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“I can’t imagine how I would feel if this happened to someone I love, but what that bastard did to Teresa wasn’t your fault. You did everything you could to get her out, to give her a chance at a life worth living.”
“Doesn’t feel like it,” Libby murmured.
“Maybe not, but all you can do for her now is be there to support her when she needs it and love her even when she thinks she doesn’t deserve it. I imagine she’ll think that a lot.”
“Seems that way. Mack at least says she’s eating and doesn’t wake up screaming as often.” Libby scrubbed a hand over her face. “I don’t know how to do this part.”
“I don’t think anyone really does. All you can do is focus on being the best sister you know how to be. Just love her.”
Libby huffed out a breath, mouth tilting up in a small smile. “Thank you. You said Brogan was looking for me?”
“Yeah, but he might be busy now.”
“Oh, right, that big deal they’re closing today. You need any help?”
Viv shook her head. “No. This bread is about to come out, and then I have to figure out where to hide it so it doesn’t disappear before dinner.”
Libby laughed. “Well, if you’re good here, I think I’ll go take a nap before I come down to put the lasagna together.”
“Absolutely. Maybe take a hot shower to clear your head.”
“Good idea.” Libby’s smile was kind.
The timer beeped as soon as Libby rounded the corner to the stairs, and Viv slid the tray out of the oven. Perfect, as always. Her aunt’s recipe for Italian bread never failed her. Just as she set the bread on a rack to cool, her phone rang from the other room, and she sprinted back for it before it stopped.
“Hello?" she said, a little breathless.
“Oh, good. I was afraid you wouldn’t pick up.” Sofia’s voice was strained.
“What’s up?”
“I need a huge favor. Bianca just called from school to inform me that I am, in fact, the worst mother ever because I forgot to drop her trumpet off on my way to the bakery like I promised her I would. Never mind that I wouldn’t have needed to drop it off if she had remembered it in the first damn place.”
Sofia’s frustrated breath whistled in the receiver. “Anyway, we are absolutely slammed at the bakery, and I can’t reach Tim. He mentioned something about being in meetings with Papa all day.”
“What do you need, Sof?”
“Bianca has solo tryouts today. She needs her trumpet by three.” Viv flicked a glance at the clock on the microwave. It was almost two. “Do you…can you grab it from my house and drop it off at the school?”
“Yeah, of course I can.”
“Do you have someone to go with you?”
Viv sighed. “No one is technically babysitting me today. I can try to find someone, though. It’ll be fine.”
“Are you sure? I can just tell Bianca I can’t make it.” Sofia sounded dejected at the thought.
“Is this the solo B has been talking about for weeks?”
“Yes.”
“Then I’ll go get the trumpet. And I’m going to drop off an orange ricotta cake I want you to try. I think it would do well at the bakery, but you and Mama have a taste and let me know what you think.”
“Okay. And Viv? Be safe.”
“I will. I’ll talk to you later.”
Disconnecting with her sister, Viv scrolled through her contacts. James was the only person she knew well enough to ask for a favor, but if the Callahans were doing a big deal today, it didn’t seem likely he’d be free to taxi her around. She dialed him anyway, eyes on the clock. Voicemail.
