“No, they’re booked solid all day. We’ve got Catharsis coming back in and an indie band we recently signed.”

Dylan runs a hand through his hair. “I’ll go in tonight then.”

Chase’s eyes flash at the promise of a new project. The guy is always eager. “What are you working on?”

“Something I should have done a long time ago.”

Chase’s brows pull tight and he watches Dylan curiously. “I’m wondering if you should leave now before you change your mind.”

Dylan smirks. “That’s probably not a bad idea. Do you mind?”

“No, I’ll walk you out.”

Dylan extends another congrats to Dakota and says goodbye to his industry peeps and Uncle Cal.

“I have the strange sense this has to do with Joy,” Chase muses as he waits with Dylan for his Uber.

“I’m going to find her when I get to New York.”

Chase whistles. “’Bout damn time. When do you leave?”

“Tomorrow evening, unless I can get an earlier flight.”

“I’m happy for you.”

“Same.” His heart has been racing erratically ever since he made up his mind to reach out to her. He pulls up an app and Venmos Chase a grand.

Chase’s phone pings. His cousin looks at the screen. “What’s this for?”

“You won the bet. You and Dakota lasted. Make sure it lasts forever.”

“No worries there. I intend to keep her just as long.”

“Congrats. Enjoy your honeymoon. Your wife’s amazing.”

“Yes, she is.” Chase hugs him and fist pounds his back as Dylan’s Uber pulls into the parking lot. “Have a safe flight,” he says when Dylan opens the rear passenger door.

Dylan gives Chase a fist bump and a big grin. “Will do.”

CHAPTER 31

CHAPTER 31

AFTER

Joy

Through the kitchen window of Taryn’s Brooklyn apartment, Joy watches Taryn load her last box onto the U-Haul. Joy’s last item, Judy’s hatbox, waits on the tile counter beside her purse. She doesn’t plan to pack it for their drive west. The box holds snippets from her life and Judy’s, treasured lists, article clippings, and photos that make her ache with regret. She’ll keep some, like Judy’s bracelet that she wore at her wedding, and recycle the rest, something she should have done before she moved to New York.

And now she’s moving back to California.

She and Taryn went in together on a condo in Manhattan Beach. Taryn quit her job and plans to start her own social media agency. Surfari Soaps & Salves’ online store has seen promising success, and Joy’s been making plans to open a brick-and-mortar store once she gets settled. Something she hasn’t been for quite some time.