“Hmm, okay…” she looked over at Kayla in question, but since she wasn’t on the phone with Donovan, she shrugged as to say she had no clue what was going on.
“Because I know you love her and how much she loves you. I’ve sat front row for these past months to see you both struggle with letting go. But Errin, you don’t have to let go. Kate will never let you, anyway.” They both chuckled, as it was true.
A few tears fell from her cheeks, darkening her gray yoga pants in the spots where they landed on her thighs. Kayla squeezed Errin’s leg, making Errin cry some more.
“So. I figured that tonight, Kate stays here. We’re getting drunk tonight,” Errin held up her hand in reflex although he couldn’t see her, but she was certain Donovan would interrupt her.
“Reeal drunk,” she added, making Errin and Kayla giggle while sharing a mischievous look. “We’re going to eat ice cream, do some stupid karaoke songs in the living room, and tomorrow, you’ll pick her up to go to work. Okay?”
She didn’t need to add that it would be Kate’s last night in this apartment. They both knew the score.
Donovan cleared his throat and said, “Bunny…”
“Yeah?”
“Thank you. This mustn’t be easy for you,” he said.
“Yeah well… like you said, I love her,” she said while locking eyes with Kate who’d just walked into the room, without the phone but with a questioning look on her face.
“Have fun, Bunny,” he said.
“Oh, we will.”
They hung up and Errin took hers and Kate’s glass from the table and stood from her seat on the sofa.
“I would like to propose a toast,” Errin said as she handed over Kate’s glass.
“What’s going on?” Kate said, looking between Errin and Kayla.
“Tonight, we’re celebrating our last night as roommates.” Errin held up her glass and Kayla joined her.
“W-what?” Kate said.
“Yep. Just hung up with Donovan. Tomorrow, he’s going to pick you and your shit up, taking you home with him for good.” Errin winked at a flustered Kate. Tears filled her eyes, holding a hand to her chest.
“Really?”
Kate’s hopeful reply gave Errin a sting in her chest, realizing how wrong it was for her to guilt trip her sister in staying with her these last few weeks. It wasn’t their fault Errin hadn’t been as happy in Austin as her sisters.
She should’ve known the sweet Kate would put Errin’s needs before her own, always thinking of others and asking nothing in return. She felt like a real asshole.
Kate cocked her head. “Are you sure?”
“One hundred percent.” Errin nodded.
Kate stepped closer to Kayla and Errin, raised her glass and clinked it against theirs. Errin took a sip, almost choking on her wine as Kate took her by surprise by hugging her close.
“I love you,” she whispered.
“I love you too,” Errin said after swallowing her wine.
“What about me?” Kayla said.
“Always so needy. Pfft. Poor Duncan,” Errin said with a smile in her voice before Kayla joined their hug.
“Shut up.” Kayla laughed.
“Okay, enough of this mushy shit,” Errin said. She broke away from their three-way hug and walked over to her television set up. “I want a battle against Kate. Pick your song, sis.”