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She laughs as she unlocks her Jeep, then unceremoniously tosses my heavy carry-on into the back. “So, how do you feel about stopping for a drink and being extra late to the reunion?”

I hoist my suitcase into the back of her Jeep. “Yes, please! The later we arrive, the less small talk I have to make with former classmates.”

We hop in the car and, with a smirk in my direction, Kate puts on Taylor Swift’s “Welcome To New York”, our go-to song whenever we get together. When we were younger, we had dreamt of leaving Wichita and living in a big city. Kate quickly put that dream aside after meeting her husband. Even though I eventually landed my fancy job in D.C., I can’t help but feel a bit jealous of her.

Kate and I pull into a gas station and she runs inside to grab some boxed wine. While she’s gone, I can’t help but wonder if I’ll see Madden tonight.

I shake my head, irritated that I even considered the thought. He probably doesn’t even know who I am. The only class we had together was debate. I still remember his effortless speeches and confident charisma. His easy charm infuriated me at the time, since I struggled with confidence so much. Though most of the kids at my high school came from wealthy families, I could only attend via a scholarship program. Pair that with frizzy hair and knobby knees and you have a perfect specimen of a wallflower.

Kate jumps back into the vehicle, interrupting my thoughts. Trying to distract myself from thinking of my old crush from high school, I blurt, “So how are Jarod and the girls doing?”

Kate looks in her rearview mirror as she backs out of the parking spot. “Good! He really likes his job at Boeing. We’re just hoping they don’t have any more layoffs. And the girls love Heartland Academy. It’s so nice to have them at my school now so I don’t have to worry about childcare anymore. They absolutely adore their kindergarten teacher, and I get to eat lunch with them.”

Kate looks genuinely happy, and I smile even as I try to ignore the longing that clenches my stomach. She got married right out of college to an amazing man and had twins a year later. Of course I’m happy for her. She’s my closest friend and I want nothing but the best for her. But the pang of jealousy is still there.

Maybe someday I will find what she has.

“How’s your Dad doing?” Kate asks sympathetically.

I pause, trying to hold back the tears that come so easily these days. “He is doing okay, I think. His memory just isn’t the same. When I call him, he knows who I am but forgets my name. And also directions. He can’t do anything alone, which gets overwhelming for my mom.” My voice breaks with emotion. I glance out the window, trying to compose myself. “Sorry, it’s difficult to talk about.”

Kate puts her hand on my knee as she drives. “I’m so sorry. Your parents must be absolutely over the moon that you’ll be here with them, though Moving back home was the best decision you could’ve made.”

I put my hand on top of hers. “Thanks. It’ll definitely be nice to see them every day.”

“Do you have any plans now that you’re back in town? I know you want to spend time with your parents, but do you think you’ll look for part-time work or anything?”

I scrunch up my nose, unsure what to say. “Honestly, for the first time in my life, I don’t have a plan, which stresses me out. I’m going from working as a legislative assistant to being unemployed. I’d like to find part-time work, but with a degree in political science, I’m not exactly sure what that would look like here in Wichita.”

Kate knows me well enough that I’m sure she senses the sadness and anxiety in my voice. It was always impossible to hide my feelings from her. She gives my leg a gentle squeeze and then returns her hand to the steering wheel. “You gave up your dream career to move back, which shows how selfless you are. Good things will happen for you, I can just feel it.”

I bashfully wave her comments away, but she continues. “Odette, I know you feel more at ease when you have a plan, but I want you to know that it’s okay to not have one.”

Somehow I manage a smile, even though my mind is reeling. Having a plan and preparing for the future does put my mind at ease. I had a plan two months ago, but since my dad’s stroke, I don’t know what the future holds anymore. With no other siblings to share the burden, I don’t even want to imagine what my life will look like once my parents are gone.

Kate gives me an empathetic look and pats my shoulder. She pulls into the school parking lot, swinging into an empty space near the front of the building, then grabs the boxed wine and two paper cups. Alcohol isn’t allowed inside the school, but it’s fine by me to enjoy our drinks in the peace and quiet of the parking lot, anyway.

Just as I take my first sip, “Rewrite The Stars” from The Greatest Showman comes on the radio. We look at each other with our mouths agape. The radio fairies knew we needed this exact song. Naturally, we break out into our own little concert.

Chapter 2

Madden

Trying to leave work on time on a Friday is nearly impossible. Christopher Highman, my power-hungry coworker who unfortunately made partner last week, has become even more conceited than he was before.

At first glance, he seems like a nice guy with his blue eyes, curly brown hair, and rosy cheeks. But despite his handsome face, he’s incredibly rude to everyone around him. His only redeeming quality is that his clients adore him. The man is a savage in the courtroom.

Working at Bennington and Associates hasn’t been all bad, though. I’ve actually enjoyed working with Richard Bennington, and the building itself is gorgeous. Our downtown office was designed to impress, and it has to since we serve the wealthiest clients in the area. Sleek furniture fills glass-walled offices and pricey artwork adorns the halls. My favorite part, though, is our view of the Wichita skyline. It’s not as grand as New York City, but Wichita is home.

Just as I’m logging off my computer to head home, the devil himself glides into my office with a smirk and lifts a large pile of folders in his hands. “Madden, you weren’t leaving already, were you?”

I glance at my watch. “Well, it’s six o’clock on a Friday, so yes. Yes, I was.”

He drops the pile onto my desk with a loud thwack. “Ahh, I see. I guess that’s why one of us made partner sooner.”

Taking a deep breath, I casually thumb through some of the files, reminding myself that Robert wanted to offer me the partner position, but I asked him not to since I’m leaving the firm in a few months to run for Congress. And wouldn’t that wipe the smirk off Christopher’s face. I shrug. “True. You’re just a much harder worker than me. But why did you bring me these files? Your paralegal will deal with them.”

“Despite your tendency to go home early, you’re better at prepping court appeals than Sarah.” He rolls his eyes. “Richard and I are working on an important case for our biggest client, and everything needs to be flawless.”