I’ll be back in a couple of days, but call me if you need anything, Grace. I’m here for y’all.
Grace
Okay, I will. Thanks.
Me
How’s Claire?
Grace
Claire is… Claire. She’s clueless and fine.
I chuckle at Grace’s accurate take on her adorable younger sister.
The time displayed in the upper right-hand corner of my phone catches my eye. I’m due to meet the boys downstairs for a quick lunch at the hotel restaurant before our interview with a magazine reporter, so I need to wrap this up.
Me
I’ll buy some California postcards for you this afternoon. Keep an eye on your mom and LMK if you need anything.
Grace
Cool, thanks, Hayes.
If the rest of your band could also sign the postcards, that would be extra cool.
Before I leave my room to go to lunch, I fire off another series of texts. I'm not exactly giving Annabelle the space she requested, but I've already done that for the past few days and nothing's changed for the better. After hearing from Grace, I'm even more concerned. Annabelle is stubborn and fiercely independent, but she needs to be remindedthat she isn't alone. That she has people who care about her and will support her.
Me
Bailey, think you could do me a favor?
Bailey
Depends. Is this the type of favor that could end with a prison sentence?
Me
Not this time. Think you could check in on Annabelle for me?
Bailey
Everything ok?
Me
I hope so. She's pulled away while we've been out of town. Just need someone to set eyes on her and make sure she's doing alright.
Bailey
Consider it done. I'll keep you posted.
32
Annabelle
Now
