Page 4

Me

Booked. Happy now?

He replies with a thumbs-up emoji and nothing else.

My phone rings, vibrating against the marble island. Maggie again. I consider tossing it into the sink and running the disposal, but I know my little sister. She’ll show up in person if I ignore her any longer, and she’ll bring back-up in the form of Todd or Silas.

I swipe to answer and don’t bother with hello. “What?”

On the other end, Maggie’s voice is all honey and weaponized innocence. “Nice of you to finally answer.”

“I live to be nice,” I say, glancing out at my empty backyard.

She ignores my sarcasm. “Hudson said you’re still hurting pretty bad.” I can hear the concern in her voice.

“I’ll survive. I have a chiropractor appointment this afternoon.”

Maggie doesn’t skip a beat. “What time’s your appointment?”

I glance at the confirmation text. “One-thirty.”

“Perfect. I’ll pick you up at twelve-forty-five. You probably shouldn’t be driving, considering you act like you’re eighty and have a broken spine. Plus, you’ll have to actually talk to me on the way.”

I can’t help it. I roll my eyes, but the stab of pain in my back is brutal, hot, and sharp, and honestly? The idea of being trapped in Silver Spoon Falls traffic with my spine in open rebellion does not exactly set my soul on fire. “Fine,” I bite out. “Be here by twelve-forty-five or I’m leaving you behind.”

She snorts, the sound loud and rolling. “I’ll be there.”

“Thanks for the warning.” My voice is dry as dust.

“Ha-ha.”