Page 114 of Fielder's Choice

“No, I haven’t heard anything. Are they not here?”

“No, the room is empty, and they aren’t in the lobby.” I grab my bag from the chair I set it on this morning and grab my phone. “No messages or missed calls either.” I dial Lane quickly, listening to the phone ring before it goes to voicemail. “He didn't answer. I’m going to see if Rory’s heard from him.”

I step out of the room again, listening to the phone ring and hoping Rory knows something.

“Hey, Liv!” she says cheerily. “Aren’t you working right now?”

“I should be, and that’s why I’m calling. Lane and Sage aren’t here, and they’re always early. Did he tell you anything?”

“No, he hasn’t said anything to me. If he had something to do, he would’ve just asked me to bring her today.” I hear her stick her hand over the phone mic. “Cole, has Lane said anything to you? Liv’s on the phone because he and Sage didn’t show up today.”

I hear Cole’s voice reply, but the sound is muffled, so I can’t figure out what he’s saying. But I do hear Rory gasp before she turns her attention back to me. “I didn’t realize what day it was. He’s not going to come in today, Liv. I guarantee he’s still at home.”

“Oh,” I reply, not really sure what else to say. I have no idea what’s so significant about today. It’s early Feb—

Oh.

Idoknow what’s significant to him right now.

“Thanks, Rory. I appreciate the help. I’m going to go over.”

“Let me know if you need anything, Olive. Cole and I will be here.”

I quickly hang up. I run back into my mom’s office, tell her I’m leaving, grab my bag, and then I’m running to SoHo.

forty-one

Lane

Todayfuckingsucks.

Every year, I hope it will get easier, and every year, I’m disappointed to feel just as broken as the years prior.

It’s been four years, but it still feels like it happened yesterday.

It was a lot harder when Sage was still a newborn. All of my friends came over that day to help, and I don’t think I would have made it through without them.

Since then, they leave me be. Sage gets unlimited screen time so I can cope, and everything will be normal again in a few days.

I’m staring ahead blankly while she sits next to me on the sofa, watching the Heeler family and their current shenanigans. Right now, they’re gathered around the table, pretending they’re in court.

I guess you’re never too young to learn about the legal system.

I’m wallowing in my miserable thoughts when I hear the elevator doors open. Confused, I look over to see who’s dropping by unannounced and find Olive stepping inside.

Ohshit.

I forgot to tell her we weren’t coming today.

I stand up quietly, careful not to disturb Sage so I have a chance to talk to Liv alone.

I meet her in the kitchen, and I can see how concerned she is.

“I’m so sorry, Liv. I forgot to—”

Olive cuts me off by resting her palm against my cheek, and her touch helps ground my raging mind. “It’s okay, Lane. I know what today is.”

“You… do?”

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