Page 3 of Rest In Pieces
“I hate it when you call me that,” she growls, which is exactly why I said it. Peregrin Took has been her nickname since she was twelve and stopped growing and stayed hobbit height, but I prefer Pippin because it’s easier to say and it pisses her off.
“So, you know how you asked me if I wanted to come be your assistant for that cowboy movie?”
I sit up and cross my legs, suddenly glad she called. “You’re coming?”
“Yep.”
“Yes!”
She laughs giddily.
“Holy fuck, I can’t believe your dad’s letting you come.”
Nevaeh’s dad, Andrew, is a pastor back home. To say he’s strict doesn’t even begin to cover it. I could understand it when we were kids. They went through something no family should have to go through when Nevaeh’s twin sister, Citlalli, was kidnapped from right outside their house when they were just ten years old. But it’s been fifteen years, and Andrew’s grief has left him stuck in time. He still treats Nevaeh like she’s ten. His inability to let go has left Nevaeh trapped in a time capsule while the rest of the world has moved on.
It was painful to watch my beautiful, vibrant friend hide her true self just so that she could keep her father happy.
“Well, he kinda thinks I’m going away to Bible camp as a camp counselor.”
I sigh, knowing better than to open my mouth. There aren’t any right words to say. It would be so easy for me to criticize Andrew or tell Nevaeh that she needs to put her foot down, but I’ve never lived through what they have. I don’t know what it’s like to be stuck living between what they lost and what they could have had.
“You’re not saying anything.” The excitement fades from her voice.
“I’m surprised he agreed to the Bible camp. That’s got to be worse than hanging out with little old me.”
She chuckles, and I can hear her relief. “My aunt’s going. Dad said he’d only let me go if I shared a cabin with her and stayed by her side the whole time. My aunt says she’s sad Citlalli’s gone but seeing that I’ve stopped living hurts her even more. So, she told me to go with you, and she’ll cover for me.”
I swallow, wishing she were here so I could hug her.
“She’s right. I know she is. I just don’t want to hurt him.”
“I know. But your aunt’s right, Pippin. You need to live your life, too.”
“That’s why I’m coming. Bible camp is in the middle of nowhere, so there’s no cell service. My aunt will break that to him once I’ve already left. Maybe a bit of time away will give us both some perspective.”
“Well, I can’t wait to see you.”
“Same. I’d better go. I need to finish up some work before I leave. Text me if you want me to bring anything.”
“Will do. Bye.”
I wait for her to hang up before sliding off the bed and doing a little dance.
“This is going to be so much fun.”
2
GENESIS
“This is going to be a nightmare.” Blade, my president, rubs his hand over his beard.
I stare down at the papers I printed and spread out on the table for everyone to see.
“They won’t be here long.” Conan, the VP, chuckles.
“I’ll remind you of that in six months.”
“I think it’ll be fun. Movie sets have movie stars, right? I’ve never banged an actress before.” Probe rubs his hands together.