Page 19 of Pieces into Place
“I just don’t know what to do with Blake. She’s here, but she’s not.”
“I know. Vera talks about that a lot.”
“She does?”
Melanie nodded. “She’s worried about you, Isla. And, frankly, so am I. My best friend doesn’t yell at her wife and kids and make them cry. And she definitely doesn’t storm off to the woods to avoid the situation at home.”
“Vera told me to go for a walk.”
“Probably to protect herself.”
Isla looked at her, puzzled.
“She’s hurt, Isla. I don’t know what you said to her, but I’ve never seen that kind of pain in Vera’s eyes. Same with Mason. They’re hurting, too. I don’t know if you can’t see that or don’t want to, but the Blake situation is hurting them just as much. And one day, you’re going to have to realize that shutting them out doesn’t make your pain easier.”
“No, it doesn’t. I feel like shit right now.”
“That’s probably because you’ve had an entire bottle of rum tonight.” Melanie’s slight smile made Isla smile. “I didn’t come out here to knock you down when I know you’re already down. But I need you to open your eyes and see how your words are hurting your family.”
Nodding, Isla rested her head on Melanie’s shoulder. Melanie put her arms around her, holding her tight as Isla tightly closed her eyes. She hated how she’d lashed out at Vera and Mason and even Blake. Only one of them deserved it, but Isla was supposed to be the parent. That much she knew.
“Mel?”
“Hmm?”
“Do you think I need to keep trying with Blake?”
“Why wouldn’t you?”
Isla shrugged. “It’s been five years.”
“And even if it takes five more, I know it’ll be worth it in the end for you two to fix your relationship.” Melanie kissed the top of Isla’s head. “But first, you need to talk to Vera and Mason. Those two adore you, and I know you feel the same about them. Don’t let this go on any longer. Don’t go to bed angry.”
“I told you that when you and Cam had your first fight.”
“And we’re a better couple because we learned from the two of you.”
Sighing, Isla sat up straighter and looked at Melanie. “I guess it’s time to end the party, hmm?”
“Cam’s already sending people home. We didn’t think you’d want to keep celebrating after that.”
“You know me well.”
“Indeed, I do. And I know Vera well.”
Looking back toward the house, Melanie waved. Although it was almost too far to see, Isla saw Vera wave back at her. Isla sobbed, not knowing what she ever did to deserve Vera Mackenzie as a life partner.
“Go fix things with Vera. I’ll check on you tomorrow, okay?”
“Thanks, Mel.”
Hugging her friend, the two walked back to the house together, hand in hand. Isla took a deep breath as she walked up the steps to the back porch and took hold of Vera’s hands.
“I’m ready to talk.”
“I’m ready to listen.”
Chapter 8
