Page 125 of The End of Me
Piper: As much as I want to say that I’ll miss you, I’ll be too busy dealing with my family to notice you’re not around.
Derek: Have you ever noticed that you make your family sound like they’re dangerous?
Piper: They can be.
Derek: I’m sure they’re all good people.
Piper: They’re lovely. Don’t get me wrong. I adore them. But, they can be overwhelming in big doses, and add to that the St. James family, and this won’t be a vacation.
Derek: Your fiancé’s family?
Piper: Yep.
Derek: I’ll never understand why you’re still close to them. What’s happening with them?
Piper: Who?
Derek: His family? You have to see them.
Piper: His sister is my best friend, plus we’re organizing the celebration of life for Archer. I have a ton of things to do.
Derek: So you accept he’s dead?
Piper: No, he’s alive. I… why are we discussing him?
Derek: Because when you think of him, your light dims, and I hate it.
Derek: My break is over. Text me when you’re ready for bed.
February 26th3 p.m.EST
Piper: The celebration of life is canceled.
Derek: What happened?
Piper: Zach’s wife died. I have to fly to Boston to be with him.
Derek: Didn’t he just marry her?
Piper: Yep, she died in a bus accident.
Derek: I’m sorry. How is he doing?
Piper: He’s not dealing. We met part of her family, and they’re devastated. They are pretty nice people.
Derek: Are you coming home?
Piper: No, I’m sticking around longer, if that’s okay with you?
Derek: I can handle everything from here, but if you need me, let me know, okay?
Piper: Thank you.
Derek: How’s Halsey?
Piper: In Seattle with my parents. I didn’t want to disturb her.
Derek: How’s my girl doing?
