“I didn’t think you were awake much.”
“Every time I was, he was watching me.” Tiffany shuddered. “I don’t know what you see in that beast.”
“I like him. We share a fondness for fish.”
Tiffany laughed, then poked Haley. “And what’s the mermaid about?”
“You have a lot of questions this morning.”
“And you have a ton of secrets. I never thought you were nearly this interesting. Haley Slater with a tattoo.” Tiffany shook her head, smiling.
“You got me drunk and took advantage of me.”
“I didn’t even know it was possible to get you drunk.” Tiff sighed. “Although you did get a bit morose, sis.”
“Sorry.”
“And the mermaid?”
“It’s kind of a private joke. A reminder.”
“Uh huh.” They were entering the airport and Haley thought the interrogation might be over. “So, did you tell him?”
“Tell him what?”
“That you love him.”
“I can’t do that. It wouldn’t be fair.”
“Because he doesn’t want a commitment.”
“Because...well, because. It’s complicated.”
“It always is when it matters.” The cab stopped at the curb and Tiffany paid the fare over Haley’s protests. She didn’t get out of the cab, though. “So, tell him,” she said.
“Tell who what?” Haley asked, although she knew.
Tiffany lifted her brows.
“You’re going to miss your flight.”
“Then you’d better call him soon. There’s no telling what that cat will do if I show up again.” Tiffany smiled, her manner expectant.
“There’s no reason to call him,” Haley said, because it was true. Her period had started the day before. She didn’t have an excuse to call Damon and she didn’t want to make any kind of confession over the phone.
“Then I will miss my flight. Huh. Well, we can share the bed for another night.”
Haley glared at her sister, who smiled back. “You’re being pushy.”
“I’m reminding you of what you already know. Dad told me once that you can stand and watch the parade go by or you can join in and march with the others.” Tiffany’s gaze was steady. “Thanks to Garrett, you’ve been watching the parade for too long.”
Haley frowned as she watched the people on the sidewalk. “Aren’t you afraid? Don’t you worry sometimes that Stefan won’t come home?”
“Like Dad didn’t?” Tiff gave Haley a hard look. “Like Garrett didn’t?”
“He came back.”
“Just married to somebody else. That wasn’t the plan.” Tiff stared down at her hands and Haley knew she was composing her thoughts. “I do think about it. I mean, I see life’s surprises every time I work a shift. But here’s the thing: I want every single moment with Stefan that I can have, regardless of what the future holds.”