Chapter 2 #4
If it was just Tommy wanting to marry Lark, Wren would be fine with the guy.
His desire for a commitment wasn’t her issue.
What she didn’t like was the way Tommy always tried to make Lark…
less. He was quiet, somber, and in desperate need of a freaking sense of humor.
Sure, she’d heard the expression “opposites attract,” but she couldn’t make that work for Tommy and Lark.
It drove Wren crazy every time Tommy put a hand on Lark’s arm to calm her, or shushed her, or used that condescending-sounding “sweetheart, you’re too loud” whenever her sister was telling one of her outrageous stories.
Every now and then, Lark herself would lose her shit over Tommy trying to change her, and she’d break up with him.
However, the man was tenacious—and apparently very much in love—because he always returned armed with flowers, apologies, and promises to stop.
Those promises never held, of course. Tommy couldn’t change his own spots any more than Lark could change hers.
So yeah, mismatch.
“Wait,” Wren interjected. “Are you sure Tommy won’t tell Jace you’re at a Taylor Swift concert? I mean, it’s sure to get back to Nora, right?”
Lark shook her head. “No. Tommy won’t tell Jace anything, because he doesn’t know I’m going to the concert. He doesn’t know a damn thing about my life anymore. He and I broke up three weeks ago.”
Wren’s eyes widened. “And I’m just hearing about this now?!”
Lark gave her a rueful grin. “I didn’t tell you because, one, I knew what you’d say.”
Wren frowned. “What would I say?”
“You’d say I’m better off without him, that we’re too different, and all that shit.”
Wren sighed. Lark was right. During the first split, Wren had made the rookie mistake of telling Lark what she really thought about her relationship with Tommy. Which had shot her in the foot two days later…when Tommy came crawling and Lark took him back.
“I said I was sorry about that,” Wren muttered, even though she still thought she was right about the couple not being the right fit for each other.
“I know. That’s not the real reason why I didn’t tell you,” Lark confessed. “Honestly…I was worried I’d cave again.”
That concern was legit, since Lark had gone back with Tommy at least four other times in the past. “Maybe so, but three weeks…”
Lark nodded, clearly pleased she’d made it this far. The past breakups hadn’t lasted more than a few days each. “He apologized a couple days after our fight, but I told him I was serious this time. And I am. I even dumped him from my socials.”
Wren considered herself a pragmatic person, so while she knew there was still a chance Lark would go back to Tommy, even she was feeling optimistic after hearing that.
“I just want you to be happy,” she said diplomatically, because she wasn’t an idiot and she wasn’t about to make the same mistake twice.
She was keeping her thoughts to herself this time.
Even though she did think her sister was making the right decision.
“I know.” Lark leaned over and hugged her. “That’s why you’re the world’s greatest sister.”
Wren snorted. “You’re laying it on a bit thick. I already agreed to work this damn festival for you.”
Lark laughed loudly, then winked. “And I’m totally giving you all the money for it.”
Wren shook her head, aware how hard her sister was saving up to move out, but Lark cut her off.
“I’m serious, Wrennie. I’m not keeping money I didn’t earn. My only goal here is keeping my job.”
“Fine,” Wren conceded. She’d find some way to sneak the money back to her sister.
“I’m driving up to Pittsburgh right after I finish cleaning cabins with Remi in the morning,” Lark said. “If you have any questions, just call or text me. Okay?”
Wren nodded. “Okay.”
Sadly, she was going to have to put away the juicy Grace Decker novel she’d just started reading and study the damn winery notes all day tomorrow at work.
“I’m going to leave the wine with you so you can taste them again tomorrow and get familiar with the flavors,” Lark said, gesturing to the five open bottles. “I’ll swing by on Monday to pick up whatever’s left.” She gave her a playful grin. “Wouldn’t want them to go to waste.”
Wren shook her head, smiling. “I’ll try not to reach out unless absolutely necessary. I know how much you’ve been looking forward to this concert.”
Lark gave her a hug, squeezing her so tight she couldn’t breathe for a second. “You really are the greatest sister on the whole planet.”
“Yeah, yeah. It’ll be a miracle if I manage to pull this off.”
Lark flipped her hair over her shoulder as she made her way to the door. “I don’t doubt you for a second. After all, you’re forgetting. When we pulled this prank as kids, you were the one who sold the act. I’m the one who always screwed up and gave us away.”
It seemed like a lifetime since she and Lark were those mischievous little girls, both lively and funny and, well…basically feral. Sometimes, Wren wondered who she’d be now if—
She stopped that line of thinking, refusing to dredge up ancient history.
“Bye, Wrennie.”
“Have fun and be safe,” Wren replied.
Lark left, and the apartment was instantly quiet and calm. That was usually when Wren started to relax again, but that wasn’t going to happen tonight, as her anxiety over the coming weekend kicked in.
“This is going to be a disaster,” Wren said to herself, leaning against the door. “A fucking disaster.”