Page 51 of All the Days After
“What did she die of?” His expressionmournful, brow heavy with regret, she felt him sharing her pain, adeep empathy she wasn’t sure others knew he was capable of.
“Cancer. An aggressive lymphoma.” Sophie’sheart still ached recalling the day her mom had given her the news.She’d been tired for a few weeks, already losing weight before sherealized something was wrong. Being a single mom, she was used torunning on fatigue.
“I’m so sorry. I hate to ask, but I’m likinghaving you around; was it something that could be hereditary?”
She smiled, understanding his concern. Hermother had asked that almost immediately; it had worried her untilthe oncologist had reassured her. “No. Just one of thosethings.”
Without regard for the rest of the room, hetook her hand in his. Sophie needed the contact. She hated keepingthis secret from her best friend. From Paul and Denise. Herfriends.
Eyes locked on to each other, they stilledfor longer than they should. Visiting quietly in their privatecorner, they nearly forgot the rest of the party existed.
Grady came to the rescue. “You know, it’llmake it harder to keep this quiet if you two blow it before youbreak the news to Pippa.” He raised an eyebrow at the indiscreetcouple.
Remembering where they were, Sophie pulledher hand out of Asher’s and sat up a bit in the cushy sofa.“Thanks, Grady. I hate lying to Pippa. Love her to death, but she’sa little scary right now.”
Raising his eyebrows, he nodded. “Lincoln’sgoing nuts trying to keep her sane. I find I’m inspired to considereloping when my time comes. Even if I found a partner that couldhandle it, I don’t think I could handle my mother.”
Sophie had to agree, although something aboutgetting married in such a beautiful spot was pretty tempting. Herparents had been married in a courthouse and apparently had livedquite happily together, never having loved each other any less forlack of a big wedding. Colette’s parents hadn’t exactly beenthrilled about their nineteen-year-old daughter marrying anenlisted guy in the army. Despite their initial misgivings aboutthe marriage, they came around and had been doting grandparents,for the few years that she had them.
“Your mother can’t be half as bad as myaunt,” she goaded, suddenly wanting to know more.
He took a big gulp of beer, rolling his eyesdeep in his skull. “Maybe, maybe not. She’s just rich and entitled.Me, being me, she enjoys criticizing like it’s a hobby.”
Chuckling, Sophie couldn’t imagine anyonethinking Grady were anything less than perfect. Before she couldcall him on it, Asher sat up in his seat and raised an eyebrow,“Seriously? You’re a mother’s dream. Hell, my parents know I’m ascrew up.”
“Not my mother. Anyway, I’m sure you’ll getto meet her eventually. Not that she would stoop to using a localaccounting service or call the police when she could call in herown team of Seattle bodyguards if needed.” He shrugged and toastedthe air. “Enough about dear old Patricia. What’s the deal with youraunt?”
Immediately defensive, Sophie tried to hideher reaction. No good ever came from questions about Yvette. “Whathave you heard?”
“Nothing good. Sophie, I’ve heard you andPippa talking about her, as well as a few rumors here and there. Iknow she’s a pretty terrible person.”
Rolling her eyes, Sophie nodded, “That aboutsums it up.”
Turning into full lawyer-mode, Grady wore hisserious face. “There are some pretty vile stories floating aroundthe party. Maybe even around town. Mostly about how you abandonedyour feeble, benevolent aunt and left her destitute.”
Sophie smiled through threatening tears ofboiling hot rage and resentment. Her fists balled up tight, nearlycrushing the wineglass she’d forgotten she held. “Oh, is that all?She threatened worse.”
Asher covered her fist with his hand inattempt to comfort her, but it would take a whole lot more thanempathy right now.
Voice harsh, Grady was pissed on her behalf.“How much worse?”
Asher went to speak up, but Sophie wouldn’tlet him. She didn’t want to let this get out of control, as thingsso quickly could with Yvette. Better to let it go, reduce the blastzone when things got too hot.
“I can handle it.” Realizing her tone was abit harsh and not helping her case, she added a cursory, “Thanksthough.”
Making meaningful eye contact across her, sheknew Grady and Asher weren’t going to take her objectionsseriously. Plotting how to defend her without her consent. She sortof appreciated that they cared so much, but more, she feared theirhelp might make things worse. She’d been on her own when it came toYvette for too long… for a very good reason, and she couldn’t helpbut fear the repercussions if she actively resisted Yvette.
“Look, if she’s threatening you, you may havelegal rights. Please, let me help if this gets out of hand.” Gradytensed his jaw, his eyes full of hatred on her behalf.
“I will. Really. Thanks, Grady.” She musteredup an appreciative smile and a nod.
Lincoln’s father hollered from the massivedining table set to host the entire party, “Alright, folks. Comeand get it.” Smiling, happy guests descended hungrily on thetable.
For now, Sophie relaxed a bit. The rest ofdinner went by relatively uneventfully. Fortunately, most everyoneknew not to mention her dear old Auntie Yvette around her.
17
By ten that night, the household was finallyquieting down. T minus forty-two hours until I-Do’s. Sophie gotready for bed then went straight to Asher’s room. Despite theirexhaustion from a trying day, they found comfort in each other’sarms.
