Between Sisters

“Yeah, she does. ”

“It must be hard on her—watching your wedding so soon after her own divorce. ”

Claire nodded. “She’s going through a really difficult time. ”

“It’s always hard to find out you married the wrong man. ”

“They were married for fifteen years. Just because they got divorced doesn’t mean he was the wrong man to marry. ”

Meg looked at her. “I would say it meant exactly that. ”

“Eric really played a number on you, didn’t he?”

“I guess. ”

Claire took a sip of coffee. It occurred to her to drop the whole thing, to do what she’d always done around Meg—shut up and pretend it didn’t hurt. Then she remembered her conversation with Bobby. Slowly, she said, “You didn’t answer my question: How come you left the shower early?”

“It wasn’t that early. How were your presents?”

“They were great. Thank you for the Cuisinart, by the way. Now: Why did you leave early?”

Meg closed her eyes, then slowly opened them. She looked . . . scared.

It shocked Claire so much she straightened. “Meg?”

“It was the M&M game,” she answered. “I tried to be a good sport and play the game, but I barely know you, so I said something wrong. I still don’t know what the hell it was. ”

“You said I loved well but not easily. ”

“Yes. ”

“I don’t think it’s true, that’s all, and it hurt my feelings. ”

“It’s true for me,” Meg said.

Claire leaned forward. They were finally circling something that mattered. “Sometimes it’s hard to love you, Meg. ”

“Believe me, I know. ” She laughed, but it was a bitter, throaty sound.

“You judge people—me—so harshly. Your opinions are like bullwhips. Every one leaves a bloody mark. ”

“People, yes. But you? I don’t judge you. ”

“I flunked out of college. I dropped out of cosmetology school. I never left Hayden. I dress poorly. I had a child out of wedlock with a man whom I discovered was already married. Now I’m marrying a three-time loser and I’m too stupid to protect myself with a prenuptial agreement. Stop me when it sounds familiar. ”

Meg frowned. “Have I hung all that on you?”

“Like a suit of armor. I can’t talk to you without feeling like a poor-white-trash loser. And, of course, you’re rich and perfect. ”

“That part is true. ” Meg saw that her attempt at humor failed. “My therapist thinks I have control issues. ”

“Well, duh. You’re a lot like Mama, you know. You both need to run the show. ”

“The difference is, she’s psychotic. I’m neurotic. But God knows she handed down bad luck with men. ” Meghann looked at her. “Have you broken the curse?”

Even yesterday, Claire would have been angered by the question. Now, she understood it. Claire’s legacy from Mama was a belief that sooner or later love walked out on you. Meg had inherited something else entirely: She didn’t believe in love at all. “I have, Meg. Honestly. ”

Meg smiled, but there was a sadness in her eyes. “I wish I had your faith. ”