I’m sure my sister and Robyn haven’t seen each other since the night I left. “Gretchen,” I say with a smile. “You’re back.” She looks at Robyn and her face wilts. “How are you, Robyn?” “Good,” Robyn fibs. “Busy with work and school.” It’s awkward at best. I’m unwilling to let this tension grow into something unmanageable. “We need to talk,” I say. “Now?” Gretchen asks. I nod, then gaze at Robyn; she doesn’t say a word. I walk to the front door, pull my keys out of my front pocket, and unlock it. I hold the screen door open. “After you, ladies.” We settle in the living room. Robyn in an armchair, Gretchen on the couch. I eye both of the most important people in my life. “I’ve decided we’re going to get any misunderstandings out of the way.” “Robyn already knows how I feel,” Gretchen says. “I’m sorry if it hurts her feelings, but I can’t lie.” She looks at Robyn. “With my parents gone, someone needs to look after Garrick, don’t you agree?”
