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I tell him everything. “And you better not tell my dad about this.”

He scoffs. “I won’t, but this is insane. It won’t work.”

“Why not?”

“You’re like fireworks, Jack. Full of restless energy. You can’t settle down.”

“I will. Watch me.”

He laughs on the other end of the line. “Yeah, right. You can keep pretending, but you won’t last long. We both know you can’t settle with any woman. You never have.”

I feel my jaw tighten at his words. He’s right in some ways, but I don’t need him to remind me of it.

“I can settle,” I snap back, “and I will.”

There’s a brief silence, then Harry chuckles again, a sound that makes me want to throw my phone against the wall.

“Okay, okay. When you’re done playing pretend, and you’ve worn yourself out, let me know.”

“What’s with you, anyway? Aren’t you the one who told me to get myself together?”

“Well, yeah, but I didn’t mean you should shackle a poor woman to yourself. You’re not mentally ready for that commitment, man.”

The truth is so raw and painful. I hate that he knows me too well. There’s a loud silence between us, and then he sighs. “Look, Jack, I’m sorry I sound like such a pessimist. If Nova thinks this is the right thing to do, then it is. She’s the brilliant professional here.”

“I’m just trying my best, man.” My chest tightens. What’s with my emotions these days?

“I know, and I see you. We appreciate you trying. Your dad and I. He’s worried about you.”

“I know.”

Harry sighs again. “I’ll leave you to it. You know I’m here whenever you want to talk, right?”

“I know.”

“Good.”

The call ends with a click, and I’m left staring at the screen. My mind drifts to my dad, and I pull up my message tab to send him a quick text.

I’m in Bardstown now. I promise I’ll stay out of trouble. For real, this time. Thank you for everything.

I want to add an “I love you,” but I know my dad will roll his eyes and send a sick face emoji—that man. Our love for each other is hardly shown through words, only with actions. His response comes in a few minutes later.

This text already sounds like trouble, but I’ll hold you to that. Take care, son. Always here when you need me.

I’m still smiling at this when Brody walks out of the kitchen. “We have nothing in the cupboard,” he says. “I have to go to the grocery store.”

“Okay.” I turn the TV off, and he frowns.

“You coming with me?”

“Nope. I’m gonna set up my studio.”

Brody purses his lips. “There’s no studio here. I checked all four rooms when we arrived.”

“I’m turning the third room into a studio,” I answer. “The sooner you go to the store, the quicker I can start.”

Brody raises an eyebrow but doesn’t argue. “All right, man. I’ll be back soon. Do you need me to pick up anything?”