Page 94 of The Voice We Find

He lowers his voice. “Listen, I may not know what it’s like to be somebody’s guardian, but I do know what it’s like to watch the people I care for grieve.” I know he’s referencing a world much wider than the one I live in with Gabby. “The ones who suffer most are the ones who refuse to examine the source of their pain.”

I study my hands, wishing for the life of me that I could have held all this in a few more minutes until I made it out to the car.

He releases a breath, and with it, I feel him throw me a bone I’m not too proud to take.

“How are things with Sophie?”

“Better than I deserve,” I say honestly. “She’s home with Gabby now. They’re working on some big project for a class they take together.”

Chip’s deflated optimism is slowly refilling. “I figured they’d get along well.”

“I’m pretty sure if you asked my sister, she’d choose Sophie ten out of ten times over me.”

“Smart girl.”

We both chuckle at that.

“So what’s your next move?” he asks. “As far as the surgery goes.”

“I make the call to the surgeon’s office and set up Gabby’s consultation.” I glance at my watch—only a quarter after three. “Which I plan to do today.”

Chip nods. “You’ve both waited a long time for this.”

“Actually, Gabby doesn’t know yet.”

Chip’s eyebrows take on a life of their own. “As in, she doesn’t know about the bonus or the surgery?”

“Either.” I drum my fingers on the table. “I should probably think of a good way to tell her tonight.”

Chip raises his hands. “Don’t look at me. Allie says I’m terrible at reading what women want.” He shrugs. “I can only assume that includes teenagers, as well.”

I smirk. “Do you always talk about such personal matters with your authors, or is that exclusive to Allie?”

“No, yes. I don’t know.” He shrugs. “It’s more that we both tend to work odd hours ... or we used to, anyway. Things are different now.”

“Different how?”

Chip suddenly looks as if he’s more interested in the construction of this booth than having this conversation, but after everything I just divulged, it’s only fair.

“Marketing’s been working on a big collaboration between Allie and Bo Jensen and—” Chip stops as if realizing who he’s talking to. “He’s a—”

“I know who Bo Jensen is.” I may not be a reader myself, but I see that dude’s books everywhere. Gabby even has a few on her bookshelf. “His novels are massive.”

As if this comment is somehow a personal affront, Chip stretches his neck. “Actually, they’re about average size for an epic fantasy.”

“Oh, o-o-okay,” I draw out. “And this collaboration’s a problem because ...?”

“Never said it was a problem. They’re just pretty focused. On each other. And the booklover’s cruise they’ll be featured at together next summer.”

“I’m sorry, did you just saya booklover’s cruise? As in a cruise where people sit around and read books together? Sounds thrilling.” I tip my head back and pretend to snore.

He presses his palms to the table and begins to exit the booth. “Perhaps I’ll let marketing know that the sexiest voice in entertainment has graciously offered to create an ad—pro bono—for said cruise for all the wonderful things Fog Harbor has done for him.”

I give a short laugh as he waits for me to scoot out from the entrapment of this booth.

Once I’m freed, we make our way to the parking lot, and Chip’s gaze falls to his loafers before we go our separate ways. “All jokes aside, I hope you know I only want the best for you and your sister.”

“I do,” I say. “I also know I couldn’t have done any of this without your help. You’re a good friend, Chip.”

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