“Yes, Maya Angelou.”
“I think it applies to both Braden and Ryan.” She looks at me pointedly before saying, “My advice is to choose wisely.”
Twenty-Two
Beck has been avoiding me all week. I’ve invited her to my place to watch a movie—she was having dinner with Maggie. I asked if she wanted to go out for Thai—she was working late. I suggested we play Scrabble—something she likes to do with Carson—and she said she had plans with her girlfriends. I’ve even tried to catch her at the bakery before work with no luck.
I don’t know if she’s making up excuses or if she’s truly busy, but I fucking miss her. At least she’s responding to my text messages, or I would be going insane right now. True to her nature, whenever I try to talk to her about anything serious, like what’s going on with Braden, she deflects with humour and sarcasm.
For approximately thirty-three seconds, I considered pulling Jenna’s clinic notes to see if there is anything there to give me insight on how I can best support her. I shut down that line of thinking quickly because that’s a gross abuse of power and unethical, and I would likely lose a job I love. Also, she is not my client; she’s my…friend and potentially something more.
Now I’m getting ready to leave for a week to be a guest lecturer in the social work program at the University of Toronto.I usually go once or twice a year. This year’s topic is the impact of media on children and youth. I have booked time off. A hotel room has been reserved. I even bought Leafs tickets for Vaughan and me. It’s something I look forward to, but not now. I’m dreading going.
After all that bullshit with Braden last weekend, I have become increasingly worried about Beck. I consider myself a good judge of character, and he’s not a good man.
Mason tried to reassure me he hadn’t been in any trouble beyond a couple of drunk and disorderlies when he was younger, so there was nothing on record that would suggest he would cause her physical harm. I’m not convinced. It could just mean nobody ever caught him before.
When people don’t get what they want, they become desperate and unpredictable. He says he needs money, and she is cutting him off. What lengths would he to go in order to get what he wants?
I wonder how mad she would be if I asked Finn to come to Emerley to watch out for her while I’m gone. I know the answer. She would be fucking livid. So, I’m going to do the next best thing.
The Boys Group Chat
What’s everyone up to tonight?
Carson
Ryan? Is that you? You never message the chat
Riot
What’s going on?
Just wanted to see if you all wanted to come over
Logan
To your house…
Yes, my house
Dillon has been added to the chat
Riot
You have never invited us over. Ever.
It’s not a big deal
Logan
Okay, sounds good
Dillon has left the chat
Carson
I’m in
