Page 33 of The Masks We Burn

“Don’t thank me for that.”

Before therapy, I was taught about fears, even if I didn’t fully understand them until after my incident, I know how crippling they can make even the strongest. I’d never chastise someone, no matter how bizarre it is tome.Instead, Mom taught me to let them know their feelings are valid and to help them see it through.

My phone dings and I see it’s Remy calling. “Alright, man, I got to meet with Rem. I’ll text you later.”

“Alright. Don’t forget Lily needs to know the location info for the party so she can send out booking info.”

“Amora and I are going to meet up and will send it soon.” Just saying her name has pink hair and soft lips flitting through my mind, and my blood starts humming.

“Thanks, Will.”

“No problem,” I mutter before switching lines, forcing Amora from my thoughts. “Hey, Rem. You on your way?”

“Yeah, grabbing my stuff now. Be there in a sec. Is Blaze back yet?”

“Nope.”

“Alright, so we’ll have a good hour to get all your stuff in order. Headed there now.”

We hang up and I stare back at the computer screen, an empty calendar taunting me. Remy’s helped me in a few classes since freshman year, and still I haven’t learned the ways of her organizational skills yet.

After a few minutes, a light rasp comes from the front door, and when I open it, Remy rushes inside, bringing a gust of cold wind with her.

“Sorry, it’s like a freaking tundra outside.”

I swing the door shut and whirl around to see her already perched on a barstool, examining all my syllabi I’ve laid out for her. A chunky oversized sweater hangs from her small body, making me hungry for a burrito, while high boots lead me to believe the date with Blaze tonight is going hiking.

“No worries. I’m just grateful you still have time to help me considering your schedule.”

I notice her grimace as I round the kitchen counter, but she wipes it away quickly and shrugs. “Well, just a few more months left and things will settle down for all of us.”

Grunting, I make for the coffeepot and pull out the decanter.

She eyes me over the rim of her golden frames. “Have you figured out what you’re going to do?”

I shake my head, moving almost on autopilot as I fill the glass with water and dump in a precise two and a half tablespoons of ground coffee into the back of the machine. I remember after my accident when my mother would keep my company in the living room at three a.m., she’d always make a cup to keep her awake. She didn’t want me to be alone when I would break down, but also knew that no amount of talking could change anything. So instead, she would make her coffee, humming to a melody I’ve never been able to recognize and watch episodes ofTales from the Crypt. Still to this day, she said it was shows like it that made her understand how every detail is important.

“It will come, William. Don’t beat yourself up about it.”

I nod, rubbing at the phantom ache in my knee as I tap the start button.

She clears her throat, a small, empathetic grin pulling her lips up, before she tugs a fresh planner from her bag. “I know your classes have been online until now, but I think this will be better for you since you’ll be in person.”

Quickly, I make two cups of coffee before meeting Remy back at the counter and we plan out my due dates and best man duties for the next five months. She does it so effortlessly, and it’s an obvious nod to what an awesome librarian she’s going to be at Solace Academy. I can almost guarantee she ends up having tutoring hours there her first year in charge.

When she dots her lastiand crosses the lastt, Remy leans back, a triumphant smirk on her face as she stretches. “You are all set, my friend.”

“Seriously, you’re a fucking lifesaver. Thank you, Remy.”

She shoos me away with her hand, pushing up her glasses again. “Hush, I enjoy doing this. Buuuuuuuuut.”

Her singsong tone forces my attention from my newly filled planner. “But what?”

She beams, her eyes nearly closing. “How’s the engagement going?”

My brows shoot up, a slight bit of surprise overtaking my face. Of course, she knows. I mean, it’s not like we said it was a secret or anything, but it feels weird for Remy to bring it up. Not to mention, my body has been relaxed, having my mind busy with working on my schedule.

I clear my throat, rubbing the nape of my neck, ignoring the raised hairs with thoughts of her. “I mean, I haven’t had to do anything yet, so I guess it’s okay.”

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