The idea of traveling to St. Barts should’ve excited me.

Sun. Sand. A private island villa. Sophia and Jay practically begged me to come.

But instead of excitement, all I felt was a tight knot in my chest. I couldn’t ignore it. I couldn’t say yes without checking in with the one person who had always helped me sort through the noise, my mom.

I curled up on the couch with a warm mug of tea, took a deep breath, and dialed her number.

She picked up on the second ring.

“Emily? Hope ...