Page 36 of Lost Lyrics

At ten o’clock that night, Dr. Raithna dialed up the dosage of morphine.

My gut cinched. My heart cried. I kissed Mom on the forehead...goodbye.

Within an hour, her breathing slowed.

Her rasping eased.

Peace washed over her face.

We stayed with her all night.

Surrounded by the people who loved her, Mom passed away at 7:02a.m.

***

Five days later, after Mom’s memorial service, family and friends came back to my house in Sherman Oaks, where Mom and Bridget had lived. Mom had pre-planned everything—the service, the wake, the catering. It was hard to comprehend that something involving my mother had been stress-free.

As I cleared some empty glasses off a table and headed into the kitchen, Sutton drifted over to me. “Hey, Maddy? You don’t need to do that.” She took the glasses from me and handed them to one caterer, and mouthed ‘thank you’to them. The lady smiled and left us, picking up more used dishes and glassware on her way back to the kitchen.

Sutton hooked her arm around mine and drew me across the room. “Let’s go outside and get some fresh air.”

Is that possible in LA? Doubtful.But outdoors was what I needed.

I swiped a bottle of water off the table, and we headed outside. We joined Tia, Ava, and the guys on the lawn.

“How are you holding up, Maddy?” Sadness hooded Ava’s eyes as a small, concerned pout touched her lips.

“I’m okay.” Numbness had set in. I wasn’t sure whether that was a good thing or not. “It’s still sinking in. It’s hard to believe she’s gone.”

“Do you need our help with anything?” Tia asked as she nibbled on a mini cupcake. Mom had loved her sweets.

“No. Thank you. Timothy’s here for a couple days. We only have a few things to finalize.” My brother didn’t care about Mom’s affairs. They hadn’t been close for years. Mom had gotten rid of so many of her belongings and had her will, finances, and insurance in order. Bridget had made plans to live with friends. They’d known the end was coming. All I had to do was move the last of my things to Slip’s place before I sold the house. I didn’t need it anymore. Although I owned it, it had been Mom’s home more than mine. I hadn’t lived there full-time for years.

I stared at Mom’s favorite potted azaleas, sitting in a row at the end of the patio. They were blooming with tiny pink flowers. She’d spent hours fussing over those stupid plants, trimming them, talking to them, watering them. “I already miss her.”

No more shopping outings and long lunches. No more wildlife shows on TV. But it was weird. I wasn’t miserable. Mom had been sick for so long that her passing hadn’t come as a total shock. I’d been angry she’d lied again, hurt she’d kept information from me, but in the end, I was glad she could rest in peace. “Today isn’t a sad day. Mom’s no longer suffering or in pain. I can’t be upset about those things.” I glanced at each of my friends, grateful for how lucky I was. “And I can’t thank you all enough for being here.”

“We’d do anything for you, Mads.” Ava snaked her hand around Cole’s waist and rested her head against his shoulder. “We’re here for you and Slip. Always. But we miss you. After things settle down, we’d love to come and see you if you’re finally up for it. The kids are on summer vacation. We’ve wanted to visit you guys for ages.”

I glanced at Slip. We hadn’t had any visitors yet. We’d delayed having any guests to make sure we took the necessary time to get better. We were still a work in progress but doing well. If Slip needed more of a break before we faced reality again, I would support him one thousand percent. But he smiled and gave me a subtle nod. I turned back to Ava.

“We’d love that.” I slid my hand into Slip’s and gave it a gentle tug. My handsome husband hadn’t left my side. “We’re ready. Aren’t we?”

Slip’s eyes glinted as he drew me against his side. “We sure are. But why don’t we make it a big event?” He skipped his gaze across our friends. “We’d love everyone to visit. Would you all like to come for July Fourth?”

“Only if you stay away from the grill.” Flint chuckled, but was dead serious. “I don’t want burned sausages and steak again.”

“Hey?” Slip drew his chin back and laughed. “I’ve learned to cook...kind of.”

That element of our time away had been fun. We were much better in the kitchen now thanks to YouTube videos. We’d mastered some amazing dishes. Thai chicken was our go-to favorite. Making cookies often ended up in a sticky, sexy mess.Hmmm.Especially ones that involved chocolate. He didn’t call mesweetsfor nothing.

“But are you okay if we drink? Not a lot. Just something.” Caution veered through Cole’s tone. “I can’t do July Fourth without beer. It would be criminal.”

“Yeah, it should be fine.” Slip nodded. There was no quake or hesitation in his voice. “It’ll be another good test. I don’t want to drink anymore, but you’re more than welcome to.”

“Count us in.” Lewis rubbed Tia’s lower back. “We’ve wanted to visit for months, too.”

“We certainly have.” Tia stuffed the last bite of cupcake into her mouth, then patted her lower belly. “The three of us will be there.”

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