BECAUSE SOMEBODY HAS TO

The family Claire Bell put her life on hold for has sold the house without telling her.She came to Pittsburgh for two weeks after her father broke his hip. Months later, she's still coordinating appointments, second-guessing every care decision, and promising Daniel she'll return to their life in Washington soon. Then her parents announce they've accepted an offer on the home where she grew up. They already have a condo. Her brother knew. Claire didn't.So Claire does what she always does: takes charge. But as the closing date approaches, a letter hidden behind the family portrait reveals a future her mother once gave up. Back in Washington, the museum project Claire expected to lead has gone to the colleague she trained. Her relationship with Daniel is fraying, and the nightly wine she uses to quiet her thoughts has become its own problem.For years, Claire has been the person everyone calls when something goes wrong. Now the house is almost empty, her family is making plans without her, and the life she left behind won't wait forever.Because Somebody Has To is a wry, moving family novel about the daughter who handles everything, until everyone else starts making their own plans.