Page 40 of In Case You Didn't Know

“The sewer drain collapsed.” He shouts as a second drill starts up. “Don’t worry, we’re diverting your pipes. You should be able to use your water and flush by sometime tomorrow.”

Fuck my life. A month. I have to hand in my draft in a month. And yes, I can go to the library, but I need silence to write. I need to be alone.

Fuming, I send a message to Autumn, because she’s the only person that will understand my mental turmoil right now.

A second later, she replies.

Come to Liberty. You can stay in the Lighthouse while Parker and I are in Europe. You’ll have more alone time and silence than you’ll know what to do with. – Autumn

You’re a lifesaver. I’ll pay rent. And I promise to keep it clean. – Francie

The only rent I need is for you to send me what you’ve written so far. I’m desperate to read it. I’m going to need something to keep me warm while Parker is off commentating. – Autumn

It’s a deal. – Francie

I put my phone in my purse and look at the disaster that is my apartment building, trying not to think about the disaster that’s my life.

Going to Liberty might be the best idea. Maybe some distance will help me concentrate on writing.

Or maybe I’m just fooling myself again.

twelve

ASHER

I’ve just finished a meeting in the New York office the next day when my phone lights up with a message. I look down, frowning to see a new group chat has been made. It even has a title,The Fitzgerald Family Group Chat. And I frown even harder when I see that Hudson made it.

Hudson? The man who hates messaging? I lift a brow, because he’s changed a lot since he and Skyler finally stopped dancing around each other and became an item.

It’s been a hard time for them both. First Hudson’s ex-inlaws tried to steal Ayda and take her back to England with them, and then after she was found, Hudson was an idiot and ended things between him and Skyler.

Luckily, he saw sense, and now they’re back together and Skyler’s pregnant and the three of them – Hudson, Skyler, and Ayda, are all living together at the Captain’s House.

Still, this is out of character, and I can’t help but open it right away.

HUDSON:

I have a question for you all. Skyler says it’s weird we don’t have a family group chat. Is it weird? I don’t know. Anyway, she thinks it is, so here we are. This is our new group chat. For family.

ZACH:

It’s not weird. It’s just us keeping our sanity. Looking at the title of this chat is breaking me out in hives. Only bad things can come from group chats. Although obviously I’m staying.

AUTUMN:

Woohoo! I think it’s a great idea. And welcome to the twenty-first century big brothers. I’ll be able to keep you entertained with my thoughts on Europe. Also, tell Skyler I’ve tried to create about a hundred family chats and you all never reply.

I let out a sigh. I hate being the voice of doom in this situation, but it’s worth reminding them that no chat is fully safe.

ASHER:

Just remember that though this is encrypted, it’s still better not to say too much on here.

HUDSON:

I’m not planning on giving you my bank details. Or where the bodies are buried… Jesus, why do you all have to make this so difficult? By the way, Skyler says you’re all assholes except for maybe Autumn.

EDEN: