Page 18 of Press Play

I squeeze her hand gently, my thumb still tracing small circles on her skin. “You’re not alone, Wren. I’ll be here, whether it’s to laugh with you or hold your hand when things get tough. You’ve got me.”

She stares at me for a moment, like she’s searching for something, and I wonder if she’s going to pull away. But instead, she leans into me, resting her head against my chest.

I freeze, just for a second, before wrapping my arm around her, holding her close. She fits perfectly against me, like this is where she was meant to be all along.

“Hey,” I whisper, and her gaze locks with mine. “You should come home with me today. Okay?”

“Yeah, I’m just not sure how Brandy will take it.”

I can’t help but roll my eyes. The only reason Brandy doesn’t like me is because of my job. It doesn’t matter that Wren and I have been friends for years or that we’ve been there for one another through thick and thin. Wren is my person, and if I have to handle Brandy for her, I will.

“Let’s get this over with,” she sighs while getting out of bed.

“Should I go with you?”

Wren darts her eyes from me to the living room, contemplating the best course of action. “Just stay here.”

“Okay, I’ll start packing some things for you.”

With a grateful smile, Wren slips into the next room.

I can imagine her now—stilling her breath, approaching Brandy like she’s a rabid dog. Brandy isn’t aggressive though. She may worry, but she’ll put Wren first. She always does.

Trying my best not to listen in, I find an empty duffle bag and start to fill it with shirts, pants, and socks. I’ll leave the intimates to her. I could grab some of her favorite books, but I’m not sure what she’ll want. She won’t be with me long, even though she could stay forever if she wanted?—

“Theodore.”

My eyes widen at the sound of Brandy’s stern yet smooth voice. I take in a deep breath as I stand to face her. “Good morning.”

Brandy huffs out a sigh, glancing at me again. “If anything happens, if she needs anything?—”

“I’ll take care of her,” I say, meeting Brandy’s gaze. “I’ll make sure she’s okay. You have my word.”

She looks at me for a long moment before nodding, though it’s clear she’s still not thrilled about the situation. “I’ll hold you to that.”

“I know,” I reply, my voice steady.

Brandy groans. “Her mother just had to go and ruin everything she’s worked toward.”

“She’s going to be okay. Her mother won’t break her again. I won’t allow it.”

“I won’t either.” Wren pops her head in and pouts playfully.

“Aw, I’m going to miss you!” Brandy wraps her arms around her and pulls her in for a tight hug. “Promise me you’ll visit? I need my daily dose of Wren.”

“I promise,” she chuckles.

When they pull apart, Brandy gives me one last hard look. “Take care of her.”

“I will,” I say again, meaning it.

Wren gives Brandy a final reassuring smile before turning to me.

“I didn’t touch your underwear,” I say with an even tone, and her cheeks turn red.

“I will murder you.”

“I didn’t touch them!”

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