“If I were Persy, you would’ve helped me move. Instead, you’re demanding money that I don’t have,” she argues. “It’s a verbal contract which should be binding. He is good for it. Don’t worry about what can happen to your precious name.”
I sigh. “That argument is so old it doesn’t have the same effect. Calliope, our parents are going to be heartbroken and worried if you don’t tell them where you are. At least give them a courtesy call.”
“They are the reason I’m running away from this family. Have you realized that they aren’t normal? They embarrass us. While growing up, I could never bring friends to the house because I never knew what they would do,” she explains. “Please, don’t tell me you aren’t ashamed of them. How many times have you brought a boyfriend to the house? None, because you know it’s horrifying to introduce them to Octavio and Edna Brassard. And then, there’s Persephone. She’s a famous sexologist.”
Our parents are unique. Yes, they can be a handful and we have to control their narrative sometimes. However, I’ll take those two above many other parents who are abusive, neglectful, or plain. Persy is an influencer, a therapist, and yes, she markets herself as a sexologist. There’s nothing wrong with her career. I’d be concerned if she was a criminal.
“We never had normal,” she continues, and I laugh. “Stop laughing at me!”
I clear my throat and say, “I laugh because you’re not making sense. You sound like a petulant child having a tantrum because you’re not getting your way.”
“You never take me seriously, Nyx. You think you are the smartest one of us. Just because you have a fancy office, a nice house, and a luxury car, you think that you are better than us. You are not!”
“Callie, stop while you’re ahead,” I warn her.
“You’re upset because I’m telling you the truth. And the truth always hurts. You’re pathetic, Nyx. Your life is fucking sad. Just boring and plain like you.”
She’s not wrong about being boring or having a life. I’m nothing like Persy or her. One thing I hate about my baby sister is that when she strikes, she hits where it hurts the most.
“Listen, Callie, we love you even when you’re rude to us because you are our little sister. I stopped liking you a long time ago. You became this entitled woman that I can’t stand, and you know what…I’m done being the one trying to keep this family together,” I say. “Not only that, I’m done with you. If you want to play martyr and tell the world that you escaped your crazy family, that’s up to you. Just don’t come back groveling for money.”
I hang up and fire up a text to Persy.
Nyx: What are you up to?
Persy: I’m hanging out with Ford. Need me?
Nyx: No, I wanted to gossip about your hot grumpy neighbor. I guess we’ll have to do it another time.
Persy: Liar. What’s happening?
I smile because she knows me too well.
Nyx: Nothing important, I swear. Talk to you soon.
Persy: Love you, Nyx.
Nyx: Love you, Pers.
As much as I would love to tell her what is happening with Callie, I don’t do it. One of these days, I’ll give her the Spark Notes. I just wish I had someone in my life who was there for me when I feel like the weight on my shoulders is too heavy to carry. Maybe I just have to dump it in some abandoned alley and be done with everyone.
I drive back to my house where I place my leftovers in the refrigerator and put on my pajamas. Instead of turning on the television to find some numbing tv show to watch, I pull out my tablet from my messenger bag and start working on my next case.
Callie isn’t wrong. I don’t have a life. Boring... I don’t think I’m boring. I just don’t have time to let my hair loose and just live for pleasure. I should add that to my to-do list. Maybe at the bottom of it. One day I’ll get to it.
It’s official. I’m totally hopeless at love, parenting and life.
Single mom? Check.
Massive debt? Check.
A sassy daughter who inherited my gift of snark?
Ugh. Check.
And if I find out who gave her the idea to call into a relationship podcast and tell the world about my disastrous situation, they’ll regret it. And as if it wasn’t enough for the world to know… my brother’s best friend was also listening.
I had a huge crush on Zach in high school.
Now, I work three jobs, I’m back in school, and doing my best to be in my traitorous kid’s life. Men are the last thing on my mind. I wouldn’t have time to look at a man even if he fell into my lap.
Until he does.
Zach tragically lost his wife some time ago, and now, he’s looking to save everyone—including me.
A super hot fling with my old flame, with a broken man? Check.
Falling for him: my most hopeless situation yet? Double check.
***
Until Next Time is a brand-new romantic comedy featuring a secret billionaire looking for the one that got away by USA TODAY Bestselling Author Claudia Burgoa. Get ready to laugh and swoon your way through this chick-lit tale of a single mom searching for her happy ending.
Dear Reader,
Thank you so much for picking up a copy of Love Like Her. I am grateful to have you as my reader and if you are new to me, I hope this is the beginning of our journey together.
The Brassard family came to me when the pandemic started. They’re the escape I needed for this year. I wasn’t sure if I’d be writing a book for each sibling, or just for Persy and Nyx. Once I got to know Eros better, I knew the perfect book for him. One I’ve been plotting for a long time.
This guy isn’t exactly a man child, but a guy who wanted to make everyone happy and knew how to play the system. As much as he looked as an uncaring guy, he was taking care of Liv.
The end of Against All Odds was supposed to be this story, but after meeting Zack, I can’t just ignore him. His story is perfect and I hope you are ready to read about a widower, his best friend’s little sister, and a single mom.
If you haven’t read Persy and Ford’s story and would like to follow their journey, you can grab a copy of Wrong Text, Right Love.
One last thing, if you loved Love Like Her as much as I do, please leave a review on your favorite retailer and on Bookbub. Also, please spread the word about it among your friends.
Sending all my love,
Claudia xoxo
Acknowledgments
There are two things that are super hard for me when I write a book, making sure that I don’t forget anyone because it’s always important to be grateful to those who hold my hand while I write my stories and publish them.
The second thing is blurbs. Which brings me to thank you to Megan Linski and Katie McGee for helping me with titles and blurbs.
Thank you so much to Kristi. My BFFL, editor, shoulder to cry, and my person. The Holly to my Olivia.
Hang Le, my longtime cover artist. She’s amazing at making my books look beautiful.
Thank you to Kim who has been taking over a lot of my tasks slowly. I’m not sure what I’ll do without you, therefor you can never leave me, ha!