Page 73 of Meet Me on Love Street
I shake my head. I can’t avoid seeing him because he’s supposed to work in the bookstore all summer just like I’m supposed to work at Cosmic. And Mileslovesworking at Second Story Books. He loves helping customers find their next read and talking about politics with Reggie. He even loves the smell of old books like I do. With this new condo development, the bookstore isn’t going to be around for long, and I know Miles would want to be there while it’s open.
I’m so mad at Miles for not being honest with me, and I’m mad at myself for falling so hard for someone who doesn’t want to preserve Love Street the way I do. But… I don’t want Miles to leave the Love Street community. I want Reggie to be looking out for him, and I want him to be doted on by Mrs. Kotch. I want him to shop at Cosmic and drink chai while talking about Bollywood with Ajit. Because heneedsthis community. Who else is going to support him every day? His parents care more about hurting each other than about taking care of their son. His uncle said that found family—people who are there for you because theywantto be, not because of some familial obligation—is as good as gold. Other than that uncle, Miles only has his Love Street family right now.
I write back.
Sana: No. I’m not going to avoid you. We’ll have to work together for the festival, and we’ll see each other on the street this summer.
Miles: But you don’t want to talk, right?
Sana: I need space.
Miles: Okay. Maybe one day we can be friends again.
I don’t respond to that. And it’s not because I’m too angry. It’s because I’m not sure I can bear beingjust friendswith him again.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOURSISTERS ARE BETTER THAN MISTERS
I’m woken up way too early Thursday morning by a text. Miles is still muted, so I know it’s not him. I check my phone. It’s Sarina.
Sarina: I’m sorry. Cara told me what happened last night. Can we talk today? I want to apologize in person. And clear the air between us.
I don’t want to see my stepsister. I don’t want to see anyone who’s been contributing to all these lies. I want to stay with Zuri and eat that other cake for breakfast.
But… I’m not really mad atSarina. I’m angry at Cara and Miles, but Sarina and I have never had a sister relationship. There are a hell of a lot of things I’ve never told her about my life, so I can’t be mad at her for not telling me about hers. To be honest, I feel bad for her. I’ve always had a mother who’s supportive of who I choose to date. It would be so hard not to have that. And considering hownotsupportive Noureen has been aboutmypreferences, I have no doubt Noureen wouldn’t love the fact that her daughter is dating Cara.
Sana: Okay. I’m free today. Where?
Sarina: I can come to you. How about that cute café near Cosmic?
I really don’t want to talk to her on Love Street. If we met at LoveBug, Julie or Ajit will come say hello, and Cara might come in for a coffee. Or Miles, for that matter.
Sana: No not there.
I text her the name of a new café on Gerrard that has an impressive tea selection and tell her I’ll be there at ten.
The café is pretty empty when I walk in right at ten, which kind of makes sense since it’s a Thursday and most people are probably at work. I see Sarina at the back at a secluded table, and she waves. I nod, then get myself a London Fog, which is basically an Earl Grey latte with vanilla, before joining her at the table.
Sarina has a mug in front of her, along with a little teapot with an infuser. She smiles, and the expression looks a bit forced. I sit on the plush red seat at her table.
“Hi, Sana. Thank you so much for agreeing to talk to me.”
“No problem.” I’m not exactly glaring at her, but I’m not smiling.
She looks down at the table, running her hand over the rim of her mug. “I wanted to apologize… Cara told me you were mad at her. I’m so sorry I asked her to lie to you. It’s totally on me. Don’t be mad at Cara. Or Miles. Cara said I could trust you, but I was…” She looks at me. “I just… I made a mess of everything.”
Her voice cracks, then her shoulders slump, showing me just how dejected she feels. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Sarina like this. She’s usually so calm and steady. But then again, I don’t really know my stepsister that well. She still looks pretty, in a pale pink loose V-neck T-shirt, light jeans, and minimal makeup.
“You were afraid I would tell your mother that you’re dating my friend,” I say. My voice sounds flat.
She nods.
I shake my head. “I’m… Honestly, Sarina, that hurts. I know we haven’t exactly ever been close, but how could you think I would do that?” I mean, Sarina knows I’m pansexual. Why would she think I wouldn’t support her? I would never,everout someone like that.
She exhales. “I was… I was scared. And… my mother always said that you would be…”
“Your mother said what?”
She looks at me with wide eyes. “My mother says you’re jealous of me, and I shouldn’t trust you. She says you want my life.”
