When I emerge from the cubicle a couple of minutes later, Alyson rises from the chair, noticing my distraught expression.
“Sienna? Is everything okay?”
“The dress fits. Can’t wait to wear it on the wedding day,” I say flatly, holding the dress out to her. Alyson takes it hesitantly, her eyes oozing with concern. My gaze flickers to Beth, who’s standing awkwardly next to the sofa, then back to Alyson again. “I can’t stay for the rest of this. I’m not feeling well. So I’m gonna split.”
Her face drops in disappointment.
“Oh, all right then.”
Guilt snakes around my throat. The point of me coming here was to try to be open minded about her being a constant presence in our family and trying to form some kind of relationship with her. I can’t let it end like this. I won’t forgive myself if I do.
“But let’s have lunch sometime,” I offer instead. “You know where I work.”
Hope returns to her eyes. She nods in agreement. “I’d like that very much, Sienna.”
As I retreat from the store, I stop in my tracks abruptly, the ugly feeling of leaving things with Beth in such a harsh way gnawing at me like a leech. I need to do whatever I can to help her get out of her delusion. Even if she won’t listen to me. Even if she dismisses me. Maybe if she hears my advice enough, she’ll start to let those words in.
Before I can think twice about it, I twist back and trudge toward her.
“Beth, whatever you do, please don’t let Jax burn you,”
I say to my sister. “He’s done his damage and look how I turned out. Whatever you do, don’t let him win.”
***
By the time I make it up the elevator to the apartment, I’m mentally exhausted. Hearing Beth talk about Jax roused such a temper inside of me that had been difficult to keep in check. And the worst part is, I let Alyson get caught in the middle of all of this drama. It definitely disappointed her that I couldn’t stay longer for the bridesmaids’ fitting but she did seem understanding of my plight when I left. My excuse was flimsy at best but she knew not to press me about it. And I’m grateful for that.
Which reminds me of something else I have to do.
I slide my phone from my pocket and shoot a text to Evans when I reach the outside of my apartment.
Trusted a person today. Baby steps. You owe meBarely ten seconds later, my phone pings with a reply.
My debt’s already been paid
No. Way. Him and Brent? I type back frantically.
What do you mean? Parents???
Came to visit today. As I predicted, it didn’t go wellI frown at his text. I know all too well how disappointing parents can be.
I’m sorry
It’s fine. Decided then and there that I wanted to be incontrol of my own choices. So I took your advice and told themto shove it. And then . . .
A couple of seconds later, he sends a picture. I open it and a wide smile forms on my lips. It’s a photo of Brent and Evans lying on the couch together eating chips, with Brent’s head on top of Evans’s chest. They’re smiling up at the camera. The contentment and happiness that they feel radiates through the picture and unfurls across my body.
I’m happy for you two. My two favorite people. Let’scelebrate after semifinals
<3
I turn to the side, my gaze stretching as I think about the two of them finally allowing themselves to be together, no longer having their problems tying them down. I wonder if it’s even possible for me to experience that. I don’t exactly carry the lightest of baggage.
“What’s got you smiling, Lucky?” Kayden says as he leans against the door frame. He’s staring smugly at me. “I take it today went well?”
“Shit.” I let out a yelp, almost dropping my keys. “You scared me.”
“Saw you standing outside for ten minutes. Thought you needed a little refresher on how to open the door.”