Page 63 of Last Chance

“I know.” I nod. “It means the world that you two are here. Even if you’ve teased me fucking relentlessly all day.”

“Dude, who would we be if we didn’t?” Bobs asks with a laugh on his lips.

“Do you think it’s enough?” Finch asks.

“For Ali?” I ask and he nods.

“No, not even a slice. I’m going to need to grovel like I’ve never fucking grovelled before in my life to even try and win her back. To even get her to talk to me again. I’ve tried calling her all week but still nothing, just that one text.”

The one that burns my eyes every time I read it—because I keep reading. Maybe because I like the torture, maybe because it means I know she’s real.

Ali: I don’t think we’re ready to talk yet Max. Soon. Please PLEASE take care of yourself. I promise I’m taking care of our baby.

“Well, I was thinking, we kind of need to bring her to you, don’t we? If she’s not going to come willingly.”

“Bobs, you make it sound like fucking kidnapping.” Finch states dryly.

I laugh out loud, a full-on belly laugh.

“No, just some gentle persuasion. A nudge towards our boy here. If she doesn’t want to stay once she’s here, then there isn’t anything we can do to make her stay, just think of a plan-B.”

“And what’s that going to be?” I ask nervously.

“Hopefully we won’t need to think about that,” Finch adds with a curt smile.

“And how exactly are you two goons going to get Ali here anyway?” I ask.

“We’re not,” Finch assures me. “Cassy and Em will, though.” His eyes sparkle, I feel the nerves in my stomach, flapping around like butterflies.

“There’s one more thing I need to do,” I tell them, and they look at me with curious stares.

“Finch, did you convert your music room at home into a study for Cass?” I ask. He shakes his head.

“Not yet. She seems to like studying in the dining room and on the couch, so I haven’t bothered yet. She still keeps her student room let too, even though she doesn’t sleep there.”

“What the fuck is the point in that if she doesn’t even use it?” Bobs asks a question that I also wanted to know the answer to.

“She had to pay for a year up-front so it’s handy for if she has a funny hospital shift I suppose. I think her roommates are pretty happy as they share a shower.”

“Gross,” Bobs laughs.

“So, your music space is still at the house?” I ask him.

“Yeah. The Marshall amps, exactly one sixth of my guitar collection, acoustic and electric. The Yamaha keyboards and all of the recording equipment. Why’d you ask?”

“I think, I need to use it. I’ll need your help too boys.”

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