“We’ll make do,” Tess said, looking around. “Let’s keep the party in here, so we don’t wake her up.”
The couch was too small for all five of us to sit, but as soon as we pulled out the bed, we were comfy, sitting in a circle of sorts. Tess next to me, Josie next to Isabelle, and Anne between the two groups of sisters. Tess, Anne, and I were splitting the wine bottle. Isabelle and Josie each poured whiskey in their glasses.
Tess pointed at Anne. “So, the way this works is we first get out whatever weighs on our mind and then promptly forget it by being silly. I’ll start. So, first, I’m super terrified that Skye and I jumped into this business with both feet too fast and it’ll all go belly up.”
I grimaced, pulling my sister into a half hug. “Tess, we’ve been worried about this for about a year. At this point, I just see it as a normal part of life. Time will tell. So far, we’re keeping our head above water. What got you extra moody this week? Is it the food truck guy?”
“What? No. I think I just drove myself a little crazy, what with Mom’s eyes and our new collection coming in.”
I raised my eyebrows.
Tess sighed. “Fine, it does make me wonder exactly why I’m not his type. Is it something in my physical appearance? My personality? Both? I haven’t been on a real date in a while, and I miss it.”
“Awww, girl. You’ll have better luck soon,” Isabelle said.
“Anne, want to go next?” Tess asked.
“So, I don’t know if Skye told you, but I’m
divorced. My ex is a jackass... but I’m still half in love with him,” Anne whispered. “I hate him for cheating on me all this time, but I don’t know how to stop loving him. My daughter is spending two weeks with him, and I miss her like crazy. I know it’s good for her, and I’m happy Walter is finally making her a priority. But I miss my girl.” Her voice wobbled.
Josie and Isabelle looked stricken. They came from a happy, whole family, so this probably seemed like an apocalyptic scenario to them. Tess and I were from a broken home, so we had firsthand experience of all this heartache and how it shaped you.
“Anne, it’s okay to miss her and even to still have feelings for him,” Tess said gently.
“Falling out of love with your ex would be good though,” Isabelle said. “Might I suggest therapy. I’m sorry if I’m too forward. I am a therapist, and I know how much it helps.”
“Are you taking on new clients?” Anne asked.
“I’m not living in New York...though that might change soon.”
Josie grinned at this, winking at her sister conspiratorially. This was news to me, but since neither had said one word until now, it was not the time to ask for details.
“We could do it online,” Anne said.
“That’s a thought,” Isabelle replied. “I’ve been thinking about that lately.”
Anne smiled, taking a sip of wine. “Well, let me know what you decide, maybe I’ll give it a try.
“Anyone have good stuff to share? Happy stuff?” Anne went on.
“Well, if Heather was here, we could talk about the wedding,” I said.
Tess held up a finger. “But since she’s not, we can talk about the bachelorette party. Anne, want to join us for that? I’m sure Heather won’t mind.”
“Sure. When is it? Is Rob going to the wedding with you?” Anne asked.
“It’s at the end of December. I haven’t told Rob yet,” I admitted. “Do you think he’d like to go?”
“Why don’t you ask him?” Anne replied.
I pressed my thumb on my glass, looking down into my drink. “We never make plans beyond one or two weeks, and the wedding is still pretty far away.”
“I’ll have a word with my brother,” Anne said sternly.
“No, no, no. Please don’t. We’re just taking things as they come. And I like that.”
Isabelle held up her glass. “Let’s celebrate life and not overthinking happiness. It’s simple, and most of the time, we just complicate it with our overthinking.”