Page 117 of The Young & the Sinner

“Things will work out for the best. I know they will.”

I hated how I didn’t exactly agree with this new plan but couldn’t outright say it. It would be hard enough taking care of a newborn and going to school at the same time with help. Maybe when this baby got older…

Lizzie wouldn’t be returning to school next year. Not with a newborn.

I was heartbroken for her. All she ever talked about was becoming a writer. And now it wasn’t possible for many, many years, if ever.

“I know.”

“And I’ll help out with whenever you need. Just say the word. I can’t wait to be fun Aunt Olivia to your future kid.”

“Thank you. I know I can always count on you.”

“Always.” I pulled away far enough to see her face. Then I wiped away her tears and smiled. “So, what is the new plan? And what do you need me to do?”

“Well, I need to tell Sam first. Then Mom and Dad. All I need from you is your support.”

“You have it,” I said fiercely. She shot me small smile. “We’ll be okay, Lizzie. Things might seem hard now, but it’ll all work out. And from what I know about Sam, he won’t leave. He’ll be supportive.”

“I hope you’re right.”

Me too. I hoped I didn’t sound as naïve as I felt when I said it, because the only thing I was basing this off of was how crazy he seemed to be about her. That had to mean something. Even if they ended up not working out, he had to be there for his kid, right?

We pulled away when we heard the garage door opening. I handed Lizzie a tissue before grabbing one for myself and wiping away the tears. When I looked at her, her eyes were still red and blotchy, and it was obvious she’d been crying. I probably looked the same way.

This was not good. I didn’t know if it was Mason or Max who had just came home, and I didn’t know who I hoped it would be, because either one would question why Lizzie and I looked like we’d been crying.

The door opened and Lizzie and I turned away from it. We probably looked ridiculous standing there with our backs to the threshold, not saying anything. I heard footsteps on the hardwood floor, before pausing.

“Hey, girls. What are you doing?”

Rats.

It was Max.

“Oh, you know, just drinking tea and talking.”

“Right.” He walked further into the kitchen, until he was in front of us. Max took us in, then he was frowning, but he didn’t say anything. His eyes lingered more on Lizzie.

I shot him a small smile, tugging on the sleeves of his shirt, trying to get his attention away from her. “What are we doing for dinner, tonight? Do you think we can have spaghetti?”

He tapped my nose playfully. “As good as that sounds, how about we save that for another night. I already brought groceries for tonight’s dinner. It’s going to be something new. Thought Mason might like it. It was his favorite meal growing up.”

I perked up. “Oh? What is it?”

“Tex-Mex chicken and vegetable skillet.”

Sounds gross. But I didn’t say it. My face must have shown it, though, because Max laughed. “You have to eat your vegetables, Olive. You can’t just avoid them for the rest of your life. They’re part of an important food group.”

I pouted. I had been eating more vegetable in the months living with Max than I had in my entire life. And I detested vegetables.

Max laughed and turned to Lizzie. “Are you staying for dinner, sweetheart?”

She smiled then, and I was glad to see the old Lizzie in that smile. “Yes. Thank you, Max.”

“Of course. Now, why don’t you girls get started on your homework while I work my magic.”

Max rubbed his hands together, looking pretty excited to try out something new. Lizzie and I shared a smile before we left Max to it.

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