Break Point (Six Gems #6)

One Teagan

One

Teagan

B oss babe.

That’s what everyone at Williams I don’t want to be a downer with my financial woes. But today is just too much.

“Why? What’s going on?”

“All the economic uncertainty is negatively affecting real estate,” I respond. “Buyers can’t get loans because home prices and interest rates are too high. I started Williams & Associates when the market was booming and…well, now, I’m feeling the pinch.”

“Oh, Teagan, I’m so sorry. Why didn’t you say anything before?” Her large almond-shaped eyes show true concern. That’s Lyric. She always has empathy.

“I didn’t want to spoil the mood.”

“Because we’re all so happy and in love?” she offers.

I shrug. “Something like that.”

“Just because I love Devon and Kianna doesn’t negate the fact that you’re my friend and sister. You can always tell me and the Gems what’s going on. Even if we can’t help, we can sympathize.”

“Logically, I know this, but I was hoping to turn it around. Usually things go my way.” Except when they don’t.

Lyric chuckles softly. “You think you’re a superwoman, Teagan, but you’re not. You’re human like the rest of us.”

“Are you sure about that? Because I could have sworn I had supernatural powers. Didn’t I help all of you find your happily-ever-afters?”

“Oh, so you’re gonna take the credit for that?”

I laugh. “Just a little.” I pinch my thumb and forefinger together. “I gave each of you a little push when the moment called for it.”

“I think you gave us your two cents.” Lyric snorts. “You weren’t too keen on Egypt’s fiancé, Garrett, or Asia’s husband, Blake.”

I nod. She’s right. I was worried about my friends leaping before they looked. “True, but Garrett and Blake earned my respect. Besides, Asia made us both aunties—I didn’t have much choice but to fall head over heels for Ryan.”

“He is a gorgeous little boy.”

“Yes, he is.”

“I know you’ve always been focused on your career, but do you ever want a family someday?”

Before I met Dominic, my priority was tennis. He was slipping into my thoughts unbidden again . When we were together, I was happy and in love. I thought marriage and babies were a possibility, but not anymore. “I don’t know, Lyric. Once, I thought I could have it all, but I gave up on those dreams long ago.”

“You can still have them, Teagan,” Lyric responds. “If ever you need a case in point, I’m it. Losing my ballet career hit me hard, but who lifted me out of my depression, quite literally out of my bed , and made me fight again?” She answers when I don’t: “You. You told me, so what if that dream ended? I could make a new one. You suggested a dance studio where I could help other people find their dreams.”

A tear leaks down my cheek. “I did do that, didn’t I?” I give a wry laugh.

“Yes, you did. I know you’ll figure this out. I’ve always looked up to you because you’re such a fighter. Even when the world turned against you, you never gave up.”

“Lyric…” Her name is a warning. To not go there. To not go to the darkest time in my life. When I lost my career and my man all in one fell swoop.

“I’m sorry. I won’t bring it up,” Lyric replies.

“Thank you.” I’ve banned any of the Gems from talking about that time or even speaking his name out loud. It hurts too much to think about what a fool I was. I was duped, and I’ve vowed to never, ever be that gullible again.

“Of course. Maybe your parents could help?”

“Not a chance.” There’s no way I’m opening that hornet’s nest or listening to my father say I told you so . Hear him wax on about how I should have never left tennis—as if I had a choice.

“Okay, okay. I know your relationship with them is strained.”

That’s putting it mildly. I barely see my mother except when my father is too busy to catalog her every movement. As for him, we haven’t seen eye to eye in years, especially after I called him out for his controlling behavior toward me and my mother.

“I’ve got a meeting with a wealthy friend at the country club later this week. I’m hoping to drum up some business by joining.”

“Can you really afford to do that?” Lyric asks.

“I’ll manage.”

“Should that change, please let me and the Gems know. We’re your family, and we want your business to be successful, like each of ours. It’s what Aunt Helaine wanted for all of us.”

Thinking about the kind and generous older woman brings a smile to my face. It also puts fire in my belly. Wynter’s aunt Helaine believed in us, and I can’t, won’t fail her, even in death.

After hanging up with Lyric, I feel encouraged. There’s nothing like unconditional love. I never had that until the Gems came into my life. With my parents, I felt like I always had to be the best—whether that was at home being the perfect daughter or on the court as a star athlete. It always felt like their love was conditional .

A long time ago, I decided I could live without their love or lack thereof and I wouldn’t let it define me or who I wanted to be. I learned to depend on myself.

There’s nothing I can’t do when I put my mind to it, and this is no different.