“Oh my goodness! Let me see my niece!” I say, snatching Abigail from Alec’s arms. She’s five months old and so freaking plump and adorable. I inhale her sweet scent and my heart skyrockets out of my chest.
“I missed you so much,” I tell her, even though it’s only been a little over a week since I’ve seen her. The one time I stopped by the gallery to see Lexi, Abigail was home with Alec since he was off work.
I sit us on the floor, so we can play with her toys. She smiles brightly and coos as she drops to her knees and makes like she’s going to crawl away.
“Is she crawling?” I ask in amazement over how quickly she’s growing up. One day she was this tiny little helpless baby and now she’s giggling and cooing and moving all around.
“Not yet,” Lexi says, sitting next to me. “We think she will be soon. She rocks on her knees, but doesn’t actually go anywhere yet.”
“She’s so precious,” I tell her, running my fingers through Abigail’s soft baby hair.
“She is,” Lexi agrees. “Can I talk to you for a second?”
I glance over at her serious face. “Yeah, sure.”
“Outside?”
“Okay.”
She tells Alec we’ll be back, and then we head out to her backyard. The second the door opens, the smell of saltwater hits my senses. It’s been a while since I’ve been to the beach. I should ask Chase if he wants to go soon. The thought immediately has me mentally berating myself. He probably has other friends he wants to hang out with. I can’t monopolize all his time.
“What’s up?” I ask, having a seat on one of her lounge chairs.
“Chase texted me yesterday.”
“Okay.”
“He implied maybe something was wrong… between us, I think. Afterward, he kind of took it back, but I think he only did that so he wouldn’t get in the middle. Is everything okay between us?”
A part of me thinks it’s really sweet that Chase texted Lexi, but another part of me really wishes he had left it alone. I didn’t confide in him for him to tell Lexi.
“We’re fine. I don’t know what Chase said, but I was just having a bad moment, and—”
“Georgia, please don’t lie to me, or play it off.”
“Look, I was upset that you bailed a couple times. I hadn’t seen you in a while and I missed you. It’s stupid and I vented to Chase, but it’s not your problem. I was honestly just having a bad moment.”
Lexi’s mouth twists into a frown. “I’m sorry,” she says, taking my hands in hers. “I’m still adjusting to everything and—”
“You don’t have to explain yourself. I’m happy for you. You found the love of your life, found your calling with the art gallery, and you have a beautiful baby…”
“Finish your sentence.”
Tears fill my eyes, and I try and fail to blink them away. “And it’s everything I want,” I breathe.
“Oh, Georgia.” Lexi pulls me into her arms and hugs me tightly. “You will have all of that. You already have the career of your dreams, and you’re the reason why I even have the gallery. You just have to get out there so you can find someone to share your life with. It will happen.”
Her words mimic my earlier thoughts. In order for it to happen, I have to get out and make it happen. I’m not going to meet anyone sitting in my room. The other night at the club was a little hard, but I think the more I go, the easier it’ll get. I’ve just spent so many years staying away from huge gatherings, I’ve gotten used to being alone, or being with only my family.
“And as for us,” she says, pulling back. “I’m sorry for not making more of an effort.”
“You have a lot going on. Chase shouldn’t have said anything. I should be understanding of your new life.”
“No,” she argues. “You’re my sister, my best friend. Don’t make excuses for me. I’ve been a shitty sister and that’s going to change.”
“It’s okay. I promise.”
We go back inside and a little while later our parents show up. Shortly after, our brother, Max, arrives with Ricco, introducing him as his boyfriend. It’s been a long time coming. Everyone congratulates them and then Alec and my dad get started on the grill—the rest of the guys joining them outside.
“How’s everything coming along for the opening?” Mom asks Lexi, referring to the art gallery that’s scheduled to open soon.
“It’s going good,” Lexi says. “I met with the event coordinator and she’s taking care of everything, thank goodness. I can handle the art, but everything else is out of my area of expertise. I hired a manager too, so that will help.”
“If you need anything, please let me know,” Mom tells her. “I’m so proud of you. You really have found your place in this world.”