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“Can you just promise me that you’re going to take better care of yourself?”
“Of course I can do that.” I beam, knowing that’s what she needs from me.
I have the ability to know what people need from me, and I give it to them. Mom hates it because she says I overdo things without taking care of myself. The thing is that I like to give and hate to take. Also, the ability helps me know what people want to hear, so they don’t have to worry about me.
Again, something that drives Mom crazy because it’s hard for everyone—including her—to know when I need something. The only person I couldn’t fool was Archer.
“We should plan to tour together,” she suggests. “We can try next spring.”
“Great idea, but I’m going to pass.”
“Why?”
“I have a practice to run, school to attend, and a publishing company to…” I shrug. “You know, I help my parents a lot with that business. Though, whenever you come around, I’ll be more than happy to join you.”
“How’s the music therapy practice working for you?”
“It’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve done so far. You should come and help when you have some free time. I have some kiddos and adults who sometimes want to learn and don’t need the therapy.”
“Count me in. I might even bring Beacon and his bandmates.” She taps her chin. “You know what you should do?”
I shake my head, hoping she doesn’t suggest real help. Mom already suggested it and even helped me set up a classified announcement on certain websites so I could find a good fit.
“Open one in Seattle too.”
“It’s on my list of things to do.”
“Sit down, let’s have breakfast, and then I’ll help you take all these baked goods to the shelter. We could call Beacon and the guys so they can help us.”
“They’re in town?”
“Yeah. They have some work to do for The Organization. I think they’re either staying with Lang or at the brownstone in Brooklyn.” Grace sighs. “Who knows?”
I spendthe rest of the day with Grace and her best friends. It makes me miss Seth, Jude, Gabe, and of course, Archer. We were almost like them until we went to college. Gabe stayed in Seattle to study medicine. Jude left for Vancouver. Seth is in Boston, and… well, Arch and I planned to stay in New York until it was time to start a family.
Before I fall into the darkness, I go to the grocery store to buy ingredients for tonight. Maybe another round of baked goods might cheer me up. As I’m in the middle of the grocery store, my phone rings. It’s Seth.
“Hey, I was just thinking about you.”
“My sister said you’re training for Master Chef. What’s that about?”
I scoff. He and Grace get along well, but sometimes he doesn’t listen to his sister. “Were you even paying attention to what she was saying?”
“Probably not. I heard something like blah, blah and that she’s worried about you.”
“I’m fine.”
Seth laughs. “Sure you are.
“How’s Boston?” I put him on the hot seat.
“I… is that a trick question?”
“No. I have the feeling you’re in Chicago with Teddy and being an asshole.”
“How do you know?”
I groan. Is he for real? “You’re always an asshole to her.”
