His dark hair had faded to salt and pepper, and his hairline receded slightly at the temples. Jed had married young, and his two kids were grown now. He and his wife had divorced about ten years ago, which had earned the disapproval of his and Marin’s father, who was still alive at the time. Now it felt like something else she and Jed had in common.
“I’d love for you to visit,” Marin said. “Maybe this spring, once the weather warms up. I think the views from my new house will be amazing.” She showed him a photo of the house on her phone.
“Wow,” he said. “That’s great scenery.”
“Vermont is a beautiful state.”
“Glad you’re settling in.” He gave her what he probably thought was a casual look. “How’s it going otherwise? That leg giving you much trouble?”
Of all her siblings, he’d been the most involved after her accident, and she appreciated it immensely. “The nerve pain comes and goes, but I’m doing really well, thanks.”
He nodded. “Glad to hear it. Hey, Fran said she saw Andrew in the city last weekend. Did she tell you?”
Marin frowned. “No. Guess she didn’t put it in the group chat.” Fran was the middle child of the five Easterly kids. She was an investment broker in Manhattan, completely focused on her career. Even when Marin had lived in the city, she’d rarely spent time with Fran.
“She mentioned it when I talked to her a few days ago. Anyway, seems he’s engaged to that secretary he started dating after your divorce.” Jed gave her a sympathetic look.
“Good for him, I guess.” Marin sipped her coffee, surprised to realize she didn’t feel much of anything in response to the news.
Jed chuckled. “He didn’t waste any time. Meanwhile, you and I are taking it slow, am I right?”
“Well ...” Her stomach tightened, and she felt acid from the coffee climbing back up her esophagus. This was what she’d come here to tell him, and now the moment had arrived.
“Wait a minute. Are you seeing someone?” He looked pleased at the thought.
“Not exactly, but ... I’m getting back out there. I set myself up on a dating site, because I do want to find someone new.”
“Good for you.” Jed reached for his coffee. “I’ve dated a little bit here and there, but I’m not sure I’ll get serious with anyone again. I guess I like having my own space now.”
Marin looked down as her stomach twisted and a million excuses flitted through her mind. Then she exhaled, steeling herself. She’d come here to tell him the truth. Jed was a reasonable guy. He’d understand. She needed to just say it.
He was regarding her with interest. “You look like you’ve got something on your mind, sis. Something more serious than a dating app.”
“I do.” She exhaled, breathing through the tightness in her chest. “It’s important to me to start dating again because I want to date women.”
“Well, holy shit.” Jed’s eyebrows went up. “You’re a lesbian?”
She nodded. “I’ve known for a while, but it took time to find the courage to end things with Andrew.”
“I guess it would.” He rubbed a hand over his jaw. “You know, I want to say I’m shocked, because I certainly never suspected you were into women, but I don’t really feel shocked at all.”
“No?” Her shoulders unclenched as the tension left her body. Her gut instinct had been right, and maybe his had, too, since it seemed that somewhere deep down, he’d already known.
“Nah, you never looked happy with Andrew. Maybe this is why. Hope you have better luck with women than I have.” He offered a self-deprecating smile.
Marin let out an unexpected laugh. “I hope so too.”
It was nearly seven that evening by the time Marin made it back to her apartment. She was exhausted, stiff, and sore from the drive, but happy. Before she left, she’d asked Jed to keep her news to himself until she’d had the chance to tell the rest of her siblings in person. Some things weren’t meant for the group chat.
Now she was home. Ember was passed out on the couch, and Marin was ... restless. When they’d texted on Thursday, Charlotte mentioned stopping by tonight with wine, but Marin hadn’t reallytalked to her since then. She’d ended things with Laura, and she had no idea how to explain the whole thing to Charlotte.
Charlotte had sent several texts over the last few days, but Marin had kept her responses short and avoided making plans, hoping a little space might help her figure out what to do. It wasn’t like her to stall, though. She picked up her phone and opened her text thread with Charlotte. Should she ask if Charlotte still wanted to come over tonight?
Marin had plenty of practice hiding her feelings, but she’d never had a close friendship with someone she was so over-the-top attracted to before. It was really testing her self-control. She’d hoped a few days of space would give her clarity, but it hadn’t.
She stared at the text box, at a complete loss for what to say. “Hi, I missed you today?” Definitely not. “I came out to my brother, and it went pretty well?” Technically true, but it felt trite to make such an announcement after practically ignoring Charlotte for two days. “Still want to come over?” That felt too forward, and honestly, having Charlotte over tonight might be too much for her to handle. Maybe Marin needed a quiet evening to herself.
Decision made, she stood and walked to the refrigerator to see what she might be able to rustle up for dinner. Ember had already eaten. Puppy food was easy that way. As for Marin? Well, she had bread, and ... that was about it. Eggs and toast for dinner? It wasn’t exciting, but it might have to do.
