Page 117 of Empire State Enemies

“That’s awesome about the interview,” I force out, trying to sound stoked. “You’ll knock it out of the park.”

I just hope Connor doesn’t use this as a move in his “manipulate Lexi through her sister” strategy. That’d be a new kind of low, even for him.

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Walking into Sunnyhell with Grace, I slap on a bland smile.

Lately my life’s been almost creepily stress-free.

I’m immersed in new PR campaigns, working with clients who don’t leave me perpetually upset. Got a functioning toilet thanks to Connor’s unrequested handyman services. No follow-up date with Brad the Doc, but hey, at least I’m out there again. And I’ve still got time to figure out how I can pay for the nextcare home bill. It’s fast-approaching, but I have an interview for a new job coming up soon.

Honestly, things could be much worse. I should feel relieved, maybe even happy.

I just feel a bit numb.

“Hey, Mom.” I greet her with a quick cheek kiss.

“Lexi, I’ve got something to show you,” she says, her voice raspy as she clears her throat. Oh no, is this going to be another one of her “hobby projects”? The last one was that horrendous sweater with the craziest looking flowers on it—I was convinced she must have been on psychedelics or something when she knitted that monstrosity. And yes, I had to model it on every visit for a good few weeks after that gift.

She fumbles with some file on the table before passing it over to me. “I was never good with the business stuff. Your dad was the numbers guy.” She smiles wistfully. “But handsome Josh helped me out. He’s quite the heartbreaker that one. I think he’s keen on you, Lexi.”

I look down at the spreadsheet, its rows and columns just a blur. “What’s this supposed to be?”

Mom squeezes my hand. “It’s a financial plan for moving me to a more affordable care place close by. So you don’t have to stretch yourself too thin.”

I take a closer look at the plan, my frown getting deeper. Sure, the numbers might add up, but only because it’s for a place outside Baltimore. “Mom? That’s hardly nearby! Come on, that won’t work.”

Her smile doesn’t waver. “It’s doable, honey. You and Grace can hop on a plane, visit me once a month or something.”

“Baltimore is hundreds of miles away!”

She’s unfazed. “It’s practically next door by plane.”

“This is ridiculous.”

Grace lets out a little choked sob beside me. “But . . . my interview . . . with Quinn & Wolfe,” she manages through her tears. “I could be making some real money soon.”

Mom pats her hand. “That’s great, Gracie, but it’s not a fix for this.”

Then she turns to me, sitting up straighter. “Listen, Lexi,” she says, her voice quivering. “Even if I were in perfect health, we wouldn’t be joined at the hip all the time. You’d be out exploring, hanging with your friends, maybe even meeting a guy. Josh, even.” Her attempt at a smile is clouded by sorrow. “It breaks my heart to see you put your life on hold for me.”

Tears blur my vision. I want to shout that she’s my top priority. That I’ll work it out. That leaving her is not an option. “Mom, New York is your home. I’ve got interviews lined up too. I’m gonna land a better job, with real money. There’s even one with a signing bonus.”

She gently touches my face. “Shush now. It’ll be okay. We can do this.”

I shake my head, a tear escaping. “I can’t do that. I can’t just send you to Baltimore.”

“You have to. In all these years I haven’t seen you cry until a few days ago. I can’t be the reason for your tears, sweetie. I’m supposed to be your rock, not your anchor.”

“Those tears weren’t about you! It was . . . something else.”

“Carrying this burden will make everything else hit harder. You being happy, that’s what makes me happy. This is a good thing for both of us.”

I shove the papers back to her, my voice breaking. “No, Mom. We’re not going through with this. Let’s just drop it. Can we talk about something else?”

“The toilet’s fixed,” Grace chimes in weakly.

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