Total pages in book: 55
Estimated words: 51530 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 258(@200wpm)___ 206(@250wpm)___ 172(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 51530 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 258(@200wpm)___ 206(@250wpm)___ 172(@300wpm)
“First of all, you enjoyed the trashy television and puzzle nights just as much as I did, and don’t act like you didn’t. But really, you don’t have to worry about me. I’m going to be fine.”
Did my voice break as I said it? I feel my eyes widen, knowing it did.
She grabs my other hand and holds them both between us. “Listen to me, sis. For the last twelve years, you have completely dedicated your life to me.” I start to interrupt her, but she shakes her head. “No, don’t even try to act like you didn’t because we both know it’s the truth. And now, I’m okay. I need you to know that I’m good. I finished school, I’m married, I’m starting a teaching job at the beginning of next semester, and I’m good now.” She points at herself and her husband across the room. “I know that everything I have, everything I am is because of you. I owe you so much.”
I do stop her this time. “No, don’t say that. You don’t owe me anything. I love you, Carrie.”
She nods and releases my hand as she wipes at a tear on her cheek. She laughs as she wipes it away, being careful not to smear any makeup. “I told myself I wasn’t going to cry today, but I should have known I wouldn’t get through this conversation without it.” She takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. “I love you, too. And that’s why I need you to do something for me.”
I don’t even hesitate. “Anything, you know that.”
She nods. “I need you to live it up, Lilian. I want you to go out, take photography courses, travel, go on dates, be happy. You grew up too fast, and you had to because of me.” I open my mouth, but she shakes her head, rolls her eyes, and holds her hand up all at the same time. It’s something she mastered around the age of fifteen. “I’m serious, Lilian. You deserve happiness, and you deserve to be loved and love someone else. You deserve everything. Can you do this for me?”
I wrap my arms around her neck, pulling her into me. “I promise, kiddo.”
She grabs my upper arms and pushes away from me. “I’m serious. Don’t think you can just tell me okay and I’m going to forget about it. I’m not letting this go.”
I blow out a breath. “I got it. Date, live it up, sleep around, travel…”
I trail off on my list as she starts to laugh. “I never said sleep around. I mean, good for you, add that one on there, but we can both see where your mind’s at.” She looks over at my date, who is sitting at the table eating and playing on his phone. “So you and Victor…”
I put my arm around her waist. “No, not me and Victor… he’s my date. That’s it. You told me I had to bring a date, so I brought one.”
Again with the eye rolling. “I didn’t mean with the first guy that asked you out.”
I pinch her side. “He’s been asking me out since I started at Blaze Whiskey two years ago, and what’s wrong with him? He’s nice.”
She nods, eyes wide and innocent. “Yes, yes, he is nice. But he doesn’t look like the type that’s going to take control in the bedroom or take you to the promised land if you know what I mean.”
I cover my hands over my ears. “Blah, blah, blah… I don’t want to hear it. To me, you’re still the eleven-year-old girl that I had to lie down in bed with to get you to go to sleep. I don’t want to hear you talking about s-e-x.”
Her mouth falls open. “Did you just spell it? Lilian, you’re thirty years old. Geez, you do need to get laid.”
I cover her mouth because of course by the end of the sentence her voice raises, and everyone around is staring at us. “Are you serious right now?”
She pulls away from me. “I love you, sis. Don’t forget what you promised me.” I watch as she practically floats across the room to her husband. He opens his arms to her when she gets close, and they embrace.
I motion to the bartender for another drink. I’m going to need one after that conversation.
Ford
“Did you remember your lunch box today?”
Ollie groans from the back seat. “Yes, I have my lunch box and backpack. I have it all, Dad.”
I laugh as I look at him through the rearview mirror. He seems surprised that I would ask him when in fact he forgets things on the regular. I glance at him again, expecting to see him rolling his eyes or something, but I’m surprised when I see the pensive look on his face. “What’s wrong?” I ask instantly.