Page 25 of The Groupie

“What is that supposed to mean?” Suzie says.

“You need someone who can take good care of you—in case this dancing and modeling doesn’t work out for you.”

“Since when do I need a caretaker and Rylee doesn’t?”

“Since forever,” Mamma says.

I see the hesitation on Suzie’s face. “You’ll be fine, Suzie. Mamma just worries.”

Suzie slides me an uneasy glance as she paces a circle. “The thing is,” she says, “I worry, too. Maybe I should go after a more reliable career.”

“Either you need a reliable way to make money or a reliable man,” Mamma says. “Though you could make the argument they’re the same thing.”

I laugh. Suzie tries not to, then she bursts into a grin.

“You’re forever the practical one, Mamma.” She leans in and hugs the old woman, and I stand to join them and make it a three-way hug. This is something we used to do all the time. The tug in my chest literally feels like my heart’s being ripped loose, and I straighten. Mamma breaks the hug when she coughs. I hand her a water and sit back down with my foot up again. One last round of ice while I watch her get the cough under control.

“I don’t know about you, but I’m going the independent route,” I say to Suzie. “I’m going to make it on my own and be one hundred percent fully in charge of my own life.” I pause. Suzie gives me a pensive look. “I think it’s easier and a hell of a lot safer,” I add.

“Maybe,” Suzie says. “But it sounds a hell of a lot lonelier, and I’m too much of a romantic for that.” She shrugs.

“So, tell me about this hot date,” Mamma says.

“He’s a professional hockey player,” Suzie says, laughing at my expense.

Her gaze swings to me. “So now, you decided you can handle a professional athlete after all?”

“It’s only for two weeks. What could go wrong?”

Mamma snorts. “Nothing, as long as you stay off your ankle.”

Suzie giggles. “She won’t be doing much standing tonight, Mamma.”

“Okay—I don’t need the details about what you’re doing, but tell me something about the man. He’s not the kind to hold you back, is he?”

“There doesn’t exist the kind of man who can hold me back, Mamma.”

She smiles and nods her approval, and I take that cue to go get ready. I head to the room I shared with Suzie growing up. Two twin beds, one small dresser, and a small closet for both of us. I never minded the cramped conditions, and for a while after I left, I missed the closeness. Now, all I have is the few items of clothes in my overnight bag and a few personal items to call my own, and Suzie has taken up all the space in the room, including under both beds, to store her things.

As I rummage through the bag, which takes thirty seconds, I wish I had something to impress Zak. This is the first time I’ve ever worried about impressing a man, aside from competition judges. I don’t worry about impressing anyone. Shit.

Don’t lose your mojo now, Rylee. Of course not. It’s the damn ankle injury cutting into my self-confidence. I toss the bag aside and head for the shower, minor wobble shaken off.

After all, it’s not like I’ll be wearing my clothes for long tonight.