Page 14 of Finding Yesterday

On no. In all the madness, I forgot to let him out.

Nate walks over and folds his arms. “C’mon, Em, those are just Winston’s little tootsie balls.”

I’m sure Nate’s trying to get her to lighten up, but she’s not having it.

I look around, finding Winston in the corner, shaking, so I go pick him up. “It’s okay, baby, but you’ve got to learn to do your poopsies outside.”

“Claire.” Her jaw is clenched. “What have you done to potty train him?”

“Um, nothing just yet.” I scratch Winston’s ears. “I’ve kind of been in a tough emotional place.”

“Exactly,” she says. “Maybe not in the best state to take on the responsibility of adopting a pet?”

I hate it when she’s right, but I didn’t know what to do. “I couldn’t just let Winston get roasted over a fire,” I whisper.

Emma flutters out a breath. “I understand, but the pig can’t stay here.”

Desperate, I say, “Nate, can you take Winston?”

“Me?” He looks around. “Uh, no way. I’m in a tiny bungalow. And I’m not really a pig person.”

Nate lives near downtown Blue Vine, and he doesn’t have much of a yard. Plus, he’s a neat freak like Emma. I know he can’t have a pet pig.

I continue with, “Can Winston just stay until I figure something out? I need time to think this through.”

Emma groans. “No, because this is an ongoing issue with you—you don’t think things through! Like a plan for a job, like making a huge mess in my kitchen, like adopting a pig when you don’t have a place—”

“Like running out of my own wedding?” I throw my hands in the air.

“I didn’t say that.” Emma’s tone is hollow.

“You don’t have to say it because I already know what you think of me,” I bite back.

“That’s not fair,” Emma grits. “I just want what’s best for you.”

I close my eyes and sigh. I’m not going to do this with Emma. It never leads anywhere productive. After swallowing hard, I say, “I love you, Emma. And that’s why I can’t stay here. Because if I do, it’s going to ruin our relationship. Pig or no pig.”

She shakes her head, putting her hand on my shoulder. “I want you to have a place when you need it. I’m sorry for what I said—I was just frustrated.”

“Thank you, but we’ve tried this before, and it doesn’t work.” I sigh. “It never has.”

“So, you’re just going to move out? With nowhere to go?”

Nate puts a hand up. “She can move in with me, Emma. Oh, wait, not with the pig though.”

Emma and I both shoot Nate a look.

“I can move in with Daddy; you know that,” I say. “He already offered.”

“Daddy’s in Blue Vine. You can’t open a vegetarian restaurant there.” Emma sticks out her lower lip, something I haven’t seen her do in years. But it makes me happy that she wants me here in Atlanta with her. Her voice is quiet when she says, “You can’t give up on your dream.”

But she gave up on hers. And that’s not what I’m doing, anyway. “It’s temporary, just until I get back on my feet.” I have to readjust Winston because he’s sliding out of my arms. When I do, he lets out a little snort. “I’m sure I can get a job there so I can save money. I know everyone.”

“I’d love to have you near me, little sis.” Nate smiles. “We’ll have fun.”

“Thanks, Nate.” I return the smile before heading to the stairwell to go pack. Turning back, I say, “I’m sorry I told you to shut up.”

“Twice.” He points out.

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