“Well, we haven’t reached the nursing home stage yet, but at least we got to share an apartment,” Lily says wistfully.
I smile as I remember all the fun times we’ve had. “God, I miss that, Lils! I miss you,” I say, feeling tears threatening. “I loved our little apartment.”
“Me too, honey. Colorado seems so far away. The last few months haven’t been the same without you here to keep me sane.”
“I know, but Mom needs me right now,” I reply, feeling empty as I say the words.
“How is she?”
I pause, wondering how to answer that. “It’s tough. I’m not going to lie. People don’t realize that alcohol addiction is a sickness just like any other.”
“I’m sorry you’re having to deal with it alone. I wish I could be there to help you,” Lily says, a wobble in her voice.
“Just hearing your voice helps me,” I reply softly. “And you know you can come visit anytime you like.”
“I know, and I will just as soon as I’m settled in this job,” she promises.
“Good. Enough depressing talk,” I say firmly. “Did Boss McHottie say when he wants you to start?”
“Monday,” she replies, chuckling at my nickname for Callum. “My new boss may be hot, but no way am I going down that road, even if I do want to lick him like a popsicle.”
“Ha! Like you’d even know how!” I snigger.
“That’s a low blow, Daisy Jenkins!”
“Again, how would you know?” I ask, bursting into near-hysterical laughter at my lame joke.
“My best friend has a mind like a sewer,” Lily sighs, and I can just picture her shaking her head.
“Listen, honey, I have to go. Speak in a few days, okay?” I say as the timber structure of The Hideout finally comes into view.