. Not seriously anyway."

"It's been twelve years since she passed."

I nod. "I'm aware."

He looks at me for a minute, as if trying to figure something out.

"Were you guys happy? I mean, really? Did you love her?" His voice is quieter now. He has never asked me anything like this. Things between us went to hell at the funeral. Since then, I know he has never been able to lay eyes on me without wanting to punch me in the face, but he has never asked me about her.

"I loved her, yes. And we were happy sometimes. I don't think you are ever happy all the time. And then we...Well, we both made mistakes."

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