Page 59 of Patio Lanterns

Instantly, she regretted saying it, as if she’d taken their mother’s memory in vain.

Her face aghast, Lark straightened her back as she pulled out a dining room chair. “Take a seat, little sister. It’s time for you to hear some hard truths.”

Robin plunked down and set her phone on the table as Lark took a seat beside her.

“She was worried about you, you know.”

“Who? Mom?”

Lark nodded. “She was worried what would happen if you didn’t start making better choices, and frankly, Robin, so am I.”

“You may find this hard to believe, but I can take care of myself just fine.”

“Can’t you see that I’m trying here? I’m really trying.” Lark desperately clasped her hands together. “So, please, Robin, just help me. Help me to help you.”

Robin grimaced. “I don’t want your help.”

“Well, whether you like it or not, you’re getting it for your own good.”

“By acting like my guardian? By keeping my inheritance from me and treating me as if I’m under a conservatorship like Britney Freaking Spears?” Robin argued. “Don’t I have the right to make decisions about my own life?”

“Shhh, keep your voice down,” Lark shushed her. “I only want what’s best for you, you know. Like Aidan. Weren’t you glad to see him again? Because it looked like you were really glad to see him.”

“Maybe that was just a banana in my pocket,” Robin quipped.

“Aidan is ambitious, hard-working, and stable,” Lark said. “He has a good head on his shoulders, and he’s really very…”

“…sweet,” Robin finished.

“Sweet.” Lark repeated, “Yes he is. There is nothing wrong with being with someone sweet who will treat you well.”

“Stop trying so hard to make me and Aidan happen. The only thing I’ll ever be in his eyes is your baby sister, and that’s fine because I’m over it,” Robin told her. “Now quit playing matchmaker, will ya? It is seriously giving me the ick.”

“Is it really so terrible that I want to see you end up with a good guy?” Lark asked. “What’s your issue? Is it that he’s too old for you?”

Robin laughed. If only you knew.

“Six years isn’t that big of a difference. Besides, age is only a number.”

“Oh really? Thank you, I’ve never heard that one before,” Robin snarked. “I assure you, age is not a dealbreaker for me.”

“Then what is it? Did you and Parker Whatsherface get back together?”

“Bite your goddamn tongue,” Robin spat.

Lark threw her hands in the air. “I thought being with Aidan was what you always had your heart set on.”

“Maybe when I was fourteen. I’m a totally different person now,” Robin said, wondering why her sister couldn’t grasp that concept. “And if Aidan is so great, why didn’t you jump his bones when you had the chance?”

“Aidan and I are friends, that’s all. That’s all we’ve ever been. You know that.”

Robin lifted her eyebrows. “Hmm. So you say. Maybe you’re pushing me into Aidan’s arms because you’re projecting. Maybe you’re the one who’s secretly in love with him.”

Lark’s jaw dropped. “That’s preposterous.”

“How do I know you’re not trying to live vicariously through my velveteen vagine?” Robin asked, spreading her thighs apart and smoothing her hand over her crotch.

“Gross!” Lark glared.

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