was always an enjoyable experience for Jane. She found the younger woman to be wise beyond her years, and a little bit snarky—just like her.
She wished these hours they spent together could have been enjoyed at face value. But that was impossible. Not when Dave remained unpunished. Jane forced her stray thoughts back from the dark. She listened to Samantha prattle on about the family drama. Jane had been the one to advise Samantha to tell her parents about Alex. She reminded her that if she wanted to be treated like an adult then she’d have to act like one.
Samantha complied and the result was exactly what Jane was expecting. Dave’s inability to accept his stepdaughter’s decision would only further the rift between them.
“I have to apologize to him at some point,” she huffed under her breath as they took a spin downtown. “But only because it will make my Mom feel better.”
“Then you should do it,” Jane agreed. “It’s not like he’s going away anytime soon.”
“I wish he would, him and his whole freak show family.”
“I don’t envy you.”
“In this case I should be able to pick my own family.”
“You can. ”
“How?”
“You stop trying with the ones who are toxic. You ignore them, cut them out of your space. You don’t engage, you just move on and surround yourself with those who bring out your best.”
“Easier said than done.”
“All things are.”
“But I do have Alex,” she paused, a light blush coming over her cheeks, “and you.” Samantha chanced a sideways glance at Jane.
“Of course you do,” she promised. “Before we wrap up today remind me to give you something.”
Sam’s eyes lit up with interest. “More 90’s music?”
“Better.”
Jane felt genuine pleasure at Samantha’s squeal of delight as she lifted the Nintendo into her arms from the back of Jane’s car.
“Was this yours?” she asked in awe.
“My sister’s,” Jane confirmed, feeling a sharp pain momentarily pierce her heart.
“I can’t take it.”
“No, I want you to have it. Please,” Jane insisted, her eyes tight with a smile. It was hard to let go of this piece of history, but she knew it also served as a reminder.
“Alex is gonna freak when he sees this!”
I hope Dave will, too, Jane added in her head.