Page 86 of Like You Want It

“Everyone should discuss being offended directly with the person who offended them,” he told me once after she’d been particularly nasty. “It would just cause a problem if I got involved.”

Sure, Caleb. You go right on ahead and believe that.

I give Christine a big smile. “Well, if you change your mind at all, make sure to let me know. I’m happy to help wherever you need me. But I so appreciate you giving me the chance to spend more time with my brother.”

Her nose scrunches up slightly before she gives me a fake smile and enters the house through the side door that faces the driveway.

I let out a long slow breath, and decide to ignore her and focus on the two people that I love. Steal as much of Caleb and Ari as I can while I’m here.

We pull out chalk and draw hopscotch. We throw toys around. We play tag.

It isn’t until Ari slips and falls, covering her clothes in dirt and grass, that Caleb decides it’s time to go in and wash up for dinner.

I opt to stay outside and pick up all of the toys while he handles Ari, enjoying the few extra moments to myself. But eventually, I just have to accept that I’ll be spending time with Christine, and head in.

When I enter the house, I smell something delicious and move towards the kitchen, wanting to offer my help one more time to Christine.

“It smellssogood,” I exclaim as I step in to the white and gray space. Caleb went on and on about this kitchen when they first rented the place, though I don’t know why he cared since he can’t cook anything. “I’m looking forward to dinner.”

Christine doesn’t even turn around to acknowledge me. I let out a sigh and glance over my shoulder, seeing that Caleb is walking Ari from the bathroom to her bedroom, most likely to get her changed.

I haven’t been over for a meal in like, six months. The last time I spent any extended moments with Christine was… well, it might have been even longer ago than that. So I decide I need to take this opportunity to mend the fence, if at all possible.

“Christine, can I talk to you about something?”

She turns to look at me, her eyes flat, devoid of any interest in hearing what I have to say, her hand popping up on her hip. I’m instantly put on the defense when she strikes a pose like that. But I push forward anyway.

“I know you don’t like me. And I know you have good reason not to,” I start. She crosses her arms and continues to glare at me. “What you overheard me say to my brother back… a long time ago… it was really hurtful. And while I won’t say I shouldn’t have talked to my brother about my concerns, I will say that I’m really sorry you were hurt by what I said. You’re his fiancé and I want us to have a good relationship.”

She stays silent, assessing me.

I cross my fingers, hoping her reaction is somewhat positive and allows us to move in a new direction.

But I can see the disinterest before she even says anything.

“Is that all?” she finally asks.

I shrug. “Is there something else?”

She turns back around and focuses on the lasagna that she’d pulled out of the oven a few minutes before.

Well, then.

I guess that conversation is over.

“Alright, are we all ready for dinner?” Caleb asks as he and Ari join us.

“Yes! Time for zanya!” Ari squeals, her hands clapping together, a massive smile on her face.

“Lasagna,” I clarify.

“That’s what I say!”

I giggle and pick her up, smooching all over her face and neck until she’s laughing and squirming so much I’m forced to put her down.

All I have to do is remind myself of why I come here. Christine might not be responsive to me, but that doesn’t mean I stop trying to make things work.

I let out a sigh. Seems to be a continuing pattern in many of my relationships recently.