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Chapter One

Krystal

“I know I said I’d pick you up from the bus station honey, but the Baxter & Chambers account is what keeps a roof over our heads I need to be in Houston tonight,” Dad says apologetically

But so tells me this is only the warm up

I’ve only just got ho twoat the internship from hell

No business class on a Greyhound either, I was lucky not to have a seat next to the bus’s bathroom

“It’s okay, dad” I lie Still mildly furious that he texted to tellhim

Work

His job as a legal services accountant means he travels a lot It also means he has contracts open and close quicker than the books he’s working on, depending on the firm

This ht be Hawaii

Sounds glaotten just howmyself

“Alrighty Have a safe—” I start to say after a long pause, drawing the real reason for his call out of him, like water from a well

“Uh There’s just one , Krystal,” he adds quickly and I roll my eyes

I don’t really mind Whatever dad needs I can help I’ for a bath at ho away

“We have a new neighbor since you finished college,” he tells round and he breaks up for a moment

“…only until his new house is built I’ve been feeding his Koi while he’s been away”

Fascinating

There’s another long period of static where I can’t quite hear what he’s saying, but I think he’s trying to tell uy’s name

“You’re breaking up dad,” I tell hio anyway honey, but he’s due in at four fro with the keys and soas money”

“What?” I al the time as it clicks

I’uy up from the airport

Great

I’ll barely have enough tias let alone be at the airport by four