It was at that moment she realized Olivia had become more than a therapist. Chase felt like they’d gone through some life-altering event together, like a plane crash or some kind of odd journey through a dangerous jungle. On second thought, they both kind of had done just that—each wading through the unknown. Chase had started out a total wreck and had gotten her shit together—well, somewhat together. Olivia had been about as collected as a person can be, but this woman standing beside her on the California beach today was struggling.

So yeah, Chase felt like perhaps she needed to be there for Olivia.

“Go, Chase. I’m fine. I’m grappling with a lot of things, but Neve is actually helping me this time. Oddly enough, I think I gained a sister.” Olivia pressed her lips together and gave a laugh of disbelief. “Life is weird sometimes.”

“Well, that’s for dang sure,” Chase said, giving Olivia a smile. “Okay, I’ll be back later.”

Olivia lifted a hand as Chase jogged toward the house.

Thirty minutes later, Chase walked to her mother’s Mercedes humming in the driveway and climbed inside.

Lorna’s eyes widened. “Oh my. What did you do to your hair?”

“Said adieu to the party girl,” Chase said, pulling the seat belt across her and clicking it into place.

“Well, you look totally different. Not only the hair, but you’re also heavier and—”

“That’s called healthy. I’m free of drugs and alcohol. I’ve been eating, okay, not totally healthy but much better. I’m the weight I’m supposed to be.” Chase tried to keep the impatience from her voice. She wasn’t a product. She was a person.

“Oh, of course,” Lorna said, pushing her sunglasses back into place and shifting the car into reverse with spidery-thin hands tipped in vermillion. Perfume wafted toward Chase, so she cracked the window a bit.

A few minutes ticked by as her mother navigated Pacific Coast Highway, the sunlight flashing in between the beach houses and businesses. Finally, Lorna glanced over at her. “So what are you planning to wear?”

“I have a Victorian tuxedo blouse I’m going to pair with jean leggings and heeled ballet slippers that tie into a bow. My hair gathered into a low ponytail, minimal makeup, small earrings.”

“Mmm.”

“What?”

“Don’t you think that’s what every actress is wearing when she reads? You need to stand out.”

Chase trampled the irritation. God, she was trying here. “We’ll look at what I have when we get to my place.”

Lorna smiled as if she’d won. But Chase wasn’t letting her mother run roughshod over her. She would choose what she wore.