Page 44 of Regret Me Not

Not yet.

Why not!

Busy.

With your friend?

Pierce sighed.

I don’t want to leave him.

Invite him to come.

It’s complicated.

Coming over for Christmas? So easy. I’m making ham. Feeds everybody.

Oh Jesus.Pierce’s sister. Best. Human being. Ever.

If I invite him for Christmas, I’ll invite him forever.

There was a pause, and Pierce wondered if he’d even mentioned he was sleeping with the neighbor.

THAT kind of friend?

Yes.

Good enough for forever?

Yes.

He stared at the word. Felt compelled to add:

He’s young. He’s just starting out. He’s getting his massage certificate. What would he do with me, Sasha? I’m grumpy and divorced.

And still that incriminating silence.

And his whole life is here. And mine is in Sacramento.

He stared at the phone and willed his sister to text something.

And it’s been a shitty year. Why would he follow me 3000 miles when there’s other people here? I probably still can’t drive. I don’t want him to pity me.

And… nothing.

What if he said no?

He’d be almost as stupid as you are.

Sasha!

I’ll book the car for twelve. If you cancel it for whatever reason, let me know.

He’s TWENTY-THREE.

I love you, Pierce, but Jesus, you worry too much.

He was in the middle of typing “I love you too,” when she texted again.