Page 11 of Dreaming Without Heartache

“Inside,” Kara orders Maisie, pushing her through the door.

Steven sits down between me and Sam. “What was that about?” he asks.

“Maisie wants you to read her a book after her bath.” I shrug. “She loves you.”

He arches an eyebrow, a hint of smugness in his expression. “Who doesn’t?” He chuckles. I shake my head. “We only got halfway through our book last time, so I’ve got to find out what happens.”

“She’s read that book like three times now.” I remember the day she got it.

“What book is this?” Sam inquires.

“Because of Winn-Dixie,” Steven replies.

“Oh!” Sam shifts in her seat. “It’s such a cute movie. Has she seen it?”

Steven looks at me. “I’m not sure.”

“She hasn’t seen it. Annie and Maisie were going to watch it together after they finished reading the book. But she passed away before they could finish. We finished it together, but she wants to keep reading it over again.”

“Bless that baby,” Steven says. “We should watch it together after we finish the book this time. Maybe she’d like that.”

“We have the movie,” Sam adds. “Whenever you want to watch it, we could all have a movie night with popcorn and snacks.”

“I love that idea!” Steven claps his hands together. “Count me in.”

They both look at me. “Sure,” I agree. “Maisie would like that.” I glance down at my hands, thinking about how I get to do things with my sister’s kids that she can’t. Things that she planned. I don’t want to bring the mood down with my own sadness. “Would anyone like a refill?” I look at Steven and Sam, as I lift the half-empty bottle of wine from the table.

“Maybe a tad bit more.” Steven pours a small amount into his wineglass. “Sam?” He tilts the bottle over her empty glass.

“Oh, I’m fine. Thank you.”

“Well, that’s obvious.” Steven winks at her. “But would you like more wine?”

A blush tints Sam’s cheeks, and I can’t help but smile. “Way to twist my words!” She throws her blanket at his face. We all laugh.

“I’m having a nice time,” Sam says, looking at me. “Thank you for having me.”

“You’ve actually kept Kara around the family. I have to thank you.”

“Uncle Steven?” Maisie appears at the door behind us. “Did you say yes?”

Steven stands. “You know I did, honey.” He looks at Sam. “Take care of my girl until I get back.” He squeezes my shoulder as he walks past.

“Steven,” I call out. He backs up and arches his very expressive, thick brow. “Tell Maisie that was the shortest bath in history.”

“She’s a record setter.” Steven laughs. “Be back soon.”

Sam reaches down to pick up the blanket she threw at Steven and walks over to sit next to me. She covers her legs again before shifting in her chair to face me. “I’m so sorry Kara’s treating you the way she is. I can tell it hurts.”

I look away. The fire’s dying down. It’s just a low flame now. “She has so much anger toward me. I don’t know why.” I don’t look at Sam, but I can feel her eyes on me.

“Maybe I could talk to her and see if I can find out what’s going on.” Sam’s voice is calm and steady. It’s hard to imagine her mad at anyone. She has that way about her.

I take the last sip of my whiskey. It’s Friday night. I haven’t been out since I moved in here with the girls. This almost feels like fun. “If she will talk to you, then please do so. I’ve tried getting her a therapist, but she won’t go. She definitely won’t talk to me. I feel like I’m letting my sister down.”

“I think Annie would understand. You three have been through so much in the last month. Maybe Kara’s trying to deal with it in her own way. And maybe, her anger has nothing to do with you at all, but you are the target in front of her.”

I look at Sam. God she’s beautiful. The whiskey’s letting my mind travel down a road that I don’t need to travel. I have no time for a woman, much less Kara’s best friend’s mom, who I’m pretty sure is incredibly straight.