It had been weeks since we’d had time alone together. I should be excited about the prospect of catching up with her, but I dreaded the inevitable questions about Chase.
I walked into the small cafe, scanning the tables to see if Vanessa had arrived yet. Not only had Vanessa arrived, but Jennifer sat beside her. A fine tremor ran through my body as I remembered our last conversation. Let’s be real—our fight. I didn’t want a repeat. Then again, I was already anesthetized, so maybe it was the perfect time to see Jennifer again. She couldn’t hurt me if I didn’t care.
Any fleeting enjoyment at seeing her was spoiled by the presence of our oldest sister. I gave Vanessa my sternest frown and sat down at the table. She gave me a serene smile in return, and I turned to check Jennifer’s response. I assumed she knew I’d be present, and I would have expected her fighting armor, but she looked subdued. Not remorseful, but not truly herself either.
Jennifer was normally perfectly turned out when she left the house—full makeup, a shiny helmet of hair, and an elegant outfit that made you question if she sat around drinking wine and directing the household help at home instead of managing a busy family of four. In contrast, today she wore minimal makeup and her hair was in a ponytail. Most concerning was that she wore a pair of jeans and a T-shirt that I’d never seen before.
Vanessa jumped in before there were any unkind words or bloodshed. “I invited you both here today because I understand that your last conversation didn’t end well. I want to help you clear the air. We’re sisters, and we need to stick together.”
She glanced meaningfully between us, and I bit my tongue, keeping my emotionless facade in place. I was determined not to be the first to speak. Was it childish? Probably. Maybe. Definitely. Did I care? I needed a small victory. It had been a rough couple of weeks.
I forgot how alike Jennifer and I were. She could also be relentlessly stubborn. She didn’t make eye contact with me or speak. The silence stretched on an uncomfortable amount of time and neither of us showed any signs of breaking. The waiter came to take our orders, and after he left, we just sat. Taking out a book would be a step too far, even for me, but I was tempted.
Vanessa did her best to wait us out, but predictably, she was the first to break. “Honestly. I have kids if I want to sit through this kind of drama. I don’t need it from the adults in my family too.” She looked between us. “Still? Nothing? Come on!”
I made eye contact with Jennifer but kept my mouth closed. She sighed but didn’t utter a word.
“Fine, I guess I’ll be the grown-up. Why are middle children always the peacemakers?” Vanessa couldn’t help including that complaint. “Tamra, while your tryst’s timing and location could have been better, Jennifer overreacted. Her comments weren’t so much about you; Tim has been having an affair. The shit hit the fan the day before the wedding when she found pictures on his phone. She needs her sisters.”
Vanessa dared us to remain silent now. I watched as Jennifer’s stoic face crumpled, and her eyes gleamed. Her breathing became more labored as she struggled to contain her emotions, and I reached out a hand to hers where it lay clenched on the table.
Tim was an asshole to treat her that way. He’d seemed so devoted. I’d always thought he and Jennifer had the perfect relationship. But maybe there was no such thing.
“I’m so sorry,” I said softly. She stared down at the table until she’d composed herself, then looked me in the eye.
“No, I’m sorry. It was never about you. I was hateful, and I didn’t mean it. Will you forgive me?”
I nodded. “I’m sorry to hear about Tim. That sucks. What do you need?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ve been trying to pretend like everything’s fine, but that’s clearly not working so well for me.” She fidgeted with her hands, moving her wedding band around on her ring finger. “I don’t know what to do,” she admitted softly.
“What has Tim said about the whole thing?” I asked.
“He claims it was a one-time mistake, but he had enough photos on his phone that I think he’s lying. He wants to go to couples’ therapy, and I think we’re going to start there and see where it goes.” She took a deep breath, blowing it out unsteadily.
I gripped her hand where it lay on the table, “I’m sorry. Let me know how I can help. If you need a break, a place to stay, my couch is yours.”
Her raised brow said it all. “Couch? Don’t I warrant your bed?”
I smiled. “You don’t fool me. I know you snore. I’d never get any rest sharing a bed with you.”
She swatted my hand. “You know I use an apnea machine for that now. I’m quiet as a mouse. Besides, I’d kick you out to the couch.”
“There’s the sisterly love I remember so fondly.”
Our server arrived with our meals, and we dug into lunch. I wasn’t sure if it was stress eating or feigned indifference, but Jennifer consumed most of her burger with gusto. I picked at mine, thinking that it wasn’t as good as the recipe I’d tried from Virginia Rothman. I snorted to myself, Virginia. Sure, that was my problem.
Vanessa must have noticed my lack of appetite. “How are things going with Chase? Are you getting serious?”
Both sisters waited
