Sporting (Unleashed Romance #3) - Kylie Gilmore Page 0,59

so it’s interesting to me how different two sisters can be. Same gene pool, living through the same messed-up childhood. Maybe our parents are too different from each other too. I definitely took after Mom more and, now that I think about it, Eve is more like Dad. “Did you ever wonder why Mom and Dad got together in college?”

“I’m guessing hormones plus alcohol equaled love. They did meet at a party.”

“Yeah. I thought something like that too.” I sigh. “Things are really messed up with Eli. We broke up, and I think he wanted to patch things up, but then my best friend, his sister Sydney, found out I went behind her back to see him, and now she won’t talk to me. I feel like I lost them both.” Hot tears sting my eyes, and my voice chokes. “And I miss them so much.”

“Did you say something that can’t be unsaid to either of them?”

“No, I don’t think so. I bailed on Eli when he tried to talk to me because Sydney was so furious about us—”

“Why would she be?”

“She knows how damaged I am and didn’t want me to hurt him. She’s not wrong. I’ve never had a good relationship, and look how screwed up this one got.”

“Jenna, some of the things you say make me think that maybe you feel like you’re not enough.”

“Yes!”

“I felt the same way for a very long time. It wouldn’t hurt you to try therapy to deal with some of the past issues so they don’t pop up in your current relationships.”

I run a shaky hand through my hair. “I never thought I’d have a relationship like this, you know? I don’t think I would’ve gotten so close if it weren’t him. Eli felt safe somehow. I guess because we’ve known each other so long.”

“Safe, huh? Most people would find that boring, but I have a feeling safe is exactly what you need.”

“Oh, he’s not boring. Not at all. Most times I just feel like I can relax around him.”

“Let down your walls.”

“A little bit. Not enough, though. I should’ve told him how I feel. I am serious about him. I love him.” A weight lifts, and I sit up on the sofa. “I really do. I’m not sure what that means for the future, but I should at least tell him that much, right?”

“Sounds like you already know the right thing to do.”

Easier said than done.

“What if it’s not enough? What if he says so what? It’s scary.”

“Only one way to find out.”

Nerves race through me at the thought. “I guess you’re right.”

“I hope after our marathon talking session this past weekend—” she coughs out free therapy “—you have some perspective on things. What went down when we were kids had nothing to do with us. Still doesn’t. None of it was our fault.”

I take a deep breath, trying to believe the words deep down, where the hurt lives.

“I know you can do this. You took a great risk leaving your IT career and starting over with your own business. That took strength and a leap of faith. Exactly what you need to get Eli back.”

“What if it’s too late?”

“Wouldn’t you rather know for sure than do nothing?”

“When you put it that way…”

“Just don’t ram his car to get his attention like the first time.”

I can hear the smile in her voice. “I told you that was an accident, smartass. I’ll think of something. Thanks, Eve, I appreciate the pep talk.”

“Let me know how it turns out.”

“I will. Love you.”

“Love you too.”

I hang up and hug a throw pillow to my chest, my eyes watering. If I can make up with Eve after years apart, surely I can make up with Eli. My sister met me halfway though. I’m not sure I’ll get the same reception from Eli after bailing on him twice.

First things first, time to make peace with Sydney.

I get dressed and go straight to The Horseman Inn. It’s just before the restaurant opens for dinner, which means they’re closed, but the workers are inside preparing. I knock on the door.

A moment later, Sydney looks at me through the glass, her expression hard.

I break out into a cold sweat.

She opens the door. “What?”

“I need to talk to you and explain. Please just hear me out.”

She gestures for me to follow her. We settle at a corner table in the front room. The only other people in here are the bartender, Betsy, getting set up behind the bar, and