Gracie and Brad are bickering when we pick them up. I start to tease them, but think better of it. I don’t know what’s going on, and I’m way too worn out to get involved. At my request, Taylor drives us over to the brewery where mom is working tonight. I try the door to mom’s car and I’m a little surprised to find it unlocked. We spent so much of the last few years in big cities, I forget how safe she feels here. I throw my bag in the back seat and go back to hug Taylor.
“Thanks for driving us!”
She holds me in the hug when I try to walk away. “I’m sorry for forcing things with Alex.”
I pull back to look her in the eye. “Taylor, I promise I forgive you. I won’t forgive Alex yet, but you’re good and you can stop apologizing.”
“Okay,” she says, finally releasing me. “But, also, I’m reall
