Page 89 of Legacy

“A call. A text.”

“I said I will.” She sighs.

She’s frustrated because one minute into our conversation and we’re falling into those same patterns where I’m bitching at her about responsibility, and she’s annoyed. But it wouldn’t be like this if she answered my calls and texts more than once a month.

“I’m sorry.” I sink down onto my bed, pinching the bridge of my nose as my head starts to throb. “So you’re really okay? Where are you?”

“Roseville. And yes, I’m good. I’ve been traveling around. Seeing what’s out there… The usual,” she says. “How’s Glendale?”

“I’m not there anymore. Didn’t you get my text?”

“This phone acts up.”

“Of course it does.”

“Reagan…” Livie groans. “I’m fine, I swear.”

She’s never just fine. That’s the problem. But for my own sanity right now, I let that go.

“I’m not in Glendale actually… I’m in Vegas.”

“Vegas!” Excitement bursts from her. “Oh my god, Reagan, look at you getting a life, and—”

“Margaret’s sick.” I cut her off, and the other end of the line falls silent. “Her heart arrhythmia started acting up a few months ago, and when she was in the hospital, they found something—” I choke on the words. “She hascancer. It spread before they caught it. She’s comfortable for now. But there’s nothing they can do.”

Livie hums, not saying anything. She’s never done well with bad news. After Dad died, she fell deeper into her own spiral, pretending nothing happened. I’ve never seen my sister cry, so I don’t know what I expect from her with this news. But there’s no comfort in what I get.

“Okay.” Her voice is nearly a whisper. “Well, keep me updated.”

“I will.” I toy with the hem of my shirt.

“So you’re in Vegas?”

“For now.”

“Please tell me you’re at least having a little fun while you’re there.”

“Livie—”

“You know what helps with stress?” She cuts me off.

I pinch the bridge of my nose. “What?”

“Sex.”

“Seriously…” I roll my eyes.

“Oh my god, you just sighed. You’re getting laid, and you’re actually having a life, aren’t you?”

“You’re insinuating I didn’t have one already.”

Livie huffs. “Do you really consider what you were doing in Glendale a life?”

“I was getting by.”

“There are more important things than just getting by. Dad’s not even around anymore to berate you. And Mom’s too busy with her new boy toy to ca—”

“Mom’s dating?”

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