“Made worse by the fact that it’s my fault she died.”
“You know that isn’t true. You were only five...” I rub my thumb along the back of her hand.
“My mom blamed me... She never said so, but I could feel it. Could sense the shift between us even at only five years old. Jackson started tucking me in at night. Jackson started putting me on the bus. Instead of my mom reading to me, it was my brother.”
“Sounds like you’re extremely lucky to have him.”
“He’s a pain in the ass most days, but yes, I honestly don’t know where I’d be without him.”
“And your mom? Are you two close at all?”
“We are now. It took time, but eventually our relationship recovered. Or at least the best it could recover given the circumstances.” She releases a slow breath. “Thank you for bringing me here,” she says after a long moment.
“Thank you for coming.” I squeeze her hand that’s still tucked in mine.
“Can I ask you something?” She rolls onto her side.
“Anything.” I mirror her action, shifting to my side toface her, so close that only mere inches separate her lips from mine, a fact I am all too aware of.
“Why did you really bring me here?”
“I already told you.”
“But what’s your end game? What do you want from me?”
“I want a great many things from you, Maisie Rose.” I reach up, brushing a strand of hair away from her face, allowing my hand to linger on her cheek. “But right now, I’ll settle for your friendship.”
“And what if I don’t want to be friends?”
“Then I’ll take whatever you’re willing to give me.”
She stares at me for a long moment and then does something I never expected. She leans forward and presses her lips to mine.
