I study my hands, remembering holding her face, sliding my thumb across her cheek. “When I look at Gina, I feel so strongly like,it’s always been you. But how can I feel thatway? It’s like I’m forgetting what came before, how I got Maddie.”
Her reply is quiet, thoughtful. “I think you and Angie had something really special. She was my first big sister, and I loved her.” Her lips press together, and she continues slowly. “That doesn’t mean she was your soul mate. I’m not taking anything away from your relationship, but her path took her away from you.”
Pushing out of my chair, I walk over to pour another shot of whiskey. “I don’t believe in soul mates. What if your soul mate dies? Then what?”
A touch of impatience enters my sister’s tone. “You can be perfectly happy with someone who isn’t your soul mate.”
“Heather,” I groan.
“It’s simply a deeper connection when it is. It’s spiritual. You can feel it, and I think you’re beginning to understand the difference.”
My voice is quiet. “The way I feel about Gina… should make me feel guilty.”
“Why?” She stands, walking over to take my hand.
“It feels like I wasn’t truly in love before.”
She blinks up at me, her brow crinkling. “It doesn’t have to mean that.”
An ache is in my throat, and I look down at my hands, her slim ivory one covering mine. “I always wanted to be a good husband. I want to be a good dad, like we have. Protect and provide.”
Reaching up, she wraps her arms around my shoulders. “You were the best husband, Owen.” Her face is at my ear, and I pat her arm as she hugs me. “You’re the best dad, and you deserve a second chance. Dad had one, and so should you.”
Maverick
What’s this I hear about everybody doing mushrooms at the party?
Gavin
I went home with my ladies. The only mushrooms I had were on pizza.
Owen
Hey, group chat!
Maverick
We’re carpooling, we’re all in Haddy’s dog show… Now back to the mushrooms. Why didn’t I get any?
Owen
It was an accident. Heather was putting them away, and we thought they were regular chocolate.
Maverick
New rule, if anyone has magic mushrooms, they have to share them with the group. Capiche?
Gavin
Not me. I’ve got a baby now.
Owen
I’m happy never doing them again. It was a lot.
Maverick
Second rule, if you know someone’s doing magic mushrooms, you let me know, and I’ll make the decision for myself.
