Page 55 of Fabulous Filthy Friend

Tomorrow starts another long week, and with my regular teacher’s aide gone, I’m going to have to deal with a sub. The kids can really act up when Michaela isn’t with me, so I’m already anticipating the worst. And I’m not sure I can emotionally stomach it right now.

Everything has felt so off since Dad died, in a way that can’t so easily be fixed. Heading to New York to see Jameson or Vegas to see Bash and Greer is starting to look better and better. If I wouldn’t lose my job by taking a bunch of sick time on short notice, I would be tempted to book a flight and leave in the morning.

I grab my phone and dial Bash instead.

It rings twice before he answers. “Hey, favorite sister, what’s up?”

The familiar greeting brings a smile to my lips. “Not much, favorite brother. I just haven’t talked with you in a while.”

“Is everything okay?” Concern laces his question.

“I’m all right, I guess.”

“You guess?”

I sigh and close my eyes. “I talked with Jameson the other day.”

“Really? Is there something wrong with him? I mean, besides the usual?”

I snort and chuckle. “He’s fine. Busy, as always.” I twist my fingers in my comforter. “We talked about Dad for a second.”

Bash’s silence speaks volumes.

“Well, I mostly talked. Jameson didn’t want to hear it.”

The eldest Fury sighs. “I’m not exactly surprised.”

“Me, either. But I was trying to explain that I’m feeling a bit…lost lately.”

“Come see me.” The words come fast and sure, like he knows exactly what I need without me even saying it.

“Bash, I can’t. I have—”

“You have vacation time.”

I shake my head. “I took off too much time to take care of Dad. If I tried to again, I’d probably be fired.”

“Then I’ll come to you.”

That’s an offer he never could have made even six months ago, but so much has changed—his life, his career. He gave up everything for Greer but somehow is happier than ever. I guess that’s what finding the love of your life can do for you.

“You don’t need to do that, Bash. I just wanted to hear your voice and check-in.”

“Are you sure there’s nothing you want to talk about?”

There are a dozen things I want to talk about, but I can’t. Not with my big brother. Not with anyone—except maybe HRD4U.

Why is it that telling things to a stranger is so much easier than telling my best friends or my brothers?

“Really, Bash, I’ll be fine. It’s just been rough the last couple of weeks.”

“Well, you know where to find me. And if you need me there, all you have to do is ask.”

“I know, and I love you. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

I hang up and open my computer again. The loneliness I’ve felt since Dad’s passing threatens to overwhelm me and drag me down under a tide of despair at times like this. But knowing HRD4U will be going live tonight gives me something to look forward to.

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