I blow my bangs out of my face. “She’s not my sister.”
“Stepsister. Whatever. It would mean a lot to me and her mom if you came.”
“So I can watch Taylor marry my ex? So I can put my stamp of approval on Hayden cheating on me withmy sister?”
He lets out a sigh. “That was a long time ago. Can’t we forgive and forget?”
“What happened to taking my side? To supporting me? Remember when Mom died and you swore you’d always be my person?”
“Jesus, Aurora. I am your person. I’ll always support you.”
I bite my cheek. “This doesn’t feel like support.” It feels like manipulation. “Because you know what happens if I go? It tells everyone I forgive them, and I won’t ever do that.” Moreover, I’ll be humiliated all over again. People will smile to my face and whisper behind my back.
“Taylor’s grown up a lot in the last few years. If you ever came home, you’d see that.”
I’ll pass. “Is this all you wanted to talk about?” I reach for the glass of water on my bedside table.
“Rory, can you do it for me? Please? It would make Camille really happy.”
I seriously doubt that. My stepmother is not my biggest fan. I suspect this is my father’s clumsy attempt at peacemaking. The problem is Taylor somehow snookered my father into thinking she’s a good person, so it feels like she stole him too. “I’m pretty busy this summer. I have activities scheduled for the library every weekend, and I don’t have anyone who could replace me.” I don’t mention that we’re closed on Sunday.
“Just think about it, okay? I’ll pay for you to hire a sub.”
He has no idea how much he’s breaking my heart right now. “I have to go, Dad.”
When I get off the phone, I stare at the dark screen, wishing things were different. Wishing that I still had my parents. That I still had people who backed me. I love my father, and I know he loves me too, but Camille has him curled around her evil little finger. I’m sure she’s in his ear, telling him I’m being childish or unreasonable.
Maybe I am, but they don’t get to write off my pain as if what Taylor and Hayden did was some little slip-up, like an overdrawn check that can be reimbursed.
After I make a cup of coffee, I sit in my kitchen nook by the window and watch the rain come down.
There’s something cruel about a storm when you’re already sad. It used to feel romantic—the smell of the earth, the way everything felt fresh and new once it was over, the rainbow that followed if you were patient enough. My mom used to say that’s what storms were for, clearing the air.
Now I know I need to look out for man-eating potholes.
By Monday morning, I’m feeling less mopey. Going to work always raises my spirits.
The library gives my love of books meaning. It’s financial security I built all by myself. I didn’t have to beg my dad for handouts. I didn’t have to rely on anyone but myself. The thought bolsters my spirits.
I’m unlocking the front door to the library, thinking about checking out my all-time favorite book—Pride and Prejudiceby Jane Austen—when I spot Baylee and her toddler. “Hi, guys! Did you want to check out that book about planes for Leo? I set it aside for you.”
“Thanks for remembering.” Baylee hoists her son higher in her arms.
I hold out my hand to her adorable toddler. “Hi, darling. Did you come for a book?”
“Buuuk.” He grins when I clap.
“Nice job, buddy. I have lots of those you can check out today.” Smiling, I wave them in. “Whoa.” I pause in the doorway. “Does it smell weird in here?”
Baylee sniffs the air and shrugs. “It always has a musty scent. Maybe it’s just really humid.”
I should get a dehumidifier and check the refrigerator to make sure it isn’t on the fritz again. It broke one weekend and the ice melted and leaked all over the floor in the staff break room.
As I flip on my computer, Baylee puts Leo down behind us in the children’s section. When she turns back to me, she tilts her head. “Are you doing okay? I know Saturday was rough.”
Now that I’m behind the comfort of the circulation desk, I can answer honestly. “I’m better now, thanks.” And also embarrassed I shared so much. I prefer to keep my life private. That way when I fall on my face, I don’t humiliate myself in front of the whole world.
“You were there when Sean dumped me when I was pregnant, and that was definitely a low moment for me. I know you don’t have family in town, but I want you to call me or Paige or Honey if you need anything.”
