Like mother, like son.
Me
Did you say my dad was invited too?
Kate
Yep, he just replied actually. He can stop by for an hour, but then has to work. Can you make it? I’d love to see you, and I know June misses you. Oh, and I have your belated twenty-first birthday gift here, so I can give you that too. I was nervous to mail it.
Me
OMG, you didn’t have to buy me a gift! But thank you. Sure, I can make it.
Kate
Drew, you’re like family to me and Jensen. There’s no way we’re not marking the biggest birthday with something nice—and sparkly.
I stare down at Kate’s last message.
Family.
She sees me as family because that’s what I’ve always been to them. Meanwhile, each night, I’m running the batteries down on the pink wand hiding in my dresser drawer because I can’t stop thinking about her son.
I almost throw my phone across the bar when a message drops down from Will.
Will
Miss me?
Me
I was just texting with your mom.
Will
I know. I was texting her at the same time. Given she’s hosting one of her special dinner parties, I think it would be best if we stayed in the same hotel. For ease.
Me
What does a dinner party at your parents’ house have to do with where I sleep that night?
Will
It will likely go on until late, and if we both stay at the same place, then there’s no messing around with multiple stops.
Me
I’m not staying in the same hotel as you.
Will
Why?
Me
You know why. It’s too risky.
Will
