Page 56 of Never To Suffer

Sky’s known him since before the fame—the same with Steve and Jamie. They all met in high school, and I came along many years later.

“Alright,” Chase says once we’re all too stuffed to eat any more and Skylar has started to let his guard down. I told him Chase would be fine. Why else would he have helped Skylar get into a program if he didn’t still love them? “I’ve got a list ofplaces that aren’t too far from Dani’s new place, assuming you’re staying there?”

“Yeah, they’ll be staying there,” I answer before Skylar can question it. “We’ll need a bigger bed. Okay—we’ll needanybed—but yeah.”

“Dani, you don’t have to?—”

“Baby! We’re together. You can stay at our damn apartment with us. Where else would you stay? Huh? Here? Nope, too weird. They’ve got the home gym setup here, and you’d see Steve every single day. And besides, you’ll be traveling with the band anyhow so?—”

Chase punches me in the arm, so I’ll stop talking. He’s seen me go down a rabbit hole before and say things I regret, and maybe now isn’t the best time for that. When is, though?

“We’ll get the bed thing figured out. Crash here for a couple of nights so I can catch up with Sky.”

“Gross, I had plans!” I argue. “I want to catch this local band that’s in the competition with us. I haven’t gotten to see them yet and they’re playing the Palladium tonight. Also, I’m not living under the same roof as Devin. I’ll sleep on the floor.”

“Devin has a road series for the next week, and technically lived under a different roof since the pool house isn’t attached, idiot. You can go to the concert; Sky and I will hang out. Okay by you, Sky?”

Skylar nods.

“And you can’t move in if you don’t have a bed and furniture.” Chase adds. “Ethan said something about furniture for your new place the other day, maybe we can use that as a reason to meet up with Steve and E?” He flips me off before grabbing his tablet off a chair and unlocking it, showing the list to Skylar. “Take your pick. I’ve got the dates and times of the meetings on here, and on this calendar I made so you can keep track. I’ll add you to it so you can get the info from your phone.I’ve also put together some clinics out here if you feel like you need to try that route again, mostly because I don’t want you flying all the way back to Canada when you’re already here. You can see my shrink if you want, or he can recommend someone.”

“Chase, it’s too much. It’s all…it’s…” Skylar can’t finish the thought, head dropping to their chest as they bite back tears. It rips my heart open to see them like this.

“Look, punk. What happened between you and Stevie wasn’t your fault, and it wasn’t his fault. We know who did it and her ass is, hopefully, rotting away in prison. You’re my friend, Skylar. You’re a part of this family, and we want you back. Seriously. It’s weird not having you around. Now, do you want to go to a meeting tonight? I can go with you. Or I can wait in the car.”

Watching Chase bring Skylar back into the fold melts my heart and makes me want to throw up. Chase’s natural role in life, the one he slips into so easily, is big brother. He does it with all of us, not only his real-life baby brother. Who’s an idiot, but a good guy. After they pick a few meetings, I tell Chase about everything that’s happened with the band, Skylar’s rehab and near slip up, and the terrible plan I have for surprising Steve at work, so he won’t flip the hell out on us. Instead, Chase comes up with a better plan and sets it in action before I can stop him.

Fuck. That’s usually my gig.

CHAPTER 25

A MILLION WAYS TO MISS YOU

JAKE MILLER

It’s notuntil I’m through the second chorus that I realize the whistling is coming from me. Whistling. Shit, when was the last time I did that? I close the file I’m working on and open my laptop to find a message from Kennedy.

Kennedy

Details, sir! You’ve been back there whistling for like an hour now!

Has it been that long? I flip my phone over and find four missed messages.

Blue Eyed Baby

Good morning from the future, but also, good…afternoon?

Marie

Call me!!!!!

Blue Eyed Baby

Which one should I wear?

[Images attached]

Ohhhh noooooo, wrong picture (wink emoji)

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