Page 128 of Love Unavoidable
Chapter 35
Sadie
I finish relaying both conversations to Tenley via video chat, the one with Kat and everything my mama told me.
“Well,” she says looking down at her hands while she paints her nails. “You already know I agree with Kat. I’ve said as much to you before.” I’m curled up in an armchair in my room, wishing I hadn’t bitten all my nails off as I watch hers go from natural to OPI Black Cherry Chutney.
“And,” she continues at a whisper, “we both know your mama is wound tighter than a three-day-old clock. So it makes sense she finally admits she didn’t marry for love.”
“God, when you say it like that, it’s so depressing. My poor dad.”
“He must get something from it, or he wouldn’t stay.”
“I guess,” I say hoping it’s not that he really loves her and through their entire marriage it’s been unrequited. “What about the lightning bolts?”
“What about ‘em?”
“Do you think it’s true?”
“Here’s what I know. Your grandparents should’ve had books written about them their love story is so fucking fantastic. And I ain’t never seen men so happy as your brothers with their wives. That right there should tell you something. And what about your cousin, Cole? He’s proof, too. Your parents are just one tiny exception.”
I nod. Then ask the big question on my mind. “What do you think I should do about Ethan?”
“What doyouthink you should do about Ethan?”
“You know I hate it when people answer a question with a question.”
“Yeah, but it’s a question I can’t answer.”
“Why not?”
“Because only you know how you truly feel about him.”
“I miss him,” I admit.
“Tell him.”
“I can’t. I already told him we shouldn’t talk anymore and to take care.”
“Why’d you do that?”
“Because it was the right thing to do.”
“Says who?” Tenley asks.
“You know Mama’s right about this, Ten.”
“I know she’s one hundred percentnotright about this, Sadie-soo.” She takes a moment to blow on her nails and inspect each one closely. “Let’s go see him.”
“See who?”
“Ethan. Let’s go see him, you can prove to yourself once and for all if he’s your lightning bolt or just a little thunder.” She laughs at her own pun.
“Tenley, that’s ridiculous. I can’t just take off and go back there. Besides, I just asked Kat pack up all my stuff, remember?”
“Lame.”
“Hang on, I’ve got a text from Kat, probably about my things.”
