Still…
There are secrets buried so deep we don’t ever talk about them.
Moments so dark they block out the light.
“Give her space to decide her future without the pressure of yours,” Harlan urges.
She wants her sister, forgiveness, a chance to stand on her own feet.
The throbbing gets worse.In my knee, in my chest.
Harlan holds out his hand.
31
NOVA
“You’re pink,” Mari says, pressing a finger into the pinned-up curls on my head.
“You’re drunk.”
“I’m not,” she protests, throwing her arms around me.“I’m only tipsy,” she whispers.
“Got it,” I laugh.
“This is the best night of my life.”
“You’re the most beautiful bride, Mar.”
She beams.“Thank you.I’m going to say goodbye to the rest of the wedding party, then Harlan and I are leaving for our honeymoon.”
She whooshes off to Chloe, who gestures and mouths to me, “Sparkler send off in ten?”
I nod, satisfaction and love welling up inside me.
I’m bursting with them.
My future is far from settled, but tonight has been amazing.
I’m tipsy on wine and swaying to the band as they play old favorite songs.I scan the crowd of well-dressed, beautiful, and generally tall people looking for one in particular.
“Nova.”
The familiar voice has me turning.
“Harlan.”I throw my arms around him, significantly more buzzed than the last time I bumped into him, and he’s surprised a second before he hugs me back.“You’re a married man.Ready to start the season with new commitments.”
“And I couldn’t be happier.”
He looks as if he means it.
“When you were growing up, did you ever think you’d be here?”I ask him.
“I can honestly say it never occurred to me.”
“Me either.This entire month has been a trip,” I say.“I’m glad we’re family.That I get to know you.”
His eyes cloud.“So am I.I hope you know you’re always welcome here, even after you go back to Boston.”
