Unconditional

“It was a long time ago,” she says, almost rueful.

I nod. “I know.”

There’s silence, the past rushing back in to poison those memories of innocent times, before we both opened our eyes to the perilous tightrope of our home life.

Before I made a choice to win my father’s twisted affection, at any cost.

I wait for Juliet to leave, but instead, she lingers in the doorway with me. “You were great tonight,” she offers quietly. “It reminded me of Mom, the way she used to sing.”

Warmth floods my heart. “You really think so?” I feel the sting of tears in my throat, but I hold them back. “She always sounded so beautiful.”

“You do too.” Juliet offers me a small smile. “I guess you got that from her.”

The words mean more to me than she’ll ever know.

Juliet pauses, fidgeting with her engagement ring. “I’m sorry for what I said earlier. The way I acted. I was upset, and I guess I went too far.”

“No, you didn’t!” I get choked up. “You don’t have anything to apologize for, you were right. This distance between us is my fault. I should have seen it sooner, and now it’s too late.”

“I don’t know…” Juliet pauses. Her face is a turmoil of emotion. She bites her lip. “I don’t want it to be too late,” she whispers. “It’s just…You shut me out for so long, I don’t even know what to say to you anymore.”

Now the tears are threatening to overflow. “What are you saying?” I ask, desperately trying to hold back the sweet flight of hope.

“I…I don’t know.” Juliet shrugs again. “I want to know you,” she adds, her voice breaking. “You’re my sister. I just…I just don’t know how.”

“Me either,” I say, my eyes swimming with tears. “But maybe we could try?”

For a heart-stopping moment, Juliet pauses, uncertain. Then she gives a tiny nod.

“Maybe,” she says quietly. “We could get lunch sometime. Try and talk a little.”

Amazement floods through me. I can’t believe it, but she wants to give me a second chance. “Yes!” I exclaim quickly. “Lunch, or coffee. I could come to you in the city, even. Whatever you want!”

Juliet gives me a watery smile. “We should probably pick some place where they don’t mind crying,” she adds, wiping at her eyes.

I hiccup a laugh. “That would probably be best,” I agree.

Juliet looks around. “You should probably get back out there,” she says. “They’re waiting for your next set.”

“But I’ll see you soon?” I ask, gripped with a sudden panic that this weird thaw between us will only prove temporary—that tomorrow, she’ll take it all back, and decide to go on with her life without me.

Juliet nods. “I’ll call you,” she says. “Maybe we could get together next week?”

I nod fervently. “I’ll be there,” I vow.

She turns to go.

“Wait.” I catch her arm. Juliet turns back, blinking up at me. “I…” I try to find the words. “I know it’s not easy,” I finally manage to say. “Even considering forgiving me. And I know I have a lot of work to do to repair your trust. But thank you. For giving me another chance.”

Juliet nods, her eyes conflicted. “I can’t promise anything,” she says carefully. “I really don’t know if it’s been too long, and so much has happened.”

“I know,” I swallow. “I’m just thankful for the chance.”

She looks uncertain. “I missed you,” she whispers.

My heart twists. “I missed you too.”

Our moment is broken by Brit, coming to drag me back to the stage. “I can’t find Garrett anywhere, and they’re just about ready to lose patience,” she says, steering me away from Juliet.

“But—” I protest, worried.

“She’ll be here when you’re done.” Brit cuts me off. “You’re staying, right?” she sends back to Juliet. “You and Em can crash at the ranch.”

“We’re staying,” Emerson answers for her, appearing at Juliet’s side. He wraps one strong arm around her and looks down, wordlessly asking if she’s OK. Juliet gives a little nod, and he leans to drop a tender kiss on the top of her head.

She smiles up at him, her worried expression smoothing away. He’s her anchor, I realize. Her steady point in all the storms.

Like Garrett is for you.

“Come on.” Brit tugs harder. “You need to start playing before they riot!”

I give a wave to Juliet and Emerson and then head back to the stage. I’m shaking all over again, but this time, it’s not with nerves. My body is flooded with relief, sweeter than anything I could imagine.

I have a second chance with my sister, and it’s all I could ever hope for in the world.

“Hey everyone, I’m back.” I take the mic, adjusting the guitar strap over my shoulder. There’s whoops and applause, but this time, I take a moment to soak it all in. My audience, my stage.

My new beginning.

This time, I’m going to savor every moment.

I play another set, and an encore too, and by the time I’ve finally excused myself from the packed, noisy bar, I feel like I’m flying. Adrenaline is still surging through my body. I want to celebrate—and there’s only one person I want to do it with.