Page 98 of The Other Side of Paradise

so you yelled at everyone about how you’re fucking Brooklyn?

Allison argued how she gave herself the right amount of credit, which was wrong, while Ryan started typing a reply. I guess Brooklyn was at work.I guess Allison heard about it from the gossip network?

from our dad, actually

She was typing for a while before she replied,from Dad? was he harassing you about it? he wasn’t even at brunch

I chewed my lip. I didn’t know how to get into this whole thing with Allison.it was Allison but it’s not really harassing,I sent.apparently he’s cool with it and just wants to sort this whole thing out. he only heard today what happened and confronted Mom about it and she had a breakdown and ran away this morning and he’s sick of the games

“Are you texting Ryan?”

“Mm.” I showed Allison the exchange just as Ryan’s next text came in.that explains this morning… Brooklyn says she ran into Mom at the café close to here, says she wanted to make amends, apologize, actually hear me out this time

“Your mom too, huh,” Allison said.

“Yeah…” I chewed my lip. She looked at me softly.

“You okay?”

“Yeah. Just… I dunno. It’s weird. Never… thought this would have happened.” I laughed. “Any of this.”

“It’s been a lot.” She looked down. “For me, too.”

“Yeah…” And I was glad I came. For a lot of reasons. Only some of which got to come with me once I left this place.

Ugh.

are you going to?I texted.you know, talk to her, let her apologize, make amends

It took her a long time to respond,I don’t know.

me neither

yeah… I feel stupid,she sent.this is what I wanted, but I feel weird about it

like it doesn’t feel real, right? these are our parents and I don’t expect anything different from them than what we’ve always gotten

yeah, pretty much,and then after a minute,maybe I’m gullible for wanting to give it another try

I pursed my lips. Didn’t know what to think of being so aligned with Ryan, but here we were.they were ganging up on you last time,I sent.let’s try ganging up on her. ask her to dinner, and I’ll go too, and maybe even Oscar can be there idc, and we’ll yell at her until she comes around

you have a subtle touch as always

yeah yeah I know I know I’m the best sister anyone could ever have, are we going to do it or what?

you know,she sent, and then after a pause,maybe you’re right,and then,maybe a subtle touch isn’t always the move after all

“Do you know a restaurant close by?” I said, and Allison nodded to the other end of the beach.

“There’s a place just past the beach that does really good seafood. I hear it recommended a lot.”

“Okay, good. I’m going to want to spend as much time here as possible.” As much time next to Allison as possible, if it would help me understand what this thing churning in my chest was.

Chapter 25

Stella

Allison was right with the recommendation for the spot. It was a beautiful place with cozy wood stylings and a massive outdoor fireplace on the terrace where Ryan was already there together with Oscar and Mom, a stunning spot high up in the rocks overlooking the colorful triangles of sailboats on the ocean.