Page 72 of Perfect Pitch

I cheerfully tack on, “And the low room service bill.”

And she reminds me I’m loved for being exactly who I am when she proclaims, “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

* * *

After we settle her at the Plaza, we arrange for her car service to take me to my apartment. I quickly throw everything I need into an enormous suitcase. Muttering aloud, I go over my list, “Leathers. Tops. Bottoms. Underwear. Boots. Black dress. Brunch outfit. What else... jewelry!”

I spin around to grab my jewelry roll from my dresser and smash right into Mitch. I lift my hand to my heart and gasp, “God, you frightened me.”

He slips his arms around my waist before catching sight of my bag. “Where are you going?”

My hands come up to rest on his chest. “My mother’s in town. Remember?”

His beautiful eyes close. “I forgot.”

I push out of his arms. Hurt surges through me. “You... forgot?”

“Beats, I...,” he begins.

Flatly, I announce, “Wait. Let me guess. You have to work.”

Reluctantly, it seems, he nods. “Starting tomorrow morning. I was hoping you’d be able to do something tonight.”

I cock my head to the side. “You really don’t remember what this weekend is, do you?” Out of the corner of my eye, I see Trevor lean against the jamb to my room. He’s watching. Waiting.

“I remember your mom’s coming for a visit...”

“It’s so much more than that,” Trevor drawls.

“Butt out, Trev,” Mitch snarls.

“No, I don’t think I will. Austyn, everything’s all packed up,” my roommate informs me.

“Thank you,” I breath out gratefully.

“What are you two talking about?” Mitch demands.

“I don’t have time for this.” I spin around toward my suitcase only to be whirled back into his arms. I snap, “Let me go. I’m not feeling very charitable right now.”

“Austyn, I’ve been on the road so much that I forgot what you’re doing this weekend.”

“I understand that.” His face begins to soften. “What hurts is that it’s the biggest weekend of my life and you didn’t remember. We’ve talked about it, Mitch. You know what this weekend means.”

“Your mother is visiting.”

“Playing at Redemption,” I remind him flatly.

His arms slacken. I step back. “That’s what means so much to me about my mother being here, considering she gave up my college fund so I could take this chance. Do you know many parents who would give their child that shot with their hard-earned money?”

He shakes his head, not saying a word. I snap my suitcase shut before lifting it off the bed.

Mitch’s eyes go wild. “Let me take you where you’re going.”

“There’s no need. I have a car waiting downstairs.”

“A car? A car to where?”

“To someone who I know loves me unconditionally. Trevor, I’ll see you tonight.”

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