“Hey, Drew.” I swiveled my head after I grabbed my shirt off the floor and slipped it on.
Her dark hair spilled over the pillow as she leaned into the crook of her arm, hiding a smirk. When her weary eyes met mine, her swollen lips—swollen from my kisses—pulled into a smile. She’d never stop taking my breath away.
“I love you, baby.” Sara rolled over and stretched her arms over her head, a contented smile lifting her cheeks.
I laughed, my own smile wide as I made my way back to the bed, leaning over to paint kisses across her cheek and down the sensitive slope of her neck.
“I love it when you call me baby,” I whispered before nipping at her shoulder. This was the Sara I fell in love with, the one I always knew was there but never had a chance to come out. All she needed was love.
The house was pitch black as I headed down the carpeted staircase, with only a couple of nightlights in the living room and by the kitchen. I found the light switch on the wall and spotted the tray of brownies.
“Hey, Drew,” Denise greeted me from the kitchen table, causing me to jump out of my skin and almost drop the tray.
“Holy shit, you scared the hell out of me.” I laughed until I noted the crestfallen expression on her face. She was a younger, sadder version of Sara. Whereas Sara put up a hardened wall to the people she met, Denise showed a softer, vulnerable side.
She dropped her gaze to the table and with a wistful smile, said, “I don’t usually hang out in the dark. This house is . . . It’s a little weird being here, I guess. Funny since I technically own it now, right?” She picked up a ceramic mug off the table and huffed around the rim before taking a sip.
I slid into a chair across from her, recognizing the vacant stare I’d seen so many times from Sara. I was raised to not speak ill of the dead, but after witnessing the number they’d done on their daughters, I had a hard time giving their parents even the least bit of respect.
“Maybe you can rent it until you’re ready to sell. I have a cousin who’s a real estate agent who could help you. You can get your own apartment with whatever rent you get.”
She nodded, still fixed on whatever was inside the cup. “I could. I’m not brave like Sara. Or smart. I remember all the jobs she worked when she was in high school. She saved every cent she made so she could move out and be on her own.” She shrugged as she set the mug in front of her. “My mother always called me a baby but never showed me how to be an adult. I guess I’ll figure it out, right?”
“Your sister isn’t Superwoman, even though she tries not to show it. Your parents had the same effect on her, too. I’d bet she was just as scared when she went out on her own. Everyone is.”
“I’ll manage,” she sighed before she gave me a half smile. “So, I guess you guys are okay now? I mean, I’m assuming since you slept upstairs and there was some . . . noise coming from her old room.”
My nose crinkled as my face twisted into a grimace. “Sorry about that.”
“Don’t be sorry.” She waved me off. “I’m so glad she has you. You have no idea. I’ll never forget the day my parents threw her out. Or my mother did, and my father just watched. I’ve thought about her and her baby so many times. They forbade me to speak to her, but I should’ve called her. I wish I’d seen Victoria when she was a baby.” Her voice cracked as her face crumpled into tears. “How doesn’t she hate me?”
I shook my head. “She absolutely doesn’t hate you. You were a kid. She’s worried about you here all alone. We’re looking at apartments tomorrow. Maybe we can find one with an extra bedroom for you. I think you guys have a lot of time to make up for.”
Her eyes widened. “An apartment together. Wow, that’s great. Don’t make arrangements for me. Sara should live her own life now.” She leaned back in the chair, giving me a once-over under her crinkled brow. “You love her a lot, don’t you?”
I gave her a slow nod. “More than I ever knew it was possible to love anyone. I love Victoria, too. She’s going to be crazy about you.”
“I’m already crazy about her.” She zoned out over my shoulder. “Every year I’d rush to the mailbox to look for her picture, praying Sara would keep sending them. She always did, and I shoved Victoria’s picture in my parents’ faces. Last year was the first time they looked for more than a minute. I’m glad they did right by her with that trust.” Her finger traced the rim of her mug before she lifted her head. “Take care of them, okay?” Denise pleaded with glassy eyes. “My sister deserves the whole happily ever after.”
“You have my word. That is one thing you never have to worry about.”
“Thanks, Drew. It helps more than you know.” She stood from the table and trudged out of the kitchen.
“Denise,” I called before she made her way up the stairs. “You’re welcome to come live with us. Think about it.”
She swiveled her head, a smirk playing on her lips. “You’re a good guy, Drew.” She continued up the stairs without looking back.
Sara
“THAT WAS Anice place; you guys think you’ll get it?” Denise’s voice had a nervous shrill as she wrung her hands in her lap. She was equal parts excited and terrified to meet her niece, and as soon as Drew found a parking space by Josh and Brianna’s apartment, her chest began to heave, and her words fell out of her mouth at a rapid rate.
“I think so. One of the apartments anyway.” I craned my head and gave my sister the most reassuring smile I could pull off. It always worked when she was little, and I prayed I hadn’t lost my touch. “Hey, she’s going to love you; no need to be nervous at all.” I reached back to give her knee a squeeze. “She’d love it if you’d live with us, too.”
Both Drew and I kept extending the invitation to live with us, but for the moment she wouldn’t budge.
Her eyes rolled as she shook her head. “I’m fine, Sara. I’ll come visit but I don’t need a room in your new apartment.” Drew shot me a side-glance before we stepped out of the car. The apartments we viewed today had plenty of room for more than the three of us and part of me yearned for the chance to make up for lost time with my sister. I’d have to settle for visits, but I was overjoyed to have her back in my life in any capacity.
Our parents had just died, but after the initial shock faded, all I’d felt was relief. Always sadness for what we should have had and what could have been, but mostly closure.
