Page 50 of Animal Beats

This right here proves we live in different universes. “I’m hoping it won’t be too difficult to calm her down. There’s something in her that when she sees a family member—” I pause. “Well, me, now. When she sees me, this calmness settles over her.”

“I think it’s called love.”

His words sink into my soul. “You may be right.” I can’t ponder Río’s lack of love in his life right now. He’s succeeded to the highest level of his profession despite his parents, not because of them. If mine were here now, what would they make of this talented drummer? Would they see him as a poor little boy whose only outlet for attention was to act out? Or rather as a super-successful musician ready to use their daughter and toss her away? A shiver runs through me.

“Here. You’re cold.” Río hands me the tea and wraps his arm around my shoulder.

I snuggle into his embrace, shooing any bad thoughts away. After taking a sip of the soothing tea, I tilt my head back. “Thank you for being so understanding. Most men don’t want to hear about any sister, let alone one with Mila’s challenges.”

“First,” he bops my nose. “I’m not ‘most men.’ And second, I envy your close relationship. Lord knows, my own stepsister and I don’t have any desire to be in the same room. I apologize for assuming Mila was like her.”

“Totally understandable.” I get lost in his brown gaze for a moment. “However, you don’t have to come into the school with me. There’s plenty to do in the town.” Where he’d be all alone.

I don’t have to worry about this possibility, as he says, “I want to.”

How can this be the same man who got kicked out of Italy? He’s so warm and … real. Nothing like the drunk, playboy, rabble rouser the paparazzi portray him. Has no one ever allowed him to find his own footing?

Río reaches over and kisses me. It’s not passionate—rather at kiss that conveys his support for me and what I’m doing. If anyone had told me Río, of all the members of UC, would be the one who has the most depth, I wouldn’t have believed them. Coop, for sure, would’ve gotten my vote. Based on what Río’s said, I’m probably not wrong. However, the drummer is the one who makes my heart pound.

More as a warning not to get ahead of myself, I struggle into a proper sitting position and finish my tea. Ashely collects our cups and informs us we’ll be landing soon. I square my shoulders. I hope Mila will settle when I’m there.

I glance at Río and wonder how he’s going to react to seeing my sister, rather than merely hearing about her. Only time will tell.

15

RÍO

The SUV stops in front of an imposing brick structure with a sign, The Haverford School, prominently displayed. Beneath the name, the sign says, Education for Down Syndrome Children.

What have I gotten myself into? I know nothing about disabilities, and even less about interacting with kids. To be fair, Mila is the same age as my own stepsister, but I can’t remember the last time I actually talked with her. I rub sweaty palms over my thighs.

Stealing a glance at my babysitter, her face is a study in excitement. It’s clear she loves her sister. Her only remaining family. We’ve lived divergent lives, to be sure. But for her needing to take UC’s jet from the awards ceremony she wrangled me to, I wouldn’t be here with her. The fact she invited me along—more accurately, I invited myself—has to mean something. This woman loves deep and hard. For the first time in my life, a longing to be the recipient of such emotion rises.

I get out of the vehicle behind Hayden, who is vibrating with desire to see her sister. I offer her my arm. “Ready?”

Her fingertips slide underneath the crook of my elbow. “Very much.”

Together, we enter the school where some administrator approaches us. “Miss Vaughn, we’re so glad you’re here. Your sister’s in her room.”

“Great.” Hayden turns to me. “You can wait in the lobby. I hope this won’t take more than an hour or so.”

We’ve come this far, there’s no way I’m going to be left behind. “I’m good. I want to meet your sister.”

Hayden and the administrator exchange glances, then my babysitter leans in and forces a smile. “Are you sure?”

“I am.” I know I need to meet Mila if I want to better understand Hayden. Which I do. After last night—hell, before then—she’s all I can think about.

The three of us walk down an unusually welcoming and cheery hallway and stop in front of a door. The administrator says she’s going to enter first, and Hayden should come in after five minutes. The administrator disappears inside the room.

Hayden paces the hall, glancing at her sister’s door every thirty seconds. On the cement wall, I begin a beat in time with her strides. After a minute, she stops and offers a self-deprecating laugh. “What can I say? I’m nervous. I hope I can calm Mila down.”

“I have no doubt. She’ll probably take one look at you and give you a big hug.”

She smiles. “I hope so. She gives amazing hugs.”

The door opens and Hayden is called inside. Before she enters, I say, “I’ll be right here, waiting for my chance to meet your sister.” I kiss her forehead.

Then I’m alone.