Page 125 of The End of Me

Piper: As much as I want to say that I’ll miss you, I’ll be too busy dealing with my family to notice you’re not around.

Derek: Have you ever noticed that you make your family sound like they’re dangerous?

Piper: They can be.

Derek: I’m sure they’re all good people.

Piper: They’re lovely. Don’t get me wrong. I adore them. But, they can be overwhelming in big doses, and add to that the St. James family, and this won’t be a vacation.

Derek: Your fiancé’s family?

Piper: Yep.

Derek: I’ll never understand why you’re still close to them. What’s happening with them?

Piper: Who?

Derek: His family? You have to see them.

Piper: His sister is my best friend, plus we’re organizing the celebration of life for Archer. I have a ton of things to do.

Derek: So you accept he’s dead?

Piper: No, he’s alive. I… why are we discussing him?

Derek: Because when you think of him, your light dims, and I hate it.

Derek: My break is over. Text me when you’re ready for bed.

February 26th3 p.m.EST

Piper: The celebration of life is canceled.

Derek: What happened?

Piper: Zach’s wife died. I have to fly to Boston to be with him.

Derek: Didn’t he just marry her?

Piper: Yep, she died in a bus accident.

Derek: I’m sorry. How is he doing?

Piper: He’s not dealing. We met part of her family, and they’re devastated. They are pretty nice people.

Derek: Are you coming home?

Piper: No, I’m sticking around longer, if that’s okay with you?

Derek: I can handle everything from here, but if you need me, let me know, okay?

Piper: Thank you.

Derek: How’s Halsey?

Piper: In Seattle with my parents. I didn’t want to disturb her.

Derek: How’s my girl doing?

---