Page 96 of Painting Her Fate

“You haven’t heard from her?” She asks as we walk to the kitchen for her to fill a glass of water. Wyatt must either be in bed, or out picking up her favorite ice cream, because I do not see him here.

I get straight to the point, “It's been a week since I last saw her. Have you heard from her? Is she okay?” I rush my questions, and already know what is coming next. Cue the sister pep talk.

She sets a hand to her hip, her tone stern and unyielding, “I'm not even going to ask what you did; you know what you did.”

I run a hand through my hair and grumble. Emma and I have always been close, always could talk to one another about things that are bugging us, but it’s been a little strained since coming back from deployment, yet another thing I have to fix, seems that is all I’m ever trying to do.

“I might’ve asked her questions she wasn’t willing to divulge.”

Emma shoves my shoulder and for as tiny as she is, she still made me take a step back, “Youdupa. Don't you know we hate when guys do that?” She is ready to rage like a bull in a China shop.

I throw my hands up in surrender, “I know that now.” I rake both hands through my hair, clutching my head, “I know I fucked up, okay? I just want to make sure she is alright.” It takes a second for her to register what emotions I’m giving away.

Her body relaxes as her hands fall to her sides and her brows draw down in sympathy, her voice smaller, “If you really care for her, you need to go to her.”

I set my elbows on the counter and feel my body sag in defeat. What else I can do at this point? “Where is she then?” I just want her in my arms again, but she won’t answer her door or her text messages, I’m stuck.

Was Ford wrong? Did I scare her to the point of making her fly back home? Should I give up now and save myself the heartache? Move on while my heart is still salvageable?

Lili heart sang to you, Zander. That might only happen once in a lifetime.

“She’s at her dad’s helping him recover, ya dingus.” No humor in her words, just factual. “And her dad lives in a rural area with little to no signal.

She isn’t getting text.”

I close my eyes and tilt my head back, angry at myself for coming to the first conclusion I could muster. How could I have forgotten about her father? She told me he was able to come home Saturday, today is Monday. “I am such an ass.”

“Don't beat yourself up about it. She messaged me not that long ago saying she had a booster installed, giving her a few bars of service in spots. She said it was going to take her ages to go through all her messages and emails.” She sipped her water, “Tamara’s even blowing upmyphone trying to get a hold of her.”

Wyatt pops through the door and gives a greeting, grocery bag in hand. Making his way to the counter he removes two cartons of Perry’s ice cream and sets them before Emma. Oregon Blackberry Cheesecake and Panda Paws.

He knows what his wife likes. Bonus points for my man Wyatt.

She set her glass down and opened the fridge. Pulling out a tiny black travel bag, she places it next to her ice cream then pulls out a small glass vial and locates a syringe in a nearby bag, something similar to what a diabetic would use. She’s not a diabetic though.

“Don't look so grossed out. It's my IVF treatment.” She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes, “we’re trying to stay positive through this.” Her eyes brighten, “It helped when Wyatt came home last week with news of a huge commission and earned an award for top sale rep throughout the thirteen dealerships.” She blinks back tears; God I hate seeing her cry. She clears her throat, “We are still hopeful.”

Wyatt sneaks in behind my sister and wraps his arms around her. His rail thin six-foot frame looms over her tiny four-foot-eleven. He kisses her temple, making her smile brighten.

“We still have hope. And, if all of this doesn’t work, we agreed to seek out adopting.” Wyatt squeezes his wife just that little bit tighter.

“There is always a rainbow after rain.” Emma chimes in as they smile and peck each other sweetly. If they can get through this, they can make it through anything. These two will have a wonderful lifetime together.

I’m envious and want the love they have. I want it with Lili.

“I’m going to head out.” I state and turn to leave, not wanting to intrude further on their night.

“Zander.” Emma calls and I turn back, “Whatever happened, I know you will work your magic to win her back. It's the Gorski way, as mom says.”

We smile, remembering mom's silly motivational talks she always would give us, and still does to this day.

“Thanks sis. Wish me luck.”

“You don’t need luck. You have poems.” She states in that matter-of-fact way of hers, a knowing grin lighting her eyes.

Poems. Hmmm. Now there is a thought.I snap my fingers, excited at the newfound idea, “You’re a genius. I gotta go.” My heart gallops, ready to run a race, “I have to find my sunshine.”

I speed back to my place and surprisingly do not encounter a trooper along the way. By the time I reach my driveway I have my plan set.

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