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Mandy sits across from me. “That’s no way to live a full and happy life, Chastity. You need to let yourself live and experience things.”
“I don’t know when I changed so much.” That’s a lie. You know exactly when it happened. Two years ago, when some weird-ass freak started following you around.
If I stick to a routine, I can pick out when and where people seem out of place. This keeps me safe. It keeps me aware. I don’t even enter my own home without my well-designed routine.
“It was a few years ago,” Mandy says knowingly. “You seemed to lose yourself.” She seems like she wants to say more but bites her tongue.
Her words cause a ball of emotion to lodge in my throat.
“Maybe this trip will help me find myself again,” I say hopefully. And shake off my persistent stalker.
The door opens, and I gesture for Mandy to stay where she is. I can handle whoever just walked in. My student, Lacey, and her brother are waiting at the desk for me.
“Mark, Lacey, I’m so glad you’re here. I know you weren’t feeling so well last time.” I stare at the blonde girl and smile gently. “Mark. Nice of you to bring your sister in today.”
Lacey is twelve, ten years younger than Mark, her step-brother. Neither of their fathers is on the scene, so their mom has raised them alone. Lacey has Asperger’s and lives in her own world a lot of the time.
“Mom’s been busy lately. I figure I should pick up some of the responsibilities.” Mark shrugs and smiles self-consciously.
I smile. “What would she do without you, huh? Are you staying today?”
Mark nods and winks at his sister. “I’d love to stay.”
I guide them into my larger workroom, where the piano is set up. Lacey responds well to music and melody. It seems to calm her, and she’s been working hard on her piano piece.
“You’ll get to work with Kate in a few weeks,” I explain as Lacey settles on the piano stool. I want to prepare her now so it isn’t a surprise. Lacey needs a routine and plenty of notice if anything changes or she becomes anxious. It’s one of the reasons I rarely take time off. My kids' welfare is important to me, and I won’t mess up their routines unless I absolutely have to. But I need this break. Besides, Lacey loves Kate, so I know I’m leaving her in good hands.
“Finally taking a day off?” Mark asks with a grin.
“Taking a few weeks off. I have a ton of vacation time to use up, and I’m off to Denver to see Soul Obsession.”
“Ah, the reunion tour.” Mark nods. “Should be good. They did some great stuff back in the day. Rumor has it they’ve written new material for this tour.”
“Don’t tell me you’re a fan too,” I tease.
“Nah. They’re more of a chick band.” He gives me a sheepish look. “No offense.”
I laugh. “None taken.” I turn my attention to Lacey. “Okay, sweet pea. Let’s listen to this masterpiece.”
Chapter 2
Chastity
I cast my eyes around my apartment to check I haven’t missed anything when Dani calls. I tuck the phone into my pocket and quickly connect my earbuds before answering.
“Are you packed? I’m so jealous you get to see them first,” she squeals.
“Well, hello to you, too. Dani,” I say sarcastically.
Dani snorts. “Sorry. I’m just excited for you.”
I chuckle. “I know, love. I’m excited too. I’ve been running around my apartment like a crazy woman with a broom up her ass. I keep thinking I’ve forgotten something. I don’t want to leave anything to chance. Oh, and I need to remind Miss Carter to grab my mail. No need for it to be piling up while I’m gone. Give me a sec, Dani,” I say, pushing my luggage into the hall and knocking on Miss Carter’s door.
My elderly neighbor opens the door as if she were poised there, waiting for me. “Yes, I know. The mail.” Her blue eyes crinkle as she smiles at me and winks. “I got you some snacks.” She hands me a giant cloth bag of food. “Enjoy yourself. It will all be here when you come back.”
“Thank you, Miss Carter.” I quickly kiss her wrinkled cheek and add her bag to my luggage.
“Maybe you’ll come back with some juicy stories for me,” she says, patting my hand.
