Page 105 of Never Been Matched
* * *
My girl, if you’re reading this, that means you’ve completed all the tasks. I knew you could do it. I’m so glad The Palace is yours. Take care of it and treat it like the precious gem it is. It’s more than just a building, it’s a place that brings people together. Never underestimate the power of connection. We all need each other. Which is why I’m giving you one final task: pass the list on. Erase one of the names or add someone else and pass it along. It doesn’t matter if they end up with the person they are listed with, it doesn’t matter what you tell them about the tasks or if there are tasks. The point is the journey, not the destination. Find someone who needs a hand. A change. Their world shaken up a bit. You’ll know when you see them.
If you didn’t end up with Graham (I imagine you didn’t), he needs his world shaken too, so keeping him at the top is a good idea. He’ll hate it. It will be hilarious.
* * *
I laugh. Yes. That would be hilarious.
* * *
I hope you’ll still feel my presence in the theater. I’ll still be there, watching from the projection room, hidden in the laughter of the audience, in the gasp of a haunting moment, in the rush of a high-speed chase.
* * *
Love always,
Beverly
* * *
I swallow and set the letter aside. Pass the letter on . . . I can’t imagine who I might pick for those kinds of shenanigans.
“Hey.” Audrey appears in the doorway. “Oh, is that bacon? I thought I smelled it.” She glides into the room, wearing flowing linen pants and a white form-fitting shirt, a pale blue Bottega Veneta bag tucked under her arm. “Are those crepes? Did Spencer cook breakfast?” She plops down next to me, picks up my fork and spears a slice of melon.
I sigh.
She flips her hair over her shoulder. “So, there’s a job fair next weekend. Do you want to go with me?”
“Why would I go with you?”
She grabs a piece of bacon, waving it in the air. “You know, moral support.”
“It would probably be better if you go alone to show everyone you know how to do things without your big sister. Could you not eat my entire breakfast?”
She grunts and the fork drops back on the tray with a clatter, “Ugh, fine. Whatever. You can keep your stupid pancake things, it’s too much processed carbs anyway, and I gotta go. Can I use your car?”
“Sure. Be back by two though. I have work to do at the theater.” She had to turn her rental in months ago, because Mother cut her off and I am no longer financing her lifestyle.
Except for letting her live with me, and feeding her, and letting her use my car . . . but she has been helping out at the theater and actually did a decent job setting up a social media account and adding reels and photos, so I did pay her for that. But it won’t be enough. She needs a job. And while we’re getting along, it’s better if she works elsewhere so I don’t strangle her.
Once she gets a job, she can save for a car and then her own place to live.
I hope.
Her lips purse. “Can’t you take Spencer’s car?”
“Where are you going?”
“I’m meeting Quinn for coffee.”
My brows rise. “You’re going to Brewed Awakening dressed like that?”
She looks down at her pressed and perfect outfit that probably cost somewhere around ten grand. “What’s wrong with this?”
“It’s not a Michelin-starred dining establishment. It has a drink called Rise and Grind.”
Her nose wrinkles. “Ew.”
