Because you were supposed to be helping me with the store.
Because for a moment in my life, I felt like I had someone faithfully walking by my side, sharing my dreams.
Until you weren’t.
But expecting her to do something out of character isn’t fair to her.
“You’re right,” I say, knowing that’s all she wants to hear. “I’m sorry.”
“I’m sorry too.” She stands from the couch as well and offers me a hug. “You’re such a spirited one. If only I could get you into hobby horsing.” She cups my cheeks. “You would be the belle of the ball.”
I swallow back the emotion bubbling up inside me. The feeling of having to be the adult in this relationship is so crippling at times, even though I am one. I’ve had to take care of her ever since she lost Melvin. I had to take care of my dad, so it’s enforcing a pattern that I’ve lived with my entire life. You’d think that I would be used to it, but I’m tired.
So fucking tired.
“I’m sure with you teaching me, I would,” I say, swallowing back my irritation. The last thing I need right now is to start a fight with my aunt.
“There’s always time for you to start.”
“Maybe I should just focus on the candy shop for now.”
“Perhaps.” She winks and then taps my cheek. “Shall I plan for a Sunday roast with the boys?”
“Umm…sure,” I say.
“Great. I’ll put together a list of things for you to grab at the store. They’re going to love it.”
Of course she will.
“I’ll be sure to tell Rupert, but can you invite Theodore for us?”
“Sure,” I answer as I head toward the front door.
“How are things going with you two, by the way?” she asks. “He seems to be hanging out with you a lot.”
“He’s helping with the shop,” I answer.
“Has he proposed lately?”
So she’s just going to skip over the shop? Not mention how she was supposed to help with the storage room like she said she would? Okay.
“No, and he won’t. He knows that’s not what I want.”
“Shame.” Aunt Kitty sighs. “It would be nice to see you settle down.”
I grit my teeth and just smile. “Okay, see you later.”
“Bye, dear.”
Chapter Thirty-Nine
THEO
She’s tense.
She’s been tense ever since we got in the car.
I’ve attempted to chill her out, joke around, even play some music, but nothing has worked. I have this horrible feeling that it has everything to do with me and what happened with Rupert, because why wouldn’t that make her upset?
