Love Resolution

“Hey sis, how’re you holding up?”

“I’m alright,” Avery sighed, putting Justin on speaker while she stepped into her clothes for the concert.

“You don’t sound very convincing.”

“I don’t know, Justin,” she said impatiently. “Listen, I’ve only got a couple of minutes before I go on and I need to get makeup.”

“You’ve been skirting around the subject every time I bring it up. I know you don’t want to talk about Marcus. That it’s real awkward given the fact that Dad and I are staying with his family. But I’ve been silent long enough so I’m gonna speak my piece.” He paused. “The guy’s a jerk. He’s not worth it, Avery. The way he’s treated you throughout this whole deal, it pisses me off.”

“Justin, please.” Her voice caught. “This isn’t helping.”

“It just makes me crazy not being there for you when you really need me.”

“You are, though.” Tears filled her eyes. “Hearing your voice. Knowing you’re just a phone call away. It’s keeping my head above water,” she admitted.

“Dad wants to talk to you.”

“Not now, Justin.”

“Avery, c’mon. He’s really worried, too.”

“Just for a minute then. I’m really late already.” She heard him hand the phone over.

“Kat?”

“Yes.”

“I know you’re hurting right now. I’m sorry I can’t do more to help.”

“Arthur, I’ve gotta get going.”

“Just one more thing, Kat, and I’ll let you go. I have to say I agree with your brother. He doesn’t deserve you. But thank God, love isn’t always about getting what you deserve. Sometimes you get better. Like with me and your mom.”

She ended the call and sank down on the chair, remembering how he used to always know the right thing to say when she was upset. This was the dad she had lost. Hot tears escaped from her eyes and rolled down her cold cheeks.