Page 125 of Wanted Beta

I fully intend to be working too hard to notice much of anything.

Immersing myself in what needs to be done will take my thoughts off everything else.

It’ll be a good change to focus on something that doesn’t instantly make my brain switch off.

We come to a stop outside my sister’s apartment building and Gio smiles at me.

“What time do you want to come over tomorrow?”

“I get to pick my start time?” I ask.

“Well, we open at midday so I could come over at eleven thirty if that’s when you want to get started. I’m not a late sleeper so earlier is good for me, too. You’ll be stuck with just me if you need anything until lunchtime, though.”

That doesn’t sound so bad, being stuck with him, but I also like the idea of a late start.

“Eleven thirty sounds great.”

He smiles. “I’ll see you then.”

“Can’t wait.”

Chapter Fifty-Seven

Beth

Dozens of ideas flow through my thoughts as I head the upstairs to Catherine’s apartment. For the first time in ages, I feel energized by something other than a romantic interest. It’s such a rush to really want to get to work on a project.

I fumble with my purse when I get to the door, dropping my key onto the floor.

“Damn,” I murmur as I bend down to grab it.

So far, I’ve managed to keep it in the same pocket of my purse, so I’ve never lost it.

I’m careful to make sure I put it straight back there once I’m inside and the door is locked.

I zip that pocket and head toward the living room.

There’s some kind of upbeat TV show blaring so I know Catherine’s still in there.

She glances up from the couch. “You’re home.”

“You sound like you could use some junk food and aspirin.”

“Ugh, don’t tempt me,” she mutters, laying her head back down and groaning.

There’s a bottle of water on the floor next to the couch, but I’d bet anything she hasn’t eaten yet.

I don’t bother asking again, I just go into my room and come back out with a party bag of plain salted chips. I crack them open and put them in front of her.

“You have a hangover. Egg white omelette and fat free yogurt are not gonna help. You need salt and fats and actual food.”

She frowns at me, but she hugs the giant back close and sits up slowly.

“I knew you’d be a bad influence.”

“Hey, I brought you the least junky junk food I have.”

She laughs and then grimaces. “My head is pounding.”