Page 83 of A Hard Fit

Chapter Eighteen

Mess

Rory’s face lit up when Finn walked into their office. “Perfect! I was about to message you!”

Finn leaned over for a kiss then perched on the edge of their desk. “What’s up?” The question he came in with could wait.

Rory pointed at a screen. “Here is a list of the most popular rides at the top ten theme parks in the US. This one is a list of the most common rides in the country, and this is the top search engine results for amusement park rides. So I cross-referenced them, and I think Thrill Island needs a VR ride.”

“Virtual Reality?” Finn frowned. “Do you think Markos would want to invest in something like that?”

“All the big parks have them now.” Rory pulled up more pictures of those rides from around the country to illustrate their point. “If he is really looking for a refresh, I think he should consider it.”

Finn studied the screens and nodded. “That makes sense…but can we get it installed in time?”

“Markos can buy the actual physical ride ready-made and just plop it in. The biggest job would be programming the experience and I can outsource that.”

If anyone could make it happen in time, it was Rory. “The ride could be like an immersive heist experience,” Finn said, seeing it in his head, “as if you’re in the movie—sneaking in, defeating the security system, being chased by the guards, the getaway car…”

“Love it.” Rory’s fingers were already busy. “I’ll put together a proposal, estimate some costs and we can see what he thinks. Do you want to do some mock-ups?”

“For sure.” Finn watched Rory work, but the question he had come in with wouldn’t stay put on his tongue. “I actually came in here to ask… Did you talk to your mom?” Rory had been planning to call their mom over the lunch break. It had been three days since the birthday dinner blow-up and they’d been putting it off.

Rory’s fingers stopped. “No,” they said in a low voice. “But I will tonight. I promise… You have to make me call, okay?”

Finn leaned over to kiss the top of their head. “Okay.”

* * * *

Rory got up from the couch when the episode ofGodstrikeended and collected the remnants of dinner from the coffee table. “You want anything for the next episode, babe? A drink? I could make some popcorn?”

Finn tilted his head. “You have to call her, love.”

Rory groaned and plunked their plates back on the table. “I don’t want to.”

“I know, but…”

“But I have to.” They took a deep breath and picked up their phone.

“Proud of you,” Finn said, doing his best to sound gentle yet encouraging.

“Ugh.” Rory pressed a button and started pacing while it rang, raking a hand through their hair. “Hi, Mom… I’m fine, how are you?”

The rise and fall of Lainey’s voice reached Finn, but not any specific words.

“I know… I know, Mom. I’m sorry, I—” Rory stopped by the door to the kitchen and pinched the bridge of their nose, listening. “Yes. I know. Can I—” They shot a look at Finn, grimacing.

Finn gave a sympathetic grimace back, unable to do much more.

Rory resumed their pacing. The tempo of Lainey’s voice increased. “I understand that, Mom, and I’m sorry. I know it was your birthday. But Jackson… Mom… How can youdefendhim when he—” Rory stopped and stared out of the window, shaking their head. “Hedidthough, Mom! Hedidmean to belittle the person I love… Yes, of course I love Finn! We are in love, Mom. Are you f—are youkiddingme right now?”

Despite the anguish on Rory’s face, Finn melted a little.I love you too, he wanted to whisper.

Rory continued, voice tight. “I will see Jackson again when he apologizes. It’s as simple as that… No, he hasn’t so much as texted… Mmhmm. That’s fine… Well, we’ll see, won’t we? Okay… Okay. Yeah. Bye.”

Rory turned. Their eyes were wet.

Finn opened his arms.

---