10 weeks

She paused in the entrance of the kitchen, flooded with morning light. There was no trace of the storm that had raged just as furiously as they had. She searched the counters for a coffee maker or espresso machine, but they were completely bare. She frowned and started opening cabinets and jumped when her phone rang. Desperate to make it stop, she snatched it out of her pocket and answered without looking to see who it was.

“Hello?” she whispered. 

“Minnie?”

She straightened. “Ariana?”

“Of course. Is something wrong?”

“No, I…” She hoped his office was too far away to hear her phone ring. “Roth’s working and I didn’t want to disturb him.”

“Oh! Should I let you go?”

“No, um…” She pinched the bridge of her nose as she tried to get her thoughts together. All she could think about was Roth’s claim about her sister. She’s been abusing prescription drugs for years. She’s been trying to kick her habit, but she relapsed half a dozen times this year. “How are you?”

“Not as good as you are, probably,” Ariana said wryly. “Where are you?”

“Back in London.”

“Does that mean you’ll make it back in time for Thanksgiving?”

“Roth told Lyle we would be, but…” She resumed her search for a machine that could produce her life elixir. Roth loved coffee as much as she did. She refused to believe he didn’t have a freaking gold French press or something. “He’s running behind on his meetings, but I’ll keep you posted.”

“I hope you can make it. Colette’s hosting, and she’s going all out since it’s Polara’s first holiday. She wants to make it special. She used to be as dismissive about holidays as Dad, and now…” Ariana sniffled.

She stilled. “Are you okay?”

“Of course. Why?"

"You sound like you have a cold or something."

“It’s allergies.”

She waited and even checked the phone to make sure her sister was still on the line before she murmured, "Ari?”

Another sniffle before her sister confessed, “I’m not having the best day.”

"What's wrong?"

“It’s ten weeks today," Ariana said hoarsely.

“Ten…?” she echoed, bewildered, before realization hit. 

“Minnie?” When Jasmine didn't answer, she sighed. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to ruin your day.“

“No.” She took a deep breath and grappled for control. First Roth and now Ariana, putting her through the wringer without letting her get a hit of caffeine first. 

“Colette was discussing the menu and asked for my opinion on the wine selection and I asked if she had Dad’s favorite Scotch and I realized…” Ariana let out a strained laugh. “It’s not like we had family traditions or anything, but it hit me that he wouldn't be there and I…” Ariana’s breath hitched before she said, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bother you with this. You’re on your honeymoon. This is the last thing you need.“ 

“You aren’t bothering me at all. If you need to talk, call me anytime.”

There was a pause on the other end and then, “Sweet Minnie. Nothing can get you down, can it? It’s been so hectic. Losing Dad, stabilizing the company, Colette going on maternity, the kids. I just… I haven’t been myself lately.”

Her pulse quickened. “I can help. Whatever you need."

Ariana laughed. "I don't think Roth would appreciate me taking up your free time."

"He wouldn't mind at all," she denied, and jumped when she saw a large shadow out of the corner of her eye. She glared at Roth, who leaned against the doorjamb, arms crossed over his chest as he listened to her one-sided conversation. 

"Somehow, I doubt that," Ariana said, sounding weary and amused. “I hope you make it back in time for Thanksgiving. Kye and Bailey have been missing you.”

She bowed her head, letting her hair swing forward to shield her face. “Tell them I’ll see them as soon as I can.”

“Will do. I have to go. Have fun in London for me!”

Her sister’s forced cheer made her flinch. She was glad that Ariana hung up before she had to say goodbye. Her voice would have betrayed her tenuous hold on her emotions. She stood there for a moment, wrangling the grief that threatened to drag her under. She couldn’t indulge in a crying spell over her father. Ten weeks. Was that all? It seemed like a lifetime ago. Who knew she could destroy her life in such a short time span?

**This is a raw draft of Bitter Confessions. Please do not share or distribute.