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Wren Hackett: So glad everything is back to normal with the grant. It feels like a sigh of relief!

Comments:

Jade Clark: To make it really normal, let’s have @Hu Gh post his ass.

Kerry Winsor: NO.

Hu Gh: You rang? Here it is . . .

Mark Bell: OH GOD.

Kerry Winsor: IT’S MORE WRINKLY!!!1

Hu Gh: You freaking pansies. That’s my ex-wife’s ass. How could you think that was mine?

Mark

Got your number from Atticus. Jade’s here. She looks a little down. Might wanna swing by.

Atticus

I’m heading to your place.

I stared at my phone for a long time when the texts came in, trying to process how the residents of Strawberry Springs moved when they wanted something done.

Jade was at the bar. Clearly, Mark thought I should be there too.

I was inclined to agree with him.

One hint that Jade was upset had me rushing to put my shoes on.

We’d parted on good terms. What the hell had happened?

“Where are you going?” Agnes asked from the couch.

“Jade might need me.”

“Can we go?” Beatrice asked as she sat up straighter. They were both looking at me and not the movie I’d put on.

“This is a bar and it’s not great for kids. Atticus is coming to watch you.”

“Is Atticus our grandfather?” Agnes asked.

“Kind of. Yes.”

“So, he’s your dad.”

“It’s complicated.” And it was. Atticus had taken care of me like a father would, but he’d never stepped into the emotional side of it.

Agnes frowned. Obviously, that wasn’t the answer she wanted.

“Will you be good for him?” I asked. I doubted they would, but it was worth a try.

“If you want me to.”

“I do. I want you both to be.” I looked over at Beatrice too and she only glared.

“I’ll try,” Agnes said. She looked at her sister.