CHAPTERFOURTEEN
Snow
“Today is the day,” Ariel says when our session begins.
“It is.”
“How do you feel about it?” she asks, sitting back in her chair and crossing her legs.
“I’m not sure.” Honestly, I can’t be sure about anything right now—not as far as my emotions go. I’m a little upset—jealous even—but I’m not sure if I have a right to be.
“You like London?”
“A lot.” I scoot back on the sofa, making myself comfortable. “I think I’ve made that clear.”
“You have, just needed to hear the words again. What are you afraid of?”
“That he will meet someone on the show.” There, I said it. I am jealous. I don’t want him to meet someone else, because where does that leave me?
“Have you talked to him about it?”
“Kind of.” I shrug, grabbing a throw pillow and putting it on my lap. “He said he was only doing it for show, but I still worry. And not just for myself.”
“For Shane as well.” Ariel clasps her hands together and leans forward, a knowing expression on her face.
“Yeah.” I nod.
“In my honest opinion, I don’t think you have anything to worry about. But if London does find someone, you have Shane. And he has you.”
“True. It would just feel weird without London,” I tell her, and then run my hand through my hair in a nervous gesture. “If you asked me years ago if I would ever be in a relationship with two guys, I would have laughed in your face. Not you, but you know what I mean.”
“I get it,” She chuckles, “but I’ve told you not to care what others think.”
“I know. We’ve gone places together, and people have looked at us funny, only because I’m walking with two men, already judging us before knowing if we’re really together or not. I just smile and continue on. I’m working on not letting other people’s opinions get to me like Ben’s did.”
“That’s good. Ben’s opinion doesn’t matter. Just yours,” she reiterates. “How you see yourself is important and only you.”
“Thank you,” I tell her, and I mean it. What Ariel said only solidifies the newfound peace growing inside me. Ben no longer controls my life. His opinion doesn’t matter—it never did.
“Kind of a short session,” she replies, rising to her feet, “but the festivities are about to begin.”
“Yeah. Don’t worry—there’s food.” Standing, I huff out a laugh.
“You’re the best.” She links her arm with mine, shifting her gaze to me for a moment. “You’ve become quite the cook since living here.”
“How can you not? Shane is a professional. I know eggs and bacon sound boring, but the way he does it is art.”
“I know—it’s why I come at breakfast time.” She giggles.
“You’re too much.” We walk out to the back porch and join the others. We haven’t talked about that yet, but I’ve started staying when everyone shows up. That’s a big deal. I’m kind of proud of myself.
I notice London walking to the cemetery with Sal.
Ever approaches, her hands resting on her swollen belly. “You going to watch?”
“No, I’m going to help your dad get lunch ready. London is supposed to have a date tonight so we’re going to get everything prepared.”
“A lunch date?” Ever asks, lifting a questioning brow.