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Proud.

I’m stuck on the word. She never says she is proud of us, except when Cam is getting a lot of press for his games or when the magazines feature him. Because those are tangibles in her world. She can brag about that.

“Thank you.”

“You’re going to be even more famous now and make more money. Did you know that Libby Emerson told me the other day that her daughters wait until you review products before they use them? I found out that your endorsement of the Golden Spa got them so overbooked there’s a long waiting list.”

I’m on her radar. That’s the only place I don’t want to be.

“Thank you for that. If you need me to make you an appointment, I can make a call and get you in. But I really have to g?—”

“I would love an appointment, but before you go, I want you to do me a favor.”

Whatever it takes to get you off the phone and your attention off me.

“Sure. What is it?”

“Can you please call your father?”

My stomach sinks. “What? No.”

“He’s not doing well, Luciana. He’s been sick, and he told Elias he wants to talk to you. I know the three of you don’t believe he has changed, but he’s working on himself. He’s going to church in there. Give him a chance. Oh. Eddha, someone’s at the door. I have to go, Luciana.”

She hangs up, leaving me frozen outside my door. I’m floored for a second. It’s like she threw a grenade and ran.

Well, don’t stand there and let it blow up in your face. Open the door and get out of the way.

I head upstairs to my bedroom to take out some of the stuff that I’ll need to film. We’re filming on the far side of the room where Ollie’s crew has already finished the wall. Big Apple staff was here earlier, arranging the area and decorating that side of the room with everything we need.

I grab a few things from my dresser so I can put them on the desk. These are things I bought to decorate with.

My phone pings.

Elias

Your mom told me to contact you. Your dad really wants to see you.

I text back.

Me

She told me.

Do you know what that’s about?

Elias

He’s been sick and really down. He’s sad because you never call. The doctor said it would be good for him to hear from you.

I send two words back and dump my phone in the tote in front of me.

Lux

Thank you

Walter wants to see me. Why the hell? Why now? I went with Marilyn last time she visited him. I try to call every couple of months. Why a visit?

I stand in the middle of the room, looking around. What else do I need?