Page 43 of Implode

I look up at my best friend with concern. She is rocking on her heels and biting her bottom lip—two telltale signs she is anxious. “What has you all stressed out?” I ask.

“I love her dearly, but Graham’s mom needs to take it down a notch or two. She is missing some of the low-key elements I am striving to achieve with the festivities. You know how understated I like things. Simple beauty. I could recruit Penny indirectly for some help, but she is still in Seattle. Plus, I’d rather keep her duties easy. I know she is a bridesmaid and all, but—”

“Want me to—”

“Yes!”

“I didn’t even finish my statement,” I chuckle.

“Whatever it is you are offering, the answer is one hundred percentyes."

“Okay. I will intervene but still make it appear to be Donna’s idea. Does that sound good?”

“Oh my goodness, yes,” Angie exhales, leaning her backside against the surface of my desk. “The last thing I need is to make waves with my almost mother-in-law. She has impeccable taste, but I prefer the whole less-is-more concept.”

I nod. Angie has always liked the simpler, less extravagant things in life. She leans over and gives me a hug. I didn’t know how badly I needed one until she squeezes me a little more, and I start to tremble.

“Claire?” she asks, pulling back hesitantly and examining my face. I’m sure I am a mess. I can already feel the dampness seeping out of my eyes. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m fine.”

“No. No, you’re not. And that line only works on men, so don’t pull that shit with me."

I sigh, allowing my shoulders to slump forward from the emotional exhaustion so far from this day. “I have to go back home for a night or so. I know this is last minute but—”

“Of course,” she says, soothingly running her hand over my back. “Take as much time as you need.”

“What about work? I didn’t even give advance notice or warning.”

“If you need to handle something then handle it. We are business partners. You don’t need permission to visit family.”

“My parents are divorcing.”

“Oh, wow.”

“It is messy. I’m basically going back to say goodbye to my childhood home and get whatever crap I still have stored there. This isn’t a joyful trip.” I can’t even remember the last time the emotion of joyfulness was even held in a memory while there. “Just going to get some closure, hopefully.”

“I’m so sorry. I know what it is like saying goodbye to a home that holds so many memories.”

Even though there weren’t a ton of amazing memories created, it is still sad to say farewell to a place that was a solid part of my developmental years. It washome, albeit a bit dysfunctional.

My current situation on the West Coast feels more like what a nomad creates. I went from living in a townhouse with Angie, to cohabitating with Ethan, to living with Nic, to camping out on Blake and Henry’s cheesy-puff futon, before currently struggling to make ends meet in a studio apartment.

“Thanks for being understanding about the last-minute trip. I’ll try to continue doing work virtually while I’m gone.”

“Claire,” Angie says, looking me in the eyes. “Just take care of you.”

“I’m trying.”

12

NIC

“Why am I being informed about this now?” I snap at Tyler. Dammit!

“It had to be a last-minute decision. There’s no other explanation. I got the flight information, seat number, cost of the ticket, and sent someone to verify Miss Nettles made it safely to the airport.”

I take a deep breath in through my nose. At least Tyler has given me enough information to help settle my anxiety. I just do not like Claire traveling alone—especially cross-country.

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