Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 93785 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 469(@200wpm)___ 375(@250wpm)___ 313(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93785 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 469(@200wpm)___ 375(@250wpm)___ 313(@300wpm)
My heart aches as that bit of information pierces it.
I’ve tried to be respectful of my parents’ privacy as they navigate this new diagnosis. I’m sure Mom feels helpless, and I know she wants to take care of Dad herself. It can’t be easy on her. But, so far, she seems to have found a new routine and is managing it reasonably well. At this point, having my sisters and me come barreling in, demanding answers and removing their agency, especially Mom’s, is disrespectful.
But where is the line? How do we help?
“I gotta go,” Elodie says. “I have a meeting in ten minutes, and I’m still sitting in my car from lunch.”
“Call me later if you want. Otherwise, see you on Sunday.”
“Thanks, Drake.”
“Love you.”
“Love you. Bye.”
“Later.”
I end the call and slip my phone into my pocket. My head lifts toward the door when it creaks open. Juni from reception smiles from the doorway.
“Hey,” she says. “The papers you had me get from the Tennessee Royals are on my desk. I can put them in the mail room or bring them to you in a bit.”
“I’ll grab them before I leave. Thanks, Juni.”
She nods and backs out of the room.
I exhale, ensuring I have everything I need before I leave for the day. My head is still spinning from my conversation with Elodie. I’m not sure what to think about that. As I hoist my bag onto my shoulder, a sound captures my attention and shoves all thoughts of my sister out of my brain.
Gianna’s laughter.
My stomach tightens as I lean toward the sound, wondering what she’s laughing about. I can imagine her smile and the way the corners of her eyes crinkle when she’s happy. The thin gold rings that adorn her little fingers are probably catching the lights above her. I wonder if she’s wearing red or pink lipstick. I also wonder why she chooses one over the other on any random day.
There’s so much about her that I don’t know, so much that she keeps locked up behind the set of walls that she’s built around herself. I wish that I knew why she constructed those, too. She never keeps any male friends around for long and seems to pick the lowest fruit on the tree, yet neither of those things bothers her.
If she thinks love is a choice, why does she choose the men she does?
I guess that if I knew the answer to that, I’d be the one giving out relationship advice.
“Better stick to sports, Bennett,” I whisper and walk out the door.
CHAPTER
NINE
Gianna
“Okay,” I say, surveying the scene in front of me. “I think I’m ready.”
The small round table that Juni helped me lug from the storage area has been placed perfectly in the center of the room. The size and shape give a friendly, conversational vibe like two old friends chatting away, and microphones just happen to sit in front of them. I kept my signature canary-yellow chairs and placed them across from each other. I fought a finance bro over those when I first started working at Canoodle. Screwball thought he could just waltz in and claim ownership of my furniture because he liked it.
He learned a lesson that day, courtesy of moi.
“Now to find some lip gloss and we’ll be good to go,” I mumble, reaching for my bag. But just as my hand hits the strap, my phone glows with an incoming text.
Audrey: Good luck today! I’m tuned in and cheering for you. I know you’re going to do great.
Astrid: I just kicked Gray and Brooks out of the cabin so I can listen. SO excited for you, Gianna.
The way they remember little things that are important to me never ceases to amaze me.
My thumbs dance on the screen as I tap out my response.
Me: I didn’t sleep at all last night, so I overcompensated in the caffeine department. Three cups of coffee and an energy drink, and now I’m jittery. I’m not sure if I have too much confidence for this interview or if I’m in way over my head. I also don’t know whether wearing a Wildfire concert tee was a smart or cheesy choice, but I did it anyway. I mean, I look good, but is it too pick me?
Audrey: It’s a great idea. It’ll likely make Mercy feel more relaxed, and if nothing else, it’ll be a great icebreaker. You can tell her that you saw her in Atlanta last year. That will form a connection.
Astrid: I agree with Miss Smarty Pants over there.
I grin as my shoulders slump in relief. Even if they’re just telling me what I want to hear, because there’s no time to change if this was the wrong choice, I’m grateful. The validation feels good.
Me: Do you have any questions that you want me to ask Mercy? I might be able to slide in a couple of requests.