Cami had seen every version of me: the overachieving valedictorian, the stressed-out undergrad, the law student running on caffeine and nerves, the new attorney trying to prove she belonged. She’d watched me fold under my parents’ expectations, then unfold again, always trying to hide the disappointment.
“You know,” she said, her tone gentler now, “my kids think you’re a superhero.”
“Because I bring them snacks and let them get away with whatever they want. It’s my job as the fun aunt.”
“No. It’s because you show up. Because you always do.” She paused. “But you never show up for yourself.”
I stared into my wine, pretending to study the reflection of the sky. “Okay…you’re being dramatic again.”
“It’s true,” she said simply.
I sighed. “Cami, I’m fine.”
“Is it?” She countered.
I hated that she could say that, and I couldn’t argue.
“I just…” I exhaled, setting my glass down. “You know how my parents are. Success isn’t optional. She‘s always like —”
“Comfort is for people who’ve already achieved something.”We say mockingly in unison.
Cami’s expression softened. “And you believed her.”
“Still kind of do.”
She reached across the table and touched my hand. “You’ve achieved plenty, Dani. Look at all you’ve done. You graduated a year early, you’re the youngest lawyer in the office.”
The truth sat between us, simple but heavy.
We sat in silence for a while, the kind that felt earned. Cicadas started up, and somewhere down the street, a dog barked at a car passing by.
I took another sip of wine. “You know what’s funny?”
“What?”
“The first time I met Logan, I barely noticed him.”
Her eyebrows lifted. “What?”
“It was when you two moved in here,” I said, smiling at the memory. “He came to help Hunter haul that ridiculous grill.”
“Oh my God, the grill,” she groaned. “The one Hunter swore would ‘totally fit’?”
“That’s the one.” I laughed. “I showed up with takeout, and there’s Logan, carrying the heavier end, muttering about bad decision-making.”
Cami snorted. “That sounds like him.”
“Yeah. Right before I spilled that margarita on Hunter’s shoe.’”
“I totally forgot about that!” She laughed.
“Well, he didn’t.” I smiled faintly. “I remember thinking he had nice eyes, but that was it. I didn’t know who he was then. Still don’t.”
Cami’s smile faded, her eyes softening. “He’s been through a lot. Losing Elena like that…He’s quiet, but he’s a good guy.” The words hung in the air, and I felt a sudden tightening in my chest.
“What happened?” I asked carefully. “I get the impression she’s gone, and it’s… big. But he hasn’t said, and I don’t want to push.”
“She passed during childbirth. Never even held Harper. But that’s all I can say, it’s his story to tell. He struggles with it. Hunter said it was a really dark time for him.”
