Anna ignored her brother’s outburst. “I’m happy to help, Steven, but you can’t see this Marcella ever again. And you must break it off over the phone or text. You’re too weak to do it in person.” Anna knew she was being harsh, but it was time for a little tough love.

“Do you think Lolly will take me back?” he asked.

“Are you one hundred percent sure you want to stay together?” Anna asked. “I mean, really think about it, Steven, you can’t do this to her again. Seriously. And if there’s a next time, don’t even think about calling me—”

“I do want her back! And I won’t cheat.” Steven sighed. “But do you think she’ll take me back?”

Anna looked out the window into the snowy night. “I don’t know. She probably will … but you do know she’s much too good for you, right?”

“I know,” Steven said, feeling his sister’s disappointment, wanting to be a better person not only for Lolly and Anna, but for his father as well. It just didn’t seem right that it was so fucking hard to be good.

IX

The car pulled up to their building and the doorman rushed over to open Anna’s door. She turned to her brother. “Give me an hour alone with her. Go and get Lolly’s favorite dessert.” She stared him down. “You do know what your girlfriend’s favorite dessert is, don’t you?”

“Joe Allen’s banana cream pie. But Anna, c’mon, the shows are getting out now. Times Square will be insane…” He stopped talking immediately, her gaze burning a hole in his forehead. “I’ll be back in an hour.”

Anna smiled at the doorman, who was holding an umbrella and waiting for her to exit the car. She took his hand and stepped to the curb with purpose.

Upstairs in the apartment she made two cups of Dulsão do Brasil and grabbed a couple of coconut waters before walking down the hallway toward her parents’ room. Anna had only lived full time in this apartment when she was in elementary school, even though she still had a bedroom here. She loved so much about the city, but lately she preferred it in smaller doses. She felt most like her true self when she was on one of her Dutch Warmbloods, Mark Antony (named for the cartoon bulldog and not the Roman politician) or Cleo (named for the tiny cat who liked to snuggle in Mark Antony’s fur), or when she was romping around in the backyard with her Newfoundlands, Gemma and Jon Snow.