Page 54 of Homecoming

“It is, and we’ve suggested having the therapist there for the discussion, and she’s considered that but can’t seem to bring herself to make it happen.”

“How do you even begin a conversation like that?”

“I don’t know, but it’s not getting easier as more time goes by.”

“Would it be a total surprise to him?”

“I think so. I saw him about a month ago, and he didn’t say anything to me about her being unhappy. I think he would if he sensed it, because he has before.”

“Which means she’s gotten really good at hiding it.”

“Yeah, exactly, or he’s so tuned out he’s not seeing the forest for the trees right in front of him.”

“It’s made more complicated by the fact that they bought her parents’ house when her parents retired to Florida. She can’t afford to buy him out, so they’d have to sell it if they break up, and she’s done a ton of work to it.”

“Wow, I had no idea she was dealing with all that.”

“I think despite everything, she still loves him like she always did, so who knows? Maybe they’ll work it out.”

“I hope whatever happens makes her happy, and I’m sorry I wasn’t here for her during a rough time.”

Renata looked over at her. “I know you’ve made a solid attempt to stay in touch, but they’re right when they say a lot of real life went on since you left, and things are different now.”

“Of course I expected that.”

“But you didn’t think it would be weird with us.”

“No, I didn’t,” Kara said, sighing. “I feel like I’ve let you all down or something without meaning to.”

“Don’t take that on. It’s possible there’s a hint of jealousy running through it. Not only did you find a whole new life for yourself, but you also landed yourself a hotshot husband.”

“I don’t think of him that way.”

“Well, the rest of the world does. His career has been the stuff of legend. Everyone knows who he is.”

“I’m incredibly proud of all his accomplishments, but to me, he’s just Dan, the love of my life.”

“Which is wonderful. I greatly enjoyed picturing Kelly’s reaction to hearing you were with him and going to marry him.”

Kara snorted out a laugh. “You vindictive bitch.”

“Oh, come on. Don’t act like you didn’t enjoy that just as much.”

“Maybe just a little.”

“Liar.”

“You gotta hear what went down between him and Matt in court yesterday.”

“Do tell.”

They laughed like fools after Kara told her the story.

Kara looked over at her beloved cousin. “I’m really sorry if my absence made you or the girls think I don’t care about you all as much as I always have.”

“We know that. People change. They grow up and move on. It happens. You shouldn’t ever apologize or feel bad for doing what was best for you. Jessie and Ellery probably feel a bit stuck. To them, you’ve been off on a grand adventure, while everything stayed the same for them. Of course, that has nothing at all to do with you.”

“It sure felt like it did back at the restaurant.”

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