I exited out of my security software and tried to force old memories from my mind. I clicked on my email icon. There were at least a dozen messages since I’d checked it a few days ago. I groaned, seeing my lawyer’s name. Opening the message, my chest constricted. The house in Marin had sold. It was the last piece I’d been holding onto for no real reason. And now, it was gone. There was an ache at the news, but no true pain. It wasn’t like I ever wanted to return there. My home was on Anchor now.

I moved onto another email, this one from an unknown sender. I guarded my email and phone number like they were nuclear launch codes, never giving out either unless absolutely necessary. Skimming the first few lines of the email, my jaw hardened.

Mr. Lockwood,

This is Marcy Roberts with Celebrity Weekly. I’ve been trying to reach you for some time. I would love to do an in-depth feature on you and your family in honor of the twenty-year anniversary of their passing. Please call me at the number below.

I quickly blocked the email address and reported it as spam. What was with the fascination with other people’s pain? Did it make someone feel better about their own lives to focus on others’ tragedies? Or was it simply the car-wreck phenomenon—people couldn’t help but watch and stare?

The whys of it all didn’t matter. I wanted nothing to do with having my family’s name splashed across print and screen. I had enough reminders with my nightmares.

8

Caelyn

“Are you sure you want to go?” I asked Will as I loaded a bunch of the meals into a cooler.

“I’m sure. We can all go to the beach afterwards.”

I studied my not-so-little brother. Will didn’t seem like he was judging or worried, but he did seem determined to accompany me to Griffin’s for my first delivery. “What’s this all about?”

Will leaned a hip against the counter. “What you said the other night. It got to me. I know what it’s like to have people judge me because of my past, to talk about me behind my back. I shouldn’t have turned around and done the same to Griffin. It’s not like they say anything really bad. Mostly that it’s weird how he stays at his house by himself all the time. But I’d like a chance to get to know him a little better for myself.”

I pulled Will into a hard hug. “You know you’re the best kid in the history of kids, right?”

“You’re suffocating me.”

I released him on a laugh. “Suffocating you with love.”

Will groaned and shook his head. “So, can I come with you?”