All the Way (Romancing Manhattan #1)(45)

“I’m sorry,” he says, sniffling more. “I know you just have questions. Yeah, I would have questions too.”

Sasha taps on her wrist, signaling that the next class is going to start soon, and I nod.

“I’m really glad that you’re getting help. I hope that it’s successful.”

“It will be,” he says confidently. “I promise. I’m not going to let you down this time. I’m all you have, and I’m going to be here for you.”

Right.

“I hope so, Kyle. Keep me posted on your progress, will you?”

“Do you really want me to?”

“Of course.” I stand and reach for my stuff. “But I have to go to my next class now.”

“Yeah, you go to class.” He sniffs again. “I just needed to talk to you, but I guess you’re too busy for me.”

I roll my eyes again and sigh. “Kyle, this is work. You know that.”

“And I can’t keep a job because I’m a loser junkie. Yeah, I know. You go to class.”

He hangs up in my ear and I toss my phone in my bag and stare at Sasha in bewilderment.

“So that went well?”

“Not really.” I shrug a shoulder. “He’s paranoid, and his moods are all over the place, which is typical for an addict. But he says he’s going to rehab.”

“Do you think he will?”

“No.”

“Speaking of rehab,” Sasha says, “do you remember Fiona Masterson?”

I frown. “The playwright?”

“Yes, that’s the one. Rumor has it that she has a new musical that she’s been shopping around, but no one will touch it.”

“Why not?”

Sasha frowns. “Because it’s about addiction, overcoming it, and moving on from it.”

I lean my ass against the wall and stare at her. “Really? Why doesn’t anyone want to fund it?”

“Because it’s a tough subject, and a lot of the heavier pieces don’t do as well.” She shrugs, and my wheels are turning. “I remembered when Kyle called. I don’t know if you’ve ever thought of funding a show, but this might be a good one.”

I’d certainly like to talk to Fiona. I clear my throat as we walk into the dance room. “Something to think about for sure. Let’s dance.”

She squeezes my arm and takes her place next to me, and my mind drifts to my brother.

I don’t believe Kyle’s really going to get clean, nor do I think he wants to. He’s trying to manipulate me, but for what this time, I’m not sure.

That’s a lie. I know. He wants money. He always just wants money.

I wish I could trust that he was being honest. I wish that with all my heart. I don’t want to have to bury my brother. But this is Kyle we’re talking about, and that’s not the case. He’s done this to me and my parents so many times.

So, no more answering unknown caller calls. I don’t have room in my life for toxicity, and Kyle is the most toxic person I know.



I’ve been through three dance classes today, and I’m not limping. That’s a win in my book.

As soon as I get back to my condo, I call Finn’s cell. He’s out of town for a couple of days, but I’d like to hear his voice.

“Hey baby,” he says, but I can tell he’s in a hurry.

“Hi,” I reply, and hold the phone closer to my ear. “Are you busy?”

“I’m trying to stay busy so I can wrap this up quickly and get home to you,” he says, making me smile. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I was just wondering if you’d look into something for me regarding my dad’s estate.”

“Of course. What’s up?”

“I got a call from Kyle this morning. He says he put in a request with the trust for rehab, and I just want to find out if that’s true.”

“I’ll make some calls and let you know.”

“No huge rush, I know you’re busy. But yeah, when you have time, I’d appreciate it.”

“No problem. Are you okay after that call?”

“It was weird,” I reply honestly, and rub my hand over my face. “But I’m fine.”

“What are your plans for tonight?”

“I think I’m going to have Sasha over for dinner, and then early to bed. I have an early class tomorrow.”

“Okay, baby. I’ll call you when I’m finished with meetings this evening.”

“Sounds good. Talk to you later.”

“Later.”

I hang up and walk into the bathroom, start the shower, and then send Sasha a text.

Wanna come over for dinner in a couple of hours? I’ll make you fish tacos.



I step under the hot stream and tip my head back to wet my hair. Sasha replies right away.

Hell yes. I’ll bring the tequila.



I snort out a laugh. See you soon.



“So where is Finn again?” Sasha asks a few hours later as we devour our fish tacos.

“Miami,” I reply. “Something for work. And it sucks because he comes home tomorrow and then I leave the next day for L.A., so I only get to see him for a little bit.”