countered. “Not just when it’s in your favor.”
Her forehead wrinkled, but she didn’t say anything.
“I’ve always had this strange sense of duty, the need to make you happy. To protect you.”
“You’re my little sister.”
I was, but I seemed to be the one always catering to her.
There were some truths even I couldn’t say out loud. Kasey was too spoiled and pampered to ever see the harshness of the world. Even as a kid, I felt older than her. Kept her bubble world intact. Used to getting her way, Smith was the first time Kasey’s determination failed. Didn’t get what she set her mind to. And she didn’t know how to handle it.
“Kas, you didn’t know him. Not anymore. Believe me, the guy you envisioned was an illusion.”
Pain struck her features again. “I know.”
“Can I ask why? What’s made you hold on to him after so long?”
With a loud exhale, she sat on her bed, not looking at me. I moved in next to her, my arms bumping hers. It took me a moment to realize she was crying. She quickly wiped away the evidence.
“I’m supposed to have it all together. I have a beautiful house, a great career, friends…”
“Yeah? All that sounds great.”
“But I feel I’m living this lie. On the outside my life looks perfect. But there is nothing inside. No one waiting for me.” She swiped at her cheeks again. “Most of my friends are married, having kids, or at least have a serious boyfriend… and here I was—the prom queen—and I’m completely, utterly alone.”
“What about Peter?”
“I lied.” She sniffed, her voice small. “He ended it with me to be with that woman. I was too embarrassed, so I told everyone I was the one who dumped him. I feel stupid, but I was afraid of being alone.”
“Kasey, it’s fine to be alone. The only person judging you is you.”
“Please.” She rolled her eyes. “Everyone here is judging me. I get comments all the time, Why are you still single, Kasey? I can’t believe you haven’t met anyone yet. You were so popular, so many boys loved you in school, I can’t believe you’re still single.” Her voice mocked the people’s comments. “And Kyle’s wedding, seeing him and Amie so happy all the time… I felt so alone.”
“You’re not.”
Her shoulders shrugged. “I’m not like you, Kins. You are good on your own. You like it. I mean, I would never have traveled across country by myself. Never.”
“But I ended up not.”
“You were going to, and you are heading back alone. Not a bit of hesitation. You’ve always been like that. So strong and independent.”
But I still kept it safe. Boxed. Smith pushed me, and there was no denying he had changed me.
“Smith was this fantasy in my head I built up over the years. The fact I never really had him made me want him more… and when Kyle mentioned him coming to the wedding… I just…”
“Let your fantasy run wild.”
“I’ve never had a guy turn me down.” She gulped. “Even when we had sex in his car, I knew deep down he didn’t feel anything for me. He tried to stop me, but I was on a mission, believing I could change his mind.” She curled forward, dabbing at her eyes. “And I think I thought the same thing now.”
“Kasey, you are beyond a catch. You’re beautiful, smart, and the most determined person I’ve ever met. You will meet him. Just breathe, enjoy your life now, stop caring what people think or say. Care about what you really think. And you do not need a man to complete you. You are perfect the way you are. And when you meet this amazing, rich, handsome man who adores you beyond reason, you’ll love him as much as he loves you.”
“Can he have a yacht too?”
“Uh. Sure.”
“And a house on the Amalfi Coast?” She threw in.
“Okay, that is specific, but sure. The point is, he will add to you, not complete you.”
She exhaled a breath, her head falling on my shoulder.
“Thank you, Kins.”
“I love you, Kas. And I’m sorry.”
“I’m sorry too.” She peered up at me. “You never did tell me what happened between you two.”
“It’s in the past. I’m focusing on my future.”
She lifted her head, nodding.
We went quiet for a moment, my eyes going around her room, landing on pictures of her in high school, the image of her and Smith at prom stabbing my heart.
“Is it weird we slept with the same man?” Kasey stared at