“I’ll find something. Worst case scenario, I’ll take one of my friends up on their offer until I can find something.”
Mom smiles. “Now that’s a plan I can get behind. I’m glad you’ve found a good group of friends.”
“Me too.” Poppy, Logan, Lacey, Jacks, Donovan, Enzo, Gray, Chloe, and Tanner pop into my head. For the first time in I don't know how long, the world around me seems a little more settled, and I don’t feel so lost. After Cody’s accident and all of my friendships ended, I dreamed of being a part of a friend group like this, and while we’ve had some ups and downs, I’m so glad to call each of them my friend—even Tanner.
I lean against their counter, and my eyes land on the calendar hanging on the fridge. My mom, always one to be thinking ahead, has already changed the month to September. A big heart is drawn on the thirtieth around the wordstwenty-five years.
“Are y’all going to do anything for your anniversary? Twenty-five years is a big deal.”
“We talked about going out to eat, but we’ll probably just grill some steaks here and open a nice bottle of wine,” mydad explains. “Mondays the caregiver gets off at three, so we’ll need to be here with your brother.”
“Y’all are trying to convince me to look after myself, and you’re not looking after you. I know it’s hard to take a break, but y’all deserve a night out. Do you want me to come over and hang with Cody while y’all go to dinner?”
“You don’t have to do that,” my mom says.
“Please, hanging out with him is my favorite thing. If I had it my way, I’d send y’all away for a week so you could actually take a vacation, and one day I will. But, in the meantime, I can come hang out with my brother, and y’all can go to dinner.”
“Goodness, who raised you to be so caring and wonderful?” my mom teases.
“You did.” I roll my eyes, and both of my parents stand, laughing. My dad winces again.
“I think I’m going to head out,” I say. “Please consider hiring more help. Dad, please go see a doctor about your back. And Mom, if you need help with the insurance stuff, call me, and I can see what I can do.”
“We will,” he says, wrapping me up tightly. “But you need to consider what we said too.”
“I will. Love you both, and I’ll put your anniversary on my calendar. Dad, you better take Mom somewhere nice.”
“Consider it done. I love you.” Dad kisses the side of my head and releases me. I turn to find my mom. She sets down her mug and pulls me into her. I’m wrapped up in her scent once more, and I breathe her in, instantly calming my nervous system again.
“I’ll call your dad’s doctor tomorrow,” she whispers in my ear.
“Thank you.” I squeeze my arms around her.
On my way out the door, I stop by Cody’s room and peek in. I smile when I spy the Spiderman I gave him on the shelfamong the hundred or so figurines that line the top of his room. He’s sound asleep. “Love you, bud,” I whisper before closing his door softly.
CHAPTER 9: BOO!
WREN
I’m still reeling from the conversation with my parents when I pull into The Local. It’s not lost on me that I need to find a place to live, but not being able to find something affordable is stressful and overwhelming.
I’m not even sure why I turned in on my way home. It’s not like me to go for a drink, but I saw the sign and it felt like the right call. I blow out a long breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts, and grab my phone.
The Tortured Therapists Department
I know it’s last minute, but anyone want to meet at The Local for a drink?
Chloe:
Wish I could, but Ava was with a sitter all day. Next time!
Lacey:
Poppy, Logan, Jace, and I are out on a double date. We can comemeet you after?
Don’t worry about it. Y’all have fun!
Gray?
