Percy was driving home from visiting his parents when he saw his phone light up in his cupholder. Elias was calling. His heart sank, a million thoughts racing through his mind. What if something happened to Ainsley? What if she was hurt, or burglarized? He slowed his car to a crawl, then tsked under his breath as he answered the phone.

“Elias?”

Elias sighed in relief over the phone. “Hey, Percy-boy. I hate to call you this late, but I could really use some help, bud.”

A pang of worry shot through him. “What’s wrong? What happened?” Percy pulled his car to the side of the road, setting it into park and turning down the radio.

“Any chance you could stop by the bar on 12th? Ains had a bad week and…” Elias trailed off, and Percy could hear his voice go muffled as he chastised Ainsley in the background. He huffed in irritation. “Look, I thought she could use a break, but she’s a fucking mess. One minute she’s singing karaoke, the next she’s damn near having a panic attack. Can you please come get her? I’ll pay you. She just won’t listen to me.”