Free Love Struck (Miss Match #2) by Laurelin McGee Page A

you’re flattered and so you aren’t thinking clearly. But trust me, this isn’t what you need. You need to stay here and work on your next album.”
    Lacy turned to her underwear drawer then, so that Andy wouldn’t see how irritated she was with her sister’s condescension. “Not true. I can work on my album on the road like every other touring musician does. You’re the one who needs me here. And you don’t really need me.”
    “I do need you.” Her sister’s voice was somewhat desperate. “But that’s not why I’m against this. It’s bad timing. It’s not safe. I haven’t even met any of these men.”
    “Oh, hell, Andy. Would you just stop?”
    “I will not stop. You are my sister. My baby sister. I know how much you still hurt, every single day, even though you pretend you’re okay. You aren’t okay. Not yet. You will be, but this is too soon. You’re still too fragile.”
    “I’m not fragile, Andy. Not in the least. Why would you even think that? Because my fiancé offed himself a year ago? Because he left me alone to deal with his body and his belongings and this emotional baggage? Yeah, that sucked. But I’m fine. I’ve been fine. In fact, the only thing that has been not fine is all the people who treat me with kid gloves trying to protect me or coddle me. I need to move on. I need to spread wings and all that. This is my chance. Why would you not want that for me?” As soon as it was out, Lacy knew she’d maybe been too harsh.
    Andy stared at her for a moment before bursting into tears. She threw herself down on the half of Lacy’s bed the suitcase wasn’t occupying.
    “I’m sorry. I’m just—sorry. I’m scared.”
    Lacy shot a longing look at her laptop before snapping it shut and attending to Andy. Perching on the edge of the bed, she rubbed her big sister’s back. This was the way it always seemed to end up with the two of them, with Lacy offering comfort instead of the other way around.
    “Hey. I know. I remember, remember? Wedding planning is terrifying. Like Tim.” That got a little grin out of Andy.
    “I know you remember But I’m not afraid of the wedding planning. I’m not even afraid of crazy Tim. I’m afraid of losing you. If you’re away from me, and off with a bunch of people—guys, no less—that you don’t even know, how will I know you’re okay? You barely talk to me about your feelings as is. Who will you talk to on the road?” She sniffled.
    “I don’t talk because I don’t have anything to say right now. But when I do, you’ll be the first to hear it. And you won’t lose me. I’ll call you every day and you can catch me up on the latest plans. This really is going to be good for me, you know. And good for you too.”
    “How is this supposed to be good for me? These are the last months of my single life. The last days we get to be together.” And there it was. The truth. The real reason Andy had been pulling her to wedding planning meetings and going ballistic about a once-in-a-lifetime career opportunity.
    The revelation pulled at Lacy’s chest. Made her feel closer to Andy than she had in a while. Which was a nice feeling since she hadn’t felt close to anyone lately.
    Nice feeling or not, it left her a little speechless. “I didn’t know you felt that way.”
    “Yeah. I do.” Andy reached for a tissue, though her arm wasn’t quite long enough. She wormed her way forward and stretched again. Lacy considered helping, but decided watching was more fun. On the fourth wiggle, she managed to grab one, though the box went toppling to the floor.
    Lacy bit back a laugh. Then she reached a hand out to muss her sister’s hair. “I’m glad you want to spend time with me. I kind of like you too.” She winked. “But trust me—we’ll still get time together after you’re married. It’s not like Blake’s planning on chaining you up in the mansion and never letting you have visitors.” She paused. “Except he is kind of