“Okay, ummm . . .” I look around my dark, messy apartment. “I’m free today if that’s not too soon.”

I’ll definitely need a shower, but I could still be out of here within thirty minutes.

“Well.” He hesitates, sounding a little bit confused. “It’s a little late for today; how about we plan for the first thing tomorrow morning. Does nine o’clock work?”

I pull my phone away from my ear and check the time. Just after five.

See what I mean about time not existing?

“Nine is perfect, Mr. Wilson,” I tell him, failing to mention that I have an undetermined amount of time off due to a slight nervous breakdown. “Thank you.”

“Not a problem.” His deep voice is softer this time, apologetic even. I’m sure in his line of work we aren’t the first, and we won’t be the last, family he’s seen who are not at their best. “I’ll see you soon.”

I toss my phone on the table, forgetting about my quest for the next great tearjerker, and unmute my TV so I can hear David and Alexis arguing again.

The good news about hearing back from the lawyer now is that things can’t get any worse. I’ve hit many a false rock bottom before in my life, but I’m pretty sure this time it’s the real thing.

Or at least I really, really hope so.

—

“Ms. Young.” Jacob Wilson outstretches his hand as he greets me in the waiting room of his office. “How are you doing?”

“Please, call me Drew. And I’m fine, thank you.” I lie without missing a beat. “Ready to move on from this mess and put it all behind me.”

I’m just not sure what putting this behind me looks like anymore.

“I’m sure you are.” His deep voice is oddly soothing as he guides me into his office. It’s the perfect mix of authoritative and sympathetic. It’s clear he chose the perfect career for himself. “To be honest, it was quite a surprise to hear from you and your father. We don’t often hear from families this far after a will is distributed.”

“I really am sorry about this.” I take a seat across from his desk and try not to wring my hands. “I was hoping maybe you could give me a little more insight into what my grandmother was planning. I thought I knew what she wanted for the Book Nook, but I’ve recently come across some information about her store and I’m not sure what to do with it.”

He tilts his head to the side and his already warm smile softens around the corners. “Drew, it’s not her store; it’s yours.”

I smile back even though I know it doesn’t reach my eyes.