Page 64 of Pinch of Love

“Except for Mom and Dad,” I added.

“Even them,” she said, shaking her head.

“Their addictions are going to kill them.”

Grace nodded. “I know. I’ve been mentally preparing. I don’t even know if it’s going to be our mother’s cancer or her addiction that strikes first.”

A knot formed in my throat. There were so few people I spoke about my parents with that I wasn’t used to freely chatting about the people who’d shaped our lives, for better or worse.

“Have you ever mentioned everything to Cash?” Grace asked.

“About our parents?” I flinched. “God, no. We’re just something casual. I asked him if he’d be my distraction while I’m in town, and he agreed.”

Grace frowned. “A distraction?”

I nodded. “Yeah. It’s for the best. The moment my attorneys get everything straightened out, back I go to North Carolina.”

“If you say so.” She shrugged. “I just can’t imagine Cash agreeing to be your distraction.”

“Why’s that?” I asked, genuinely curious. It sounded like most men’s perfect summer.

“He’s been through a lot.”

My brows rose slowly. “Like what?”

“It’s not my place to say,” she said softly. “Anyway, I’m just glad you’re—”

I shook my head. “Oh, no, you don’t. Now, you have to tell me what you’re talking about.”

“I figured he might have mentioned, seeing as much time you’re spending together and all.”

I studied my sister and ate another cheese curd. It wasn’t like her to keep things from me. In fact, it was the exact opposite.

“Since you feel strongly about letting him tell me, I’ll quit pressing. But should I be worried?”

Grace shook her head. “Not worried, but maybe sensitive.”

“I feel so bad. It’s all about me whenever we’re together.”

“In your defense, you have a lot going on and a crazy ex out there somewhere.”

I smiled and nodded. “Out there somewhere is what worries me.”

Grace narrowed her gaze. “You don’t think he’d come here, right?”

“I don’t know.” I shook my head. “I don’t know why he would or what he’d get out of it.”

Grace sat quietly.

“But the thought has crossed my mind. In fact, Cash forwarded his friend a photo just in case.”

“His friend?”

I nodded. “The policeman.”

“Ah, yes... Nate.”

I sat sipping my latte and thought about Cash. Had I been so wrapped up in my own things that I dismissed something he was telling me, or had he kept whatever it was from me on purpose? Maybe I had made our situation too light.

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