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“Less now.”
“What changed?”
Ryleigh thought about that for a moment. “I got tired of letting bad things own the good things that came after them.”
I sat very still.
“That took time.”
“How much?”
She gave a quiet laugh. “I’ll let you know.”
Fair.
I looked toward the window. “Did you know you wanted to stay?”
“Not right away.”
“Even with Anik?”
“Especially with Anik.”
I looked at her.
“He was extremely irritating.”
“I’ve heard.”
“Whatever you heard was understated.”
I smiled.
Then she shifted abruptly and grimaced.
“You okay?”
“Yes.”
“You made a face.”
“Apparently my ribs are negotiable.”
“That sounds miserable.”
“It is.”
A chime sounded.
Ryleigh looked toward the door. “My appointment.”
“Medical?”
“Nurse.”
She pushed herself upright. Slowly.
I started to move.
