“Okay.”
“Will that make you feel better?”
“Yes, it would. I already have one person refusing help in my life. I don’t need another.”
As I finished up the last macaron on the tray, I set the piping bag aside and removed my gloves before pouring myself a fresh cup of coffee.
“I can’t believe you’re here this early,” she said, fighting a yawn. “What time did you wake up?”
“Three, though I never really went to sleep. I can’t sleep without Taylor.”
“Wow. How did you go from independent badass who wanted nothing to do with him to this?”
“What do you mean, this?”
“You can’t sleep without him.”
I sighed. “It’s different now. I want him with me. I want to know he’s all right and have the comfort of his arms whenever I need them. I love him. That means I want him around all the time.”
“Sure.”
“Don’t sure me.”
“I just think it’s a little crazy. Like, you barely know the guy. You spent one night with him and suddenly it’s all hearts and flowers and everyone’s in love, and you’re gonna be together forever, blah, blah, blah, and then suddenly it’s not that anymore, and he doesn’t even return your calls, and then starts ghosting you, even when you have a problem that you need his help with. And I just can’t really—”
“Scarlett, what are you talking about?”
“Nothing.”
“Are you seeing someone?”
“No. I was seeing someone just for a little bit. It turned out badly. I’m sorry. It’s just hard to see you so happy with him, and loving him, and him loving you and... you two are so disgustingly happy. Then Mav and Clara are over there, adding to their brood and smiling at each other all the time. I’m here alone, nobody wants to be with me, and I hate it.”
I stared on in horror as my little sister burst into tears.
“Oh my God, Scarlett. Why didn’t you tell me this was going on?”
“There’s nothing to tell. And besides, you’d just tell me you told me so anyway.”
“What do you mean?”
She sighed. “I can’t believe he didn’t tell you. That asshole surprised me. I thought he’d do my dirty work for me.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’m pregnant. Okay?”
“You’re what?”
Flailing in exasperation, she said, “Knocked up. Up the duff. Preggo. Expecting. You know, having a baby?”
“Scarlett, but... you’re a... virgin.” I knew the moment the shocked words escaped my lips that had been the wrong thing to say.
She stared at me like I was an absolute idiot.
“Obviously not anymore.”
“Who?”