Page 99 of Through the Storms

“I didn’t say that, either.”

The crushing feeling in Oakley’s chest was making it difficult for her to breathe. Why should she be surprised? She’d practically pushed Lana into this. “If you took it, what would it mean for our relationship?”

“People have long-distance relationships all the time.”

The thought of Lana living in Los Angeles made Oakley nauseated. But how could she complain when she left Lana home alone for weeks on end while she was out chasing? “Are you doing it to get away from me?”

“Maybe it would do us good.” Lana’s words came out in a rush.

“Good? How? How could being over a thousand miles away from me make it better?” Tears welled in Oakley’s eyes. This couldn’t be happening. Not now.

“Maybe I’d be able to stop resenting you.” Lana’s tone was sad, not angry.

“The hits keep on coming,” Oakley said, knowing her voice dripped in sarcasm. “You resent me?”

“I told you the other day. I’ve always been the responsible one, making sure our bills were paid, that we had a roof over our heads. Um—“

“And making all the sacrifices?”

“You said it, not me.” Lana’s voice was barely over a whisper. Oakley had never heard her sound so tired, so defeated.

Oakley swallowed hard. Lana had turned the Los Angeles job down once so Oakley could follow her dreams. Maybe it wasn’t fair to ask her to do it again. “So running off to California would fulfill you?” Oakley knew the question was a bit loaded, but at least she’d asked it.

“I don’t know.”

Hope filled Oakley. “That doesn’t sound like a ringing endorsement. Like it’s your dream come true.”

“I don’t know what my dream is anymore.” Lana sighed.

“Quit. Come with me,” Oakley said.

“What?”

“Storm chasing. Join me.”

“Sure, and be a third wheel?” Lana snorted. “No, I guess that would make me a fourth wheel.”

“Fourth wheel? What are you talking about?”

“The dynamic trio. You, Asher, and Britt. No, thanks.”

“Four wheels are better than three. More solid.”

“Right. The last time I did a run with you, what was it last year?”

“Yeah, that was a blast.”

“Maybe for you.”

“You mean you didn’t have fun? You didn’t say anything.”

“You’re right, I didn’t.” Lana sighed. “You were so happy. I didn’t want to ruin it for you. Besides, it was only a week, so I figured I could endure.”

“Endure? Wow, that sounds like I tortured you.”

“Oh, Oak. That’s why I didn’t tell you. It would only make you defensive. It wasn’t worth it.”

“So instead, you’ll just resent me and ultimately leave me.”