“It’s getting much worse, and I don’t know how much longer we can continue like this. Stephanie comes in every morning for two hours to help Nana while I’m at school, but it’s not enough. She fell four times over the summer while I was working, and she’s getting more unsteady on her feet. What happens when she needs to be in a wheelchair full-time and I’m at college? Who will take care of her then?”
“Can Stephanie not become her full-time caregiver?”
“I asked the care team manager, and she says they don’t have the resources to provide full-time care, and I’ve checked into paying for someone privately, but it’s way too expensive. Webarely get by as it is on Nana’s benefits and what I bring in from the resort. I won’t even be joining you at Bennington Turo if I don’t get a scholarship.”
“All the more reason why we need to start studying.” I reach over and hug Gwen while she fiddles with her phone before setting it on her nightstand. “Try not to worry. I’ll talk to Dad. See if he can find out if there are any other supports or benefits you can apply for. We’ll figure something out.”
“Thanks, Azzie. I don’t know what I’d do without you and your parents.”
“You’re family, Gwen. You know Mom thinks of you like her fourth daughter. My parents would do anything for you and Mara.”
“Your parents are the best people. You’re so lucky to have them.”
“It’s going to be okay.” I squeeze her in a bear hug before letting her go. “And you should totally go for Scott. I think he’d be good for you. He’s the kind of guy you could lean on for support when needed. You deserve to be with someone who will only want the best for you and do everything to make you happy.”
“You think Scott could be that guy?”
I chew on the corner of my lip. “I don’t have a crystal ball, babe, but he’s a nice guy, and you could use one of them in your life.”
9
CALLAN
“Hurry up, Pixie. If you’re late for your first ballet class, Ma will kick my arse,” I say as I open the passenger door of my truck for my little sister.
“No need to get your knickers in a twist, Cal. It’s right there.” She points through the windscreen at the building in front of us. The dance studio is on the main street, sandwiched between an estate agent’s office and a stationery shop. “I won’t be late.” She rolls her eyes before grabbing her bag.
I lift her out of the cab and set her feet carefully on the ground. “You still have to put your ballet shoes on,” I remind her, closing the door and locking the truck. I take her hand, guiding her toward the entrance to the dance studio.
“That won’t take long. Boys,” she mutters, rolling her eyes again, and I chuckle.
A few other girls are walking through the door as we reach it, and I don’t miss the way their mums stare at me. The attention at school and around town is starting to make me feel uncomfortable.
“Erin!” A high-pitched shriek almost bursts my eardrums as Freja races across the waiting area in a blur of gangly legs andglistening blonde hair. Like Erin, she’s wearing a leotard and tights, and her hair is pulled up into a tight bun. Freja throws herself at Erin as my head lifts and I spot Astrid approaching, wearing skinny jeans, a pale pink T-shirt, and runners, sporting an amused smile.
“Hey, Callan.”
“Hey, Astrid. I didn’t know you’d be here.” I’m wondering if Ma lied when she said she had to stay at the house for a delivery. Dad was sanding the wooden boards on the porch, so she asked me to drive Erin to her first ballet and swimming classes. She must’ve known Freja would be here, and it’s possible she knew Astrid would be too. My parents really need to learn to stop meddling with my life.
Our sisters have their heads bent, whispering to one another.
“My parents work Saturday mornings, so I always take Freja to ballet and swimming,” Astrid says, confirming my suspicions.
“Is Alma with you?” I glance around the small lobby for the youngest Nevan sister, but I don’t see her.
“No.” Astrid tucks her hair behind her ears. “She goes to her friend’s house for a playdate every Saturday morning. Mom closes the studio at one, so she can pick her up, and then I drop Freja off before my shift starts.”
“This way!” Freja loops her arm through Erin’s, gesturing with her head toward the changing room.
“You okay, Pixie?” I ask before her friend can drag her away.
“You can go, Cal. I’m grand. See you later.” Erin waves and grins before the girls disappear through the door to the changing area.
Astrid’s light laughter does weird things to my chest. “Don’t worry. Freja knows the ropes. She’ll take care of her.”
“Erin has not shut up about Freja and Alma since last weekend,” I admit while opening the front door, stepping aside to let Astrid exit first.
She beams at me, but I’ve no clue why. “Oh, trust me, it’s been the same in our house. My sisters are so excited to have a new best friend across the street.”
