I’m wrist-deep in Play-Doh when the doorbell rings. Chloe squeals, “Auntie Ava!” and barrels toward the door, her curls boinging like pogo sticks. I wipe neon green from my fingers and open the door for my sister and Erin.
Chloe and I stay busy on our own, but having Auntie Ava and Erin stopping by whenever we’re in town really helps.
Ava bends down and scoops Chloe up and immediately starts the airplane game, while Erin kicks the door shut behind them. Chloe is so happy to have two new grown-ups in her life who dote on every little thing she does.
We migrate to the kitchen. Chloe is busy trying to give Erin a “makeover” with washable markers while Ava and I make iced lattes. When they’re ready, we carry them into the living room.
“So…any updates for me?” I ask, getting comfy on the couch.
Ava sits next to me, and Erin and Chloe sprawl out on the floor.
“Well, the Whitmans still think Erin and I have just become really good friends.”
“Why aren’t you telling them?” I ask. “They’re going to be so excited.”
“That’s what I’m saying,” Erin pipes up. “Now that this one knows I’m the real deal.” She winks at Ava.
Ava’s cheeks flush. “We’ve had a lot going on. Easter and then the grand opening…” She makes a face and then brightens. “Did you know the family suspects Dylan of seeing someone?”
“They do? No! Really?”
“They’re dying to know where he sneaks off. Noah’s even tried following him, but somehow Dylan loses them every time.”
We all laugh.
The marker squeaks across Erin’s cheek.
Ava raises both brows. “I thought Dylan wanted it to be open knowledge by now. Didn’t you say he put a limit on how long this secret could go on? Especially now that he’s living in Windy Harbor?”
The words land like pebbles out in that lake. I feel them sink.
I make a face. “Yes, and I feel awful that I’ve gone back on my word, but…” I glance at Chloe, who’s moved on to putting stickers on Erin’s eyelids. “Things have been so amazing. We’re adjusting to him not being two thousand miles away, and it’s heaven. Nights together, mornings where he makes coffee and Chloe steals all the marshmallows from his Lucky Charms. I just…I don’t want to rock the boat.”
Erin snorts, eyes still closed under rainbow stickers. “The dad boat.”
I laugh, and then it catches in my throat. I didn’t even feel it coming. One second I’m giggling, the next my eyes are burning, and my chest feels like it’s caving in. I press the heels of my hands to my eyes like I can hold the tears in.
“Oh, Dahlia,” Ava says softly.
Erin peels a sticker off her eyelid and reaches for my hand.
“I’m sorry,” I say, my voice cracking.
That catches Chloe’s attention, and she comes over, staring at me with concern.
“I’m okay, baby girl,” I tell her. I look at Ava and Erin. “I know I’m being selfish. He deserves so much more than this. He should be able to walk down that main road—what is it called?”
“Wildbriar Lane,” Ava interjects.
“Wildbriar Lane, holding my hand if he wants to. He moved all the way across the country, and I’m still making him hide us.”
Chloe pats my wet cheek with a sticky palm. “Mama sad?”
“Mama’s just being silly.”
Ava rubs circles on my back. “You’re not silly. You’re scared. There’s a difference. What’s happening with Bruce lately?”
“I’ve stayed under the radar with him at work, which is always the best option. When I get too sassy, he threatens my job and our insurance, etcetera.”
