Kai’s shoulders relax. “He was worried how you’d react.”
I frown. “Why?”
“You know why,” Abby says just as Mom calls the kids to the table. It’s like a stampede of elephants as the seven kids race across the room, all vying to be first to sit down. You’d swear there were twenty kids here from the noise level alone.
“Shandra and I were never a thing, and frankly, it’s none of my business who she dates or marries. If she’s happy, I’m happy for her.”
Dinner is a boisterous affair, and after we finish eating, all the adults join the kids in performing the monster freeze dance. Abby records it and posts it on her Insta story, using it to promote her children’s dance studio. She still operates out of the same building in Rydeville, close to her old ballet studio, but now she has two smaller premises in the two surrounding towns. She could probably expand further, but she’s already far too busy with her existing business and the kids, and she likes to be able to take on more of the family responsibility at times when Kai is working nonstop on a commission or preparation for a show. When he’s less busy, he picks up more of the slack, and they seem to have a good system going.
“Uncle Drew?” Charlie Junior tugs on my hand. “Will you play soccer with me, Uncle Kai, and Daddy?”
“Sure thing, little dude.” He’s been obsessed with soccer since I gave him a Messi signed jersey shortly after Lionel signed for Inter Miami.
I kick the ball around the garden with my little cousin, shooting the shit with my friends, grateful the subject of my lack of love life has passed.
At least until I’m leaving.
Abby insists on walking me out to my car after I’ve hugged all the kids and said goodbye to the adults. “Are you really okay with Shandra and Rick’s news?” she asks as we stroll along the hallway toward the front door.
“Yes.” I stop just before the door and turn to face my sister. She’s almost a foot shorter than me and so petite I often joke I could put her in my pocket. What she might lack in stature, she more than makes up for with strength of character and personality. Abby is a ballbuster, and she makes no apologies for it. She’s also fiercely loyal and incredibly protective of her family and all those she loves. She has tried not to force my issues, and when all that shit was going down with Shandra, she didn’t interfere. I respected that, but I think it’s time to set her straight.
“I think it’s time you know what went down between us.”
ChapterFourteen
Drew
“Agreed.” Abby purses her lips.
“I’m not talking about Jane,” I warn her.
I’ve been mulling over Charlie’s words, thinking maybe he’s right. Maybe it is better that Abby has full closure, but it’s not that straightforward. If I tell her, then I’ll have to tell everyone because there’s no way she’ll keep it from Kai or Xavier, and then it will do the rounds until everyone knows the truth.
I can’t forget I’m keeping them out of it to protect them, so the Jane news just can’t come out. At least not yet.
“You’re going to have to at some point.”
I purposely ignore responding, so I don’t end up promising something I can’t fulfill. “Let’s take a walk in the garden,” I suggest, grabbing her coat from the coat closet and handing it to her. I step outside and retrieve my black woolen coat from the back seat of my car.
Abby is all bundled up in a coat, hat, and gloves when we set out on the main walking trail that leads around the edge of the front garden, heading toward the wooded area at the back of the vast estate.
“Did you ever love Shandra?” she asks, just putting it out there in a way I’ve always admired about my sister.
I shake my head. “No. We were only ever friends. I was incapable of loving anyone when Jane already had my heart.”
“And now?”
“Nothing has changed.”
The saddest expression is etched on her face. “It breaks my heart that you and Jane didn’t get your happily ever after.”
“I can’t go there, Abby.”
“Does everything have to be a big secret?”
“I know I’m secretive and it bugs you, but I hold stuff in for a reason. I’m just trying to protect you.”
“I know, D, but I miss how close we used to be. You used to tell me everything.”
