Page 5 of Chess Not Checkers
“It would be easier to find it if your room wasn’t a wreck.” Dahlia laughs.
“My room is pristine, thank you very much.” I snag my phone from underneath my cheer practice uniform. “Got it!”
I press the video button on my call screen, and Dahlia’s face appears. Sure enough, she’s on the rust-colored couch in her office, smiling brightly next to her husband.
“I’ve missed your face,” she coos.
I smile and shake my head. “I’ve only been gone a couple of days.”
And it feels like a lifetime.My roommates are great, but they’re not my sister. There were times over the past few days I wished I would have stayed home with them and commuted to school, but I know this is what’s best. When our parents died in a tragic accident, Dahlia rearranged her life for me. She had to be my sister and my parent, which was difficult. I didn’t make it easy on her in the beginning either. Now, she’s married, and she deserves to have her own life without her baby sister taking up space.
“Even Levi said this morning that he missed you,” Dahlia adds.
I shoot my brother-in-law a pointed look. “You only miss my cooking.”
He laughs. “I’ll admit, that’s part of it, but it’s not all of it.”
I smile. “I miss y’all too, but I’m doing great here. The girls are the best, and we’ve got great neighbors.”
I did bring them cookies to sway them to like us, so I’m sure that helped. The people above us, however, like to pretend their floor is a trampoline at two in the morning. But hey, that’s apartment life for you. I got accustomed to theuniquebrand of ambiance when I lived in a complex with my sister for the first few years after our parents died. Maybe if I went up and brought them cookies, they’d stop pretending to be a thunderstorm when we’re trying to sleep.
“That’s great, Jaz.” Dahlia’s smile makes her eyes crinkle at the edges. “Now, show me the outfit before I have to start work.”
I prop her up on my vanity and ignore the snort that comes through when she sees my tornado of a room. I spin in a circle for her.
“I know it’s on the basic side, but—”
“It’s so cute! And very true to you. I love the sparkle the jewelry adds.”
Dahlia’s style is much more colorful than mine. She loves patterns, bright colors, and statement pieces. Meanwhile, most of my closet consists of items I could also wear to the gym, and I choose matching sets whenever I shop so that I don’t have to make outfits.
“Thanks,” I say, and pick up my phone again.
“Make sure you bring a jacket in case it’s cold in one of the buildings,” she says.
I nod.
“And don’t forget your water bottle, keys, and lip balm. Oh, and you can put your schedule as your phone background so you can—”
Levi’s hand slides over Dahlia’s mouth. “She’s got it, Doll,” he says in a low voice. “Let her be.”
She glares up at him. I giggle. Seeing my sister in love and taken care of still hasn’t gotten old. After all that she went through, she deserves it.
“Thanks, Levi.” I glance at the time at the top of my phone screen. “I should probably get going. I’m going to try to grab a coffee before my first class.”
“No need,” Levi says with a knowing smile.
A knock sounds at the door.
“That’s for you,” Dahlia says once Levi lowers his hand. “We sent your favorite over, plus some pastries to share with your friends.”
My throat grows tight. It’s a small gesture, but it shows how much they love and care for me, even when I sometimes feel like I don’t deserve it.
“I love y’all.”
Dahlia grins. “We love you more. Have a good first day! Text me all the details.”
I nod. We say a few more goodbyes on my way to the front door, then I hang up. Outside the door is a bag from the SweetBean, one of Atlanta’s best coffee shops, and an iced coffee with a thick layer of cinnamon on top.
