Page 41 of Dare to Need

And Drema would know. She lost her mother when she was sixteen and her father had to work multiple jobs to keep them afloat. Not only did she lose her mother, but she was forced to grow up quickly. Her adolescence was swept away by the ever-reaching arms of cancer.

But I worried that everything Garth was doing in the wake of his own family tragedy was going to impact his life forever. I wasn’t sure if I was capable of sitting idly by while he destroyed everything he’d worked so hard for.

“That makes sense. I think I was trying too hard to make him feel better when the only thing that will help is time and his father’s recovery.” I bit the inside of my cheek. “But there’s one thing I left out.”

“Okay?” she asked, dragging out the word.

“So he’s not just taking over his father’s company. He’s decided to step away from being an artist altogether.”

“What do you mean?”

I huffed out a long breath as I rubbed my temples. A headache was coming on. My karma for all the alcohol I’d consumed tonight and the stupidity I’d spewed.

“Before I tried to talk to him tonight, I walked past his computer and his email was up. So, I may or may not have peeked at it and found out that he withdrew his fall installment from Studio 628.”

“What! Are you serious? Wasn’t that his dream studio?”

“Yes! I knew something was wrong a few days ago. He just seemed completely defeated about his future in art. After reading the email, it all made sense.”

There was a pause and it sounded like muffled voices.

“Drema?”

The line sounded clearer again as she said, “Sorry, I was telling Lucas we need to head back to the hotel so we can pack.”

“What do you mean pack? You’re supposed to be in Italy for another two months.”

“Garth and you are more important right now and Italy will be here when we’re ready to come back.”

“Drema! No fucking way. I’m not going to let you skip your internship inItaly.We’ll be fine. I just needed to vent.”

“Well, it’s a good thing you’re not here toletme do anything.” She chuckled. “We’re coming to New York. I’m worried about you and Lucas wants to be there for Garth if he’s in the midst of making some pretty terrible decisions.”

“I really appreciate you two wanting to help, but please don’t leave because of us.”

“It’s already done. Decision made.” There was that stern tone again.

“Ugh. I’m literally the worst friend in the world right now. You’re leaving Italy—fucking Italy—because I can’t get my shit together and be there for my man.”

“No…I’m leaving Italy becausemyfriend needs me and my boyfriend’s friendreallyneeds him. I’ll let you know as soon as our flight is booked, okay?”

The dull ache in my head was starting to turn into a sharp dagger-like pain right between my eyes.

“Okay,” I groaned as I rubbed the space between my eyebrows. “Oh shit!”

“What?”

“I forgot to tell you something else.” She was silent, waiting for me to go on. “Apparently Connor is suing the professor he cheated on me with and I received a subpoena from his lawyer to be a witness in the case.”

“Are fucking kidding me?”

“Unfortunately, not.”

“How can he even do that?”

“I honestly don’t know. But I think the better question iswhywould he do that? Of all people, why would he askmeto be a witness for him? It doesn’t make sense.”

“Do you think he’s trying to get close to you again?”

---