Page 129 of Protecting You

“I mean, of course I want to confide?—”

“It’s fine. Congratulations, by the way. I’m happy for you. It’s good to know there’s somebody in your life you love enough to talk to.”

“It’s not… Brooklynn, I’m sorry. I’m not so good at?—”

“It’s fine.”

It wasn’t.

“It doesn’t matter.”

It did.

But Alyssa had no idea how to fix it, how to make it right.

Brooklynn added water to the glasses. “Eliza’s bringing a babysitter to entertain Levi. Maybe you can ask if Peri can join them.”

Eliza was their cousin Sam’s wife. “How did you know?—?”

“I see Eliza. We chat sometimes. We’re family, you know. That’s what families do. Talk. You should try it. Or at least, when people want to talk to you, maybe answer your phone.”

Right. Brooklynn had called her...was it yesterday? She should’ve called her back. She could remind her that she’d lost her phone, but she had one now, but wouldn’t be able to explain why she couldn’t share her number.

It was all so convoluted. And frankly, even if Alyssa had had her phone, she wouldn’t have called. “I’m sorry.”

Brooklynn took a breath, then smiled, though nobody who knew her would buy it. “I am happy for you. I just wish things were different. But it doesn’t?—”

“It does matter.” Alyssa took the glasses, set them on the counter, and pulled her sister into a hug. “It does matter, and you’re right about all of it. You’re right, and I’m sorry.”

For being a terrible sister. For letting her relationships with them grow so distant.

For taking advantage of her kindness while lying to her.

Tears pricked her eyes. How could she do this? How could she hurt the only people in the world who loved her?

Brooklynn’s return hug was reluctant at best.

Alyssa stepped back, taking her sister’s hands. “There’s a very long story here, and I want to tell you everything. I just can’t today, okay? But I do want to confide in you. I miss you.”

She realized as she said the words that they were true. That as much as she’d avoided her family in the last few years, she longed for them. She longed to have sisters who were best friends again.

Maybe Brooklynn read the emotion in her eyes, because the hardness in her expression softened. “I forgive you. I look forward to hearing your story.” She pulled her hands away, swiped her fingers beneath her eyes. “You’re gonna make me ruin my makeup.” The trademark smile filled her face as she swiveled and returned to the living room. “Here we go!” Her voice was perfectly chipper as she set the drinks on her coffee table in front of Callan. “Peri, you want to come help us pick out a dress for Alyssa?”

“Sure! Can I, Daddy?”

“If you want.” He sat back and crossed an ankle on the opposite knee. “If you like all that frilly girl stuff.”

Peri propped her fists on her hips. “Iama girl.”

“Oh, yeah. I always forget.”

“Silly.”

“Come on, then.” Brooklynn beckoned her toward the hallway and her bedroom, and Peri followed.

Callan gave Alyssa a raised-eyebrows look.

She kept her voice low. “I’ve got it under control.” She hoped, anyway. She’d text Eliza as soon as she got the chance.

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