Chapter 25

TWENTY-FIVE

ASHLEY

T he two story brick house filled me with both joy and apprehension. Ruckus came from behind the wooden door, and I gripped my bag tighter. Roses framed the doorstep, and small fingerprints smudged near the handle. Mud, chocolate… who knew?

‘Brianne, stop teasing your brother.' My sister's voice rang out from within the building, and my face cracked into a grin. God, I'd missed her.

Depressing the doorbell, I waited as more chaos kicked off behind the door. Excited yelps and the stamping of excited feet.

My heart leapt as the door flew open, my niece and nephew throwing themselves at my legs, dragging my bag to the floor in their glee.

Amy was on me almost as quickly, pulling me into a tight hug. The enclosure of her arms was home .

Almost as much as Bobby's had.

The feeling was inexplicable with the almost stranger who wanted me to be his pampered pet, but with my sister, it made total sense.

Leaving Jerry had landed me on her doorstep, seeking sanctuary until I could find my way. I squeezed her back, laughing as the kids peppered me with questions.

Later that evening, Amy and I sat in the garden, a fire pit warming our legs as we stared at the sparkling constellations eons above.

‘I'm so glad you left,' she said, reaching into the space between us and wrapping her pinky around mine. Like we'd done as children.

‘Me too. I can't believe I stayed so long.'

‘Sometimes it's impossible to upset the apple cart. Especially when you depend on your partner. I thought he'd cut the apron strings, but he seemed to climb right back up into his mom more by the day.'

‘Ew,' I laughed, giving her the side-eye.

‘Is it a lie?' She giggled back, gripping me by the pinky still.

‘No, no lies.'

‘So what now?' Amy asked. ‘You can stay here however long you need, but fair warning, it's chaos most of the time.'

‘Thank you. I need to find a job. An apartment. A life. I've spent every day living to please Jerry. I've got no idea how to be on my own.' Clouds rolled in above us, slowly concealing the night sky. I rolled onto my side and faced my sister.

‘You'll never be on your own. You'll always have us.' Amy's mouth morphed into a grin. ‘Plus, Tim and I will get some date nights, at least.'