Page 21 of Forever in the Country

“What?” I demand.

“I didn’t say anything.”

“You don’t have to. I can tell something is wrong and you’re in here throwing off my baking vibes and I can’t with this right now so tell mewhatis going on.” I bark out the words like I haven’t been over here stewing after telling him I’m fine too.

We stare at each other, neither of us giving an inch in this standoff. My chest heaves and I’m a second away from throwing the sugar cookie dough at his head when he speaks.

“Marlee and Waylon are having trouble getting pregnant.”

“I know. I’ve talked to her a little bit about it,” I say carefully because this conversation has thrown me.

“She’s hurting and I don’t know how to help.”

“You help by being there for her. By being there for Waylon and listening when they need to talk. You ask them what they need and then do your best to provide it.”

The things I never had.

“But maybe I could call the doctor I found, a specialist—”

“You did what?!” I screech and his jaw tics. “Sorren that isnotyour place. Marlee is your sister and she’s a grown,marriedwoman. Those decisions—doctor decisions—should be made privately between her and Waylon unless they ask for your help. That is wildly out of line.”

“She’s my sister. I just want what’s best for her and—”

“She’s not a job!” I yell as I fight to get the apron over my head and fist it in my hand. “She’s not something you need to obsess over. She’s married and you know as well as anyone that Waylon will do everything in his power to make his wife happy and loved and safe.”

“She’s not a fucking job. She’s the only family I have. You think it’s so wrong that I want her to be happy and living the life she deserves?”

“What about you, Sorren? Areyouliving the life you deserve?” He doesn’t answer so I keep going. “Your sister fell in love with my brother and guess what—they’re happy. Totally head over heels in love and yes, it’s really hard right now but they have each other and if they need us, we’re all here for them.”

“I’m livin’ just fine.”

“Are you? Are you though? What about us?”

“Fuck, Rhea, don’t push this again. What we have now works. I like being there for you. Being the person you call—bein’ here. Can’t we just leave it at that? I need to just leave it at that.”

“What the hell do you think a relationship is, Sorren? That’s exactly what we are. I just don’t get to have any orgasms.” His eye twitches and I throw the apron that I’ve wadded up in my hands at his head. He catches it with ease as he stands slowly.

“We talked about this,” he says in a deadly calm voice that does nothing but make me madder than a bee in a bonnet.

“We did. And I’m done pretendin’ you’re going to pull your head out of your ass and pick a life with me over the obligation you feel toward your sister.”

“That is not what it is.”

“Bullshit,” I snap and I dig my nails into my palm to hold off the tears a little longer. “You know what the worst part is? I was asked out on a date and I didn’t respond because I thoughtmaybeyou’d man up and be the one.” Shaking my head, I chuff out a humorless laugh as a single tear slides down my cheek. He doesn’t miss it because his jaw tics. “I’m going to call Hank to come take care of this.” I wave my hands around the kitchen. “I need a couple of days. Donotfollow me.”

“Rhea.”

“Don’t.”

“Dammit, Rhea.” His voice is low and gravelly like it always is, but I ignore him as I grab my purse and keys and head out the back door. My hands are still covered in dough as I slam the call button.

“Hey, are you all right?” Hank asks on the first ring.

“I need you to go to the bakery and…” I blow out a breath because I don’t even know what has to be done. “Just put the dough in the freezer and clean up.” He’s quiet for a beat and then I hear him talking in a muffled voice followed by the closing of his front door.

“Are you going to tell me why?”

“It’s probably still sitting there.”

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