Page 188 of Movers and Shakers

I nodded, forcing a smile as Ruth teased Knox about beating his score. I tried to play the happy, easygoing woman I wanted to be.

But when the game was over, Ruth hugged me tight and told me to call her if I needed any help. Tom also offered his.

Yep. They saw right through me.

I had to admit that it was nice having a bigger support system. I believed both of them when they offered their help, and it eased my nerves to know I had at least a few more people on my side.

Barry was looking off into the distance as everyone drove away.

“You’re thinking about what you and Malia talked about, aren’t you?” I asked.

“I am. She’s bringing me in to help with your guitarist problem.”

“That makes sense. It’s probably the only way we’d be able to play live, at least for this show.”

“You’re disappointed that I won’t see it, right?”

“A little, but I’ll just get you tickets to the Nashville show. Hopefully, I’ll have a new guitarist by then.”

“It’s going to work out. First things first, you should check on your mom.”

“Yeah, I should. I would invite you, but the last thing you need is family drama while also dealing with Lila’s drama.”

“You’re dealing with it all.”

“Not really. My team is on one of them. And I trust whatever they come up with.”

“Good. We won’t let you down.”

I gave him a soft smile and stood on my tiptoes to kiss him on the cheek. “The limo with your family is still waiting. Go with them.”

“But if you need me, call me.”

“I will,” I said. “I promise.”

He pressed his lips to mine one more time before reluctantly leaving. I let out a long breath.

“Where to, boss?” Juno asked.

“My house,” I said. “It’s time to face the music of my family.”

When I pulled into the driveway, the blinds were drawn and Mom was huddled on the couch. Dad was next to her, talking to her softly.

“I can’t do this,” she muttered. “I can’t do this.”

“It’s okay, Linda. You can go back home.”

“Butwhycan’t I do this? Why can’t I just be happy for her?”

“Mom?” I asked as I walked in. “Is everything okay?”

Mom saw me, her eyes wide. “Why are you back?”

“I came back to make sure everything’s okay.”

“You should be enjoying your time with your friends,” Dad replied. “Your mom told me you were hanging out with them.”

“And I did, but I’m also worried about things here. Mom snapped at me in public about inviting them and then left in a rush.”

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