Page 83 of Beg, Borrow, or Steal

“Why?” She chuckles. “Because it was so inspirational it hurt a little?”

“Yes. And because now I have to tell you that you can’t come home.”

Her smile falls. “What?”

I lean forward and cup her face. “I love you. More than anything. And I love having you here, but New York is your hard, scary thing. And if you quit now just to come back home where you’re comfortable and safe, you’re going to regret it. I can’t let you do that. Go back. Get your culinary degree andthencome home. Or…” I can’t believe I’m going to say this. “Or maybe try out another state. One that fits your vibes more. See where your career can take you. Maybe it’ll end up being the best thing that’s ever happened to you.”

I kiss her forehead and drop my hands.

Her chin wobbles. “Thank you, Em.”

“And thank you. I…I really needed this tonight.” I’ve needed it for a long time, and it feels good to stop fighting it.

“Call me more often when you’re struggling, okay? Don’t keep it all to yourself anymore. We need each other and that’s good.”

“And tell me when you’re missing home. If it’s during the summer, I’ll come ride the subway with you until you feel better. And if it’s during the school year, I’ll send you a big care package.”

“Deal. But for now, how about I make us some brownies from scratch while you tell me everything about Jack that you left out the first time.” Her eyes twinkle. “Like why his shirt was wide open when he left.”

“Ugh. I need a break from thinking about Jack tonight. Tomorrow?”

“Fine.” She pouts.

Except we don’t get up immediately because Ducky wanders over and distracts Maddie with her supreme cuteness. My sister smooshes her face violently into the side of Ducky’s stomach and promises to buy her an entire cat kingdom if she will love her morethan the rest of us Walker sisters. And knowing I don’t have to be alone tonight with my sadness, but I have my sister to help me shoulder some of it—it has me feeling like a Bob Ross painting when he adds some happy little clouds to the sky.

Would it feel this way with Jack too?

My gut says yes.

My fear, however, isn’t ready to let go quite yet where he’s concerned.

UNSENT DRAFT (1 year ago)

FROM: Emily Walker

TO: Jack Bennett

DATE: Sat, Sept 2 11:45 PM

SUBJECT: Congratulations?

I just heard the news about you and Zoe. I think I’m supposed to offer you congratulations on your new engagement—but I can’t. I know we’ve never really been friends so I have no right to be speaking in your life like this, but…I don’t think you should marry her. Something feels off about it.

And also…sometimes I think maybe we should be friends. Put our feud behind us for good?

I don’t know…I’ve had some wine. I probably won’t send this. But in case I accidentally do—you should know, I don’t think I really hate you at all.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Jack

“I appreciate you letting me check in so early, Mabel,” I say after she hands me my room key over the counter. When I got back to my tarped-up, sawdust-covered house last night, I quickly realized an accident of some kind must have happened that day while they were working, because my AC was out. It was hot and oppressive in there. So if my night wasn’t bad enough, I added sleeping in 1,000% humidity to the situation.

I didn’t actually sleep, though. I tossed and turned all night, restless with memories of my conversation with Emily. And after the sun was up, and at the first appropriate hour, I went straight to Mabel’s inn and asked for a room for the weekend. A technician will be coming out to my house later today to work on the unit, but I figured why not go ahead and book a room for a few days just in case.

“It would have been rough trying to get through this hot weekend without AC,” I tell her, as I follow her up the stairs.

“Don’t blame you a bit. It’s gonna be hot as hell the next couple of days.” The stairs creak under her loafers. Once we’re on thesecond floor, she turns left down the hallway and stops in front of a door labeledThe Pink Room.She opens it for me and waves for me to step inside.

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