Page 21 of Make You Love Me
“The annual art show for alumni at my university in New York. It’s a monumental event, and since I’m still a newbie in the art world, they stuck me on the alternate list in case someone drops out.” Pacing now, her hands flap in the air as she tries to calm her restless nerves. “I never expected to get a spot. No one serious about their career turns this one down.”
“That’s great, but I’m confused. Why did you say you don’t know what to do? You go, right?”
“The setup and opening event is next week. I’d have to leave in a few days.”
“Oh.”
“The good news is all my pieces are in storage in New York. The bad news…”
“Jordan.”
She spins around to face me, tears pooling on her eyelids.
“Curators for a major museum in Las Vegas will be there. Grant’s been shmoozing them for a feature exhibit for a year. They’re slow to take a chance on me, but once they see my work featured at this show, Grant thinks it will be a done deal. That exhibit would catapult my career, possibly opening doors in Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta. All the big shows.”
“Why are you wavering? Jordan will tell you to go.”
“I know, but he needs constant care. Especially now that seizures have been added to the chaos.”
I take a deep breath, already regretting what I’m about to say. “I’ll stay with him.”
“Nora.” Her arms cross against the chill in the air, adrenaline no longer keeping her warm. “I can’t ask you to do that.”
“You didn’t.”
“Don’t you think you two living together will only make matters more complicated?”
“Absolutely, but what choice do we have?”
“Plenty.”
“Not from what I can see. You have a life-changing opportunity you can’t refuse, and he’ll never forgive himself if you do. He’s going to expect me to be around more, anyway. It’s the only answer that makes sense.”
I barely get the last word out before she launches herself into my arms.
“Thank you. I’m so grateful.” Peeling herself away, her hands linger on my arms. “I should only be gone for a week. Nothing can go wrong in a week, right?”
“Right. Piece of cake.”
Oh, goddess, please help me.
???
We have four days to get ready. Together, we call Grant back and make arrangements. To get Josie to New York quicker, Grant will bring down her belongings, take her shopping, and help her pack. In addition to being her agent and friend, he’s also her self-appointed stylist.
Once he’s satisfied with her outfits for their expected appearances, she’ll ride back with him instead of taking the train. She’ll save money on a hotel by staying with him, an offer she couldn’t refuse.
Before I leave, I reluctantly call Emily to ask for more time off work—the last piece of the puzzle. I promise to check in with staff, and work when I can. I hate asking. I had just returned from a long weekend to deal with my mother’s latest drama, and now this.
Working at VETS is a dream, and I don’t want to jeopardize my position. Yet, in true Emily fashion, she agreed without hesitation. Not only is Jordan a friend of Jackson’s from their time in the Marines, both he and Emily are selfless souls, peoplewho go above and beyond for everyone. She even offered to bring food or items for the apartment if needed.
On my way home, I ask Sydney to meet me out at a restaurant. It’s late, and she has a son to think about, but I need a strong drink to soothe the nerves and my best friend to tell me I made the right decision.
???
“Where’s your sweet boy?” I ask as Sydney slides into the booth at an Irish pub. I already ordered her favorite wine and began nursing a bourbon and Coke.
“Jackson took him fishing today, and he’s sleeping over. With winter coming, he wanted to take one more outing on the boat.”
