Page 103 of Shine For Me

Fox:I’m not sure if I ever thanked you for all the help you gave me with my lines this summer. I wanted to return the favor.

There’s a voice memo attached. I stare down at it, terrified to hear what he has to say.

“I’ll give you a minute,” Grey says drily. “I think I’m going to need more whiskey before this is over anyhow.”

Once he’s left, I reach out a shaking finger and press play.

“Hey, June,” Fox’s voice comes out from the speaker, so warm and familiar I nearly start crying again. God, I miss him. “It occurs to me that I broke a promise to you. I was supposed to help you work on your courage. And I’m pretty sure I bailed on you right when you would have needed the most help.” There’s an audible swallow. “I’m really sorry about that. I hope maybe this will help. You know the drill by now—listen to these lines as many times as you need to until they stick.” There’s a slight pause and I realize I’m holding my breath, desperate to hear what he has to say.

“My name is June Cain,” he says. “I’m loyal, beautiful, and talented. I love people fiercely. I sacrifice for others—too much, sometimes. I genuinely want to make people happy.” His voice grows a little ragged. “I’ve had to do way too much on my own. I deserve to rely on someone else sometimes. I deserve love and loyalty from others. I deserve the world. And I’m so much braver and stronger than I’ve ever realized.” There’s a pause, the only sound in the room my own breathy sob. “Okay, sweetheart, listen again. Then again. As many times as it takes, okay? You keep listening until you know it all by heart. Keep listening until you believe every word.”

The recording ends there. When I look up, Grey is standing in the doorway, a strange look on his face. Finally, he sighs. “I guess he’ll do,” he mutters.

I wipe away my tears.I’m so much braver and stronger than I’ve ever realized.I take a deep breath and face my brother. “I have an idea. But I need your help.”