“The girls are doing great.”
Their heads fall back toward the ceiling with simultaneous groans, and I want to smile, but I hold it back.
“Are we ordering food or what?” Their gazes land back on me. “If not, I’m going home. I havethingsto consider.” It’s all they’re getting.
One side of Trig’s mouth lifts as Carson’s arms cross over his chest.
“I knew it! I knew she’d get through that thick skull,” Carson says as if he just won a bet.
“She didn’t do shit.” I adjust my hat and grab a menu.
“Ha.” Wind claps Trig and Carson on the back. “He’s back, boys. Now, we can help you adjust to life outside the cave.”
“I’m not adjusting to anything. Nothing changes.”
Carson’s eyes peek at me out of the corner. “Yeah, right. You can be as sweet as you want to the girl next door, but to us, you'd better be the asshole you’ve always been.”
“That won’t be hard.”
Carson throws his arms out to the side. “Man, it’s about time. You’ve got to make room for the things you want. If you keep shutting everything and everyone out, you’re going to push all the good out with the bad.”
“I’m not making room for anything.”
They all grin. “Hell yeah, you are. It might take time, but we’ve got you, man.” Trig smacks my back.
“It’s like a garden, bro,” Wind says. “You’ve got to plant the seeds. Give it time and room for love to bloom.”
The three of us look at Dr. Love.
“What in the hell?” Trig says, a beer halfway to his lips. “Are you snorting rose petals and packing a bow and arrow?”
The top of Wind’s cheeks turn red above his beard, but he shrugs it off. “Millie has all these books about love languages and shit. There’s good stuff in there. From what I can tell, these doctors know what they’re talking about.”
We all laugh as the waitress takes our order. I relay mine, and Carson lifts his chin at me.
“I’m proud of you.”
“You all have lost your damn minds if you think anything is changing.”
They glance at each other and then back at me.
I exhale. “I’m only thinking about it.”
They cheer, raising their beers before taking a drink.
Alex is right. It’s been a long time, and I’m scared. I’m scared to even think about spending time with Sarah or anyone. So, I’ll give it time and just seewhat happens.
Chapter 14
SARAH
“Mama, higher.”
I push Ollie with one hand and Frankie with the other, alternating back and forth. The cool, fall air swooshes against my face and smells of rotting leaves and dirt. I shiver, but the sun is warm against my black leggings.
“Dat t-t-tickles my tummy,” Ollie laughs and raises his arms like he’s flying.
Frankie smiles and squeals as I pretend like I’m going to get her as she swings toward me.
