“Yep.”
“Why exactly do you live on the coast?”
I shrug and look out the window, where wind whips debris through the air. “I think I like to play chicken with my fears. This time, it’s definitely winning.”
“Nah.” He reaches forward for a handful of M&M’S. “This is just a little wind. I won’t let it hurt you.”
I smile up at him—the first genuine smile since this godforsaken tempest started—and give him my Olive Oyl impression. “My hero.”
He throws an M&M at me.
Jocelyn
If you can imagine the worst thing, you are also capable of imagining the best thing.
—My Therapist
“Keep moving!” yells the airport security man.
I ignore him and continue hugging Ali. My Benz is blocking a lane, but I don’t care. My sister flew in a death trap of steel and countless bags of pretzels and still made it to my side.
Miracles do happen.
I barely slept last night, imagining what could befall her on her trip today. When I did sleep, I dreamed her airplane crashed into the ocean.
Always the goddamn ocean. With its uncontrollability and unfathomable depths. Stupid fucking thing, truly.
My therapist will be so disappointed.
“Move it, ladies!” the guy shouts again, closer this time.
Behind me, Asher thunks my trunk closed, now full of Ali’s suitcase. “All set, lovelies.”
“Come on.” Ali pats my back. “Let’s get in the car before they arrest us. I see you picked up a stray.” She quickly hugs Asher, and he pecks her cheek.
I put on a fake sigh. “You pet a dogone time, and he follows you forever.”
Asher rolls his eyes. “Ha ha.”
I let Asher drive so I can focus on Ali, allowing her to have the front seat because I’m magnanimous. Her dark hair is thrown into itsI don’t care what I look likebun, and mascara is smeared under her eyes from her plane nap.
She’s perfect.
“So, what are the sister plans tonight?” Asher asks once we’re on the highway.
“Takeout and Netflix,” I say.
“And wine,” Ali adds.
“Heaven!” Asher says in a distinctly feminine voice, earning a laugh from Ali.
“What are you doing tonight, Asher?” Ali nudges his shoulder. “Hot date?”
“Yep. With my bed.”
She pulls a face. “Gross.”
He glances at her. “What? Not like that, you perv. I was on call last night. I’m tired, and unlike some people, I don’t have a week of vacation to look forward to.”
