Page 117 of Lost Love on 6th Street

“I know it killed Eleanor to have to change her mind,” Claire says, her voice soft.

“Yeah, well.”

Her forehead creases. “You want to talk about it?”

I shrug a shoulder. “There’s nothing to talk about.” Not really. Eleanor’s made the choice. It’s only fair after I’ve ghosted her for this long.

“You two were cute together,” Claire says as if it’s a consolation.

“Don’t remind me.”

“Ah, Luke.”

I try to smile. Our eyes meet. Reflections. “God, it’s still weird,” I laugh.

“I know, I’m still getting over the family resemblance myself.” Claire nods toward the door. “I’ll walk you out.”

The walk to my car is quiet. Shortbread is more excited than he knows what to do with, yanking on the leash and jumping. He keeps looking back to me as we go as if he can’t believe it.

I’m a dad. A fur dad, but still.

I didn’t think I’d be doing this alone, but I’m gonna need all the help I can get as I process how my life has flipped upside down today.

I open the back door for Shortbread and let him leap inside.

“You mind if I ask what happened?” Claire prods.

“You can ask, but I’m not sure I have good answers,” I say, my eyes falling to my shoes.

“Is it because of me?”

“What?!”

“I don’t know, this is all a lot of drama. Maybe it was too much for her, or . . . I don’t know.”

I sigh. “No, Claire. It’s nothing to do with you and everything to do with me.” I glance out at the open landscape beyond the animal sanctuary.

“You love her?” she asks.

I don’t reply.

“I’m your sister, it’s my job to hold you accountable to your feelings.”

I laugh.

Claire does too. “I know, sounds weird. I don’t have to call myself that.”

“No, that’s what you are.”

She smiles. Says nothing. Waits for my answer.

I nod once. “Yeah, I love her.”

“Then don’t be an idiot.” She points a finger in my face.

“Damn, you sure you don’t have siblings? Because you’ve got the conversation down pat.”

Claire puts her hands in the air. “What can I say? I’ve always wanted an idiot brother.”

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