Page 123 of Can't Help Falling

“So what, that’s like, forever?”

I shrug. “Not forever, but I’m not going to be any good to anyone right now.”

“Why not?”

I fold my arms. “If I’d known I was coming over here for an interrogation, I would’ve eaten first.”

“I missed you,” she says, without looking at me. “And I hate that you’re so different now.”

“I’m not different,” I say. Though, some people would argue it would be better if I was.

“You are,” she says, waving a hand in the air. “You’re all grown-up now.”

“So are you.”

“Yeah, I guess.” I see the kid sister who used to hang around, waiting for me to give her some of my time. Even when I was a jerk, Mack still wanted to be around me. I didn’t always give her that chance.

“Hey, I’m sorry I cut you off,” I say. “When I left.”

She waves me off like it’s not a big deal, but we both know better.

“It wasn’t cool of me.” I draw in a breath. I don’t like sharing feelings, not even with people I’m close to, but I owe her. “It’s part of why I wanted to come back here.”

“Really?” Her eyes flick to mine.

“Really.”

I sit, trying to think of the best words to say. It’s at this point in talking I usually fail.

Thankfully, Mack speaks first to fill the silence.

“I was hurt when you left. It’s like you made this decision for me, and I didn’t even get a say.”

I wince.

“But. . .Owen.” We look at one another. “It’s okay. Really.”

I frown. “You mean it?

She nods.

“And to make up for it you’ll let me help you with Emmy, right?”

“What?!” I scoff. “No!”

“Owen,” she says. “I know you guys were close. Emmy told me.”

“We used to be.” I lean back on the couch.

“But, last night, I was picking up on some serious vibes.”

I don’t say anything.

“Tension.”

I make a disagreeing grunt sound.

“She must like cavemen.”

---