Page 13 of Playing With Fire

“What kind of hiccup?”

Dangerous silence.

“Nothing major. The fellowship situation changed, but they offered me a paid editorial internship instead.

“Um… is this a good thing or…”

“No, it’s good. Really.” I sit up straighter, even though she can’t see me. “I like the job better, actually. I’ll be working directly with the editors.”

“And the apartment?”

“There isn’t one. It’s not one of the perks, but they did put me up in a hotel for tonight.”

“Tonight?”

Shoot.

“Everything is fine, Mom. I promise.” I squeeze my eyes shut, already knowing what’s coming.

“Do you want us to come get you?”

“No.” The answer comes too quickly, and I try to soften it. “No. I mean it. I’m totally fine. They’re helping me look, and I’m looking. There are just a lot of people in town this weekend, so everything at the last minute is either booked or ridiculously expensive.”

“We can pay for a hotel.”

“I know, it’s not that.”

“Your father and I could be there in three hours.”

“I know.” I pinch the bridge of my nose. This is exactly why I didn’t call them.

Because Dad would get in the car while Mom would bring enough food to survive the winter. And tomorrow morning I’d wake up back in my childhood bedroom. I love them for it, but I also need to do this myself.

Especially after freshman year.

“Bishop lives in–”

“No.” I swing my legs over the side of the bed and stand. Hell no, actually.

“I’m sure he wouldn’t mind–”

“Mom, please. I said no.” I pace between the bed and the window, doing a terrible job at hiding my frustration.

“What happened, Laney Bug? You two used to be so close.” The worry in her voice breaks my heart.

“Nothing.” I stop at the window and stare down at the city below. “This isn’t about Bishop or Declan. Or you and Dad. This is just one thing I need to figure out on my own. Okay?”

A pause.

Followed by a sigh and a very unconvincing, “Okay.”

“I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“You better.”

“Dad sends his love and says don’t forget to turn on the game.”

“Will do, love you both.”