More Than Love (NG3)

28 - Memories

Reed felt like he had been on an emotional rollercoaster. Laney was Sasha's child. Sasha had a child. The look on Laney's face when he referred to Sasha as his mother made perfect sense. No wonder he was instantly drawn to her.

Sasha said, "What's wrong? What lie?"

Reed exhaled. "That day I walked out of work; I drove up here and met her. Except for the fact, it was a work day, I thought you invited her for me. I've never... anyway, she freaked when I said you were my stepmother. I didn't understand why, then I saw her with him. When I saw her at the wedding, I thought she was dating my father."

"And she said it was gross."

He nodded. "Nothing felt right this summer. You kept traveling and weren't acting like yourself. My dad kept acting strange, too. I was certain he was dating. It was confusing. Even finding you at his house felt weird."

"Laney contacting me was a wish come true, but it's been emotional. Dredging up my past and remembering how difficult my decisions were. I have felt sad and lonely for the first time in years."

"Is that why you're hanging out with Dad?"

"I guess."

He thought she was going to add more, but she stopped herself.

"I need to check the surf. Sash, I've been sharing my mother for years. I think I can share you with Laney."

"She's not my daughter. I gave up my right a long time ago."

He looked at the sadness etched on her face. With two large steps, he reached her and embraced her.

"She cares. She kept her identity a secret. That proves it."

"I know, sweetheart. Go. We can talk more later.

Reed needed to get out of the cottage. The full impact of Sasha's revelation hadn't yet hit him. The night before, he thought it was a no brainer who Sasha would stand by if a relationship with Laney ended. They didn't have a relationship, just a few kisses and a dance. Maybe Laney was right to refuse him. She was Sasha's child.

He walked to the crowded beach, and when he reached the dunes, he scanned the surf. The waves were breaking too close to shore. It was the icing on the shit cake. Sighing, he stepped onto the hot sand. Maneuvering around beach chairs and blankets, and kids digging and running, he made his way to the wet sand. He set out down the beach at a fast pace. His conversations with Sasha and Laney played in his head. He passed the Beach House and the beach crowd thinned out. He plopped down on the warm sand and shut his eyes. The memories of his evening with Laney were too strong.

He opened his eyes and looked out at the water. Normally boards would be scattered across his view. He saw only one, and the guy was just sitting on it. Reed shook his head and pulled his phone out of his shorts pocket. He tapped the phone icon and listened to it ring. He was just about to hang up when her voice sent jolts through him.

He skipped a greeting. "She told me."

"I know. She called me. You told her we met in Maine."

"I wanted to match her honesty. Was she mad?"

Laney's voice was soft. "No. She asked if you were the reason I left early."

"Why did you leave early?"

"I thought you might come back."

"You didn't want to lie to your stepbrother."

Laney laughed. "You aren't my stepbrother."

Reed sat up. "I'm not, because I feel like I am."

"I felt that way too, but Sasha might be my mother, but not really. I have an amazing mother."