+25 BONUS
I started to protest, but realized a break was exactly what I needed. “Thank you. I think that would be good.”
As we left Elena’s office, Edward walked close beside me. “Let me drive you home,” he offered. “You’ve had a rough day.”
“That’s very kind,” I said carefully, “but someone is coming to pick me up. He will be here any moment from now.”
Edward’s eyebrows rose slightly. “Oh? He must be worried waiting for you.”
I noticed his use of “he” and his curious tone. “I’ll be fine, really.”
“Your boyfriend?” Edward asked, a hint of disappointment in b
voice.
I chuckled, feeling awkward. “No, not my boyfriend. It’s just-”
“You don’t need to explain,” Edward cut in quickly. “It’s none of my business. I just want to make sure you’re okay.”
“I am,” I assured him. “And thank you again for standing up for me back there.”
We reached the lobby, and through the glass doors, I could see Peter’s car pulling up to the curb. Just in time I needed him. Jasper had already informed me he wouldn’t be coming to pick me up.
“My ride is here,” I said, relieved. “I should go.”
Edward nodded, though he looked like he wanted to say more. “I’ll see you at our next session, then?”
“Of course,” I smiled. “Take care, Edward.”
I hurried out to Peter’s car, sliding into the passenger seat with a sigh of relief.
“Sorry for keeping you waiting,” Peter said, flashing his movie–star smile. “Traffic was crazy.
“Don’t worry about it,” I said, buckling my seatbelt. “I’m just glad to be leaving.”
Peter pulled away from the curb, glancing at me with concern. “Rough day?”
I nodded but didn’t elaborate. The last thing I wanted was to burden my youngest brother with my problems. Peter, with his
carefree spirit and golden life as an actor and music producer, shouldn’t have to deal with the drama of my past.
“Hey, why so quiet?” Peter asked after a few minutes of silence. “That’s not like you.”
I forced a smile. “Just tired. Tell me about your day instead.”
Peter studied me for a moment, then seemed to decide not to push. “Alright, but I know just what you need.” He reached for the car’s sound system and pressed a button. “A little music therapy.”
A catchy melody filled the car, with a beat that was impossible not to move to. Despite my mood, I found myself nodding along. By the time the chorus hit, I was singing along softly.
Peter looked delighted, “You like this one?”
“I love it,” I admitted. “It’s so upbeat. Makes you want to dance.”
Peter’s grin widened. “Well, I hope so. I wrote and produced it for Mia Lee.”
My mouth fell open. “You’re kidding! This is your song?”
“Yep,” he said proudly. “Hit number three on the charts last week.”
“Peter, that’s amazing!” I exclaimed, genuinely impressed. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
He shrugged, though I could tell he was pleased by my reaction. “I didn’t want to brag. But seeing you enjoy it… that means more than any chart position.”
For the rest of the drive home, Peter told me stories about working with Mia Lee and other artists. His enthusiasm was
2/3
Chapter 0023
+25 BONUS
infectious, and by the time we pulled into the driveway, my earlier stress had mostly melted away.
Tracy greeted us at the door, the smell of something delicious wafting from the kitchen. “Perfect timing! Lunch is ready.”
“It smells amazing,” I said, following her to the dining room.
“Just a simple pasta dish,” Tracy said modestly, though the table was set beautifully with a colorful salad, fresh bread, and the pasta that looked anything but “simple.”
The three of us ate, chatting about light topics. I mostly listened as Peter told Tracy about his upcoming film project and a new song he was working on. It felt so normal, so comfortable–like we’d been doing this forever, not just for a few days.
After lunch, I helped Tracy clear the dishes, then excused myself to take a nap. My room was becoming a sanctuary, a place
that felt truly mine in a way my room at Rowan’s house never had.
I had just changed into comfortable clothes when there was a knock at my door.
“Come in,” I called.
Jasper appeared, his large frame filling the doorway. His face was serious, concerned. “Hey, sis. Got a minute?”
“Of course,” I said, sitting on the edge of my bed.
He came in and sat beside me, the mattress dipping under his weight. “I heard what happened at the clinic today.”
I sighed. “News travels fast.”
“Elena called me,” he explained. “She was worried about you.”
Of course she had called Jasper. I kept forgetting that he was an investor in the clinic, that he probably knew Elena well.
“It’s this patient of mine. She was so rude, and you know how our work can be,” I said, not wanting to go too deep about what
happened.
“Elena said it’s her fault. She kind of wanted you to attend to her. I’m very sorry you passed through that today when I wasn’t around.” Jasper’s apologetic look made it so hard for me, as if he was the one at fault.
“It’s nothing, and mind you, not all patients are this easy to deal with,” I paused.
“I had help,” I admitted. “A patient of mine, Edward, stepped in when Flora was at her worst.”
“Good for him,” Jasper nodded approvingly. “It’s nice to know people had your back today.”
1
“It is,” I agreed, feeling a lump form in my throat. For so many years, I’d been alone, fighting my battles with no one in my corner. Now I had Jasper, Tracy, Peter, and my other brothers, even my colleagues at the clinic. “It’s still strange to me- having people who care, who protect me.”
Jasper put his arm around my shoulders and squeezed gently. “Get used to it, sis. That’s what family does.”
We sat in comfortable silence for a moment. Then Jasper stood, patting my hand. “Get some rest. You’ve earned it.”
“Thanks,” I said softly. “For checking on me.”
He smiled. “Always will.”
After Jasper left, I lay back on my bed, staring up at the ceiling. Despite the drama with Flora, a warm feeling of contentment spread through me. For the first time in years–maybe ever–I felt truly safe, truly valued.
I closed my eyes, a smile on my lips. I might not have everything figured out yet, but I had people who believed in me, who stood up for me. I had a family.
And right now, that felt like being on top of the world.
