“On the other hand, itdoessound like your Gio is someone who makes your life easier—even if his mom did almost kill you in Italy.”
I roll my eyes. “Where was this concern when I texted you a picture of me in ahospital bed, and you didn’t even message me back for like, an hour?”
She huffs. “I thought it was one of those Photoshop pranks you tell me not to fall for! It looked like you were in front of a flower-filled green screen backdrop. I even saw a hot Italian doctor in the background—hedefinitelylooked AI. I already said I was sorry, Tessie. What else do you want from me?”
My eyes narrow. “AN HOUR, Mother.”
“Which is a fraction of time compared to the twelve I spent birthing you,” she says sweetly, taking a sip of tea.
I snort. “Fine. You win.”
Her face gets a little bigger on my screen as she leans closer to the camera. “Tessa. You came into this worldcomplete. There’s not one thing inside of you that’s missing. You are enough just as you are. And youalwayswere.”
I go still for a moment and close my eyes. I focus on memorizing her words, knowing that I’ll whisper them to myself on a hard day. When I open my eyes, her lips have curved into a knowing smile. I give a small nod.
“Love you, Mom.”
“Wuvv you doo.” She forks another chunk of cinnamon roll into her mouth. “But Tessie?”
“Yeah?”
She swallows, setting down her fork. “You should tell your brother.”
My pulse quickens. “I know. I’m, um, actually meeting him at the diner later tonight. I’ll tell him then.”
Mom nods. “I’m here if you need me.”
* * *
As soon as I walk into our favorite little diner, I see Daniel at the back corner booth. When I get closer to him, weaving my way through the freestanding tables that crowd the floor, I spot his charity’s logo on the breast pocket of his dress shirt. He must’ve had a business meeting at his foundation’s New York location today. After years of catching up here post-game, it’s strange to see him in anything but athleisure.
Before I can even sit down, Daniel opens his mouth to speak, and guilt is written all over his face.
“So, the last time I was here, Ben spent two hours talking to me about plants. Hadn’t seen the guy since high school, but he was the exact same. Gracie and him still act like siblings. Anyway, he got this Oreo milkshake, and it looked so fucking good.”
He blushes. This explains the guilt.
“I know I said I’d wait for you, but I already ordered it. And it came, and I drank the whole thing. Sorry. I’m still buying you one, though. Gracie says it’s mandatory for both parties in any type of relationship to eat ice cream together, so I’ll order another shake for me. Except I don’t think I can drink it. But it’ll sit right here in front of me, so you won’t feel awkward. Is that okay, because?—”
“I talk to Dad sometimes.”
Daniel goes completely still and stares into my eyes. I don’t think I’ve ever seen my brother look at anyone with this much intensity who isn’t his wife. He’s constantly full of energy, buzzing around. But Daniel’s jaw is tight, and his lips are pressed into a thin line. His shoulders are so tense, it looks like he’s bracing for impact.
We sit in silence, and I feel a sense of shame come over me. Maybe I shouldn’t have told him. I know how he feels about Dad. And I know that he believes webothwent no-contact. Daniel’s been the most loving big brother, and I’ve been so ungrateful, searching for love and attention in all the wrong places.
We speak at the same time.
“Sorry, Dan?—”
“I’m sorry.”
A confused pause, then we both start talking again.
“Wait, why areyou?—”
“Why are you sorry?”
While his eyes stay focused on me, his hands stay busy picking at his nails.
