“He remembers more than I do.”
James looked at Kate. “Do you trust her? Lillian?”
“No. But I trust that she's dying and wants to fix things. That has to count for something.”
“Tom thinks she's manipulating us.”
“She probably is. But Pop needs care, the inn needs repairs, and her money makes that possible. Sometimes you take help from imperfect people because the alternative is worse.”
“What about Ben?”
Kate shoved him. “We’re two friends having dinner.”
“Right. That's why you look terrified.”
“I'm not terrified.”
“Katie, you're my sister. I know your faces. And that's your terrified face.”
Kate flopped back on the bed. “I don't know how to date. I don't know how to want things for myself. I've been the responsible one for so long, I don't know how to be anything else.”
“Maybe you don't have to stop being responsible. Maybe you just add other things to it.”
“Like what?”
“Like dinner with a nice guy who clearly thinks you're amazing.”
He doesn't know me,Kate thought but didn't say.He thinks he does after three weeks working on our roof, and because we graduated high school the same year. He doesn't know what it's like to lose yourself in other people's needs, to forget who you are beneath the responsibilities.
That evening, after fielding more questions from Tom, avoiding Lillian's suggestions about the dining room, and helping Amy settle Pop for the night, Kate stood in front of her closet in the navy dress Dani had insisted on.
She looked like she was trying too hard. Or not hard enough. She couldn't tell anymore.
When Ben arrived at seven, he had to run the gauntlet again. Tom and James were in the lobby, flanking the door like sentries. Lillian was there too, observing with those sharp eyes.
“Have her home by eleven,” Tom said.
“Be safe,” James added with a grin that made Kate's face burn.
Blushing, Kate moved to the door, wanting more than ever to escape the pressure of her family’s opinions.
Tom turned to Kate and whispered. “Be careful with him.” He nodded toward Ben. “You're vulnerable right now.”
“I'm not vulnerable. I'm tired. There's a difference.”
Outside, Ben opened his truck door for her. “Your family is...”
“A disaster?”
“I was going to say protective.” He started the engine.
“Yes, but do they all have to have an opinion about my life? They’re too protective, that's the problem.” Kate stared out the window as they drove through town. “Everyone has opinions about what I should do, who I should be, how I should feel.”
“What do you want?”
To be left alone,she thought.To not need anyone. To stop feeling like I'm failing at everything.
“I don't know,” she said instead.
