Page 44 of Fractured Grief
The laugh that burst out of him was music to my ears. “I’m guessing this was a nice surprise.”
“A wonderful s-surprise,” I said as I kissed the top of his head. I paused, pulling back from him. “Are you okay, though? You feel warm.” I placed my palm on his forehead.
He swatted my hand away and stepped back. “I’m fine. It’s probably just a cold. We’ve been run off our feet at the clinic, so my body’s tired and struggling to fight it off.”
“Okay,” I hesitated. “Well then, you need to sit and I’ll make some tea.” I guided him back over to the couch before I used my new cane to make my way into the kitchenand put the kettle on. I got Yaya’s ginger honey tea, which she swore would halve a cold and knock out any fever. Once brewed, I brought the cup to Indy, who was gazing at me with a softness in his eyes I couldn’t name.
“It’s my Yaya’s healing tea. She swears by it,” passing him the cup. “Careful, it’s hot.”
Indy pulled his mask down to breathe in the tea. “Thank you,” he whispered before taking a careful sip. “Hmm, it’s good.” He rested his head on the back of the couch and closed his eyes for a moment. “It’s nice to just stop for a minute.”
“It sounds like you’ve had a hell of a week.” I gently brushed his ashy curls off his forehead. “You rest.”
He must have been truly exhausted, because he smiled and fell asleep right there. I was honored that he felt so comfortable with me that he could just fall asleep. I moved his cup and watched him sleep for longer than probably was appropriate before the door opened and Lyric walked in.
“How was. . . it?”
I held my finger to my lips to shush him before moving off the couch to meet him by the door. “Shh, he’s exhausted.”
“Aww, look at you being all cute.” Lyric jostled my shoulder, playfully. “I take it your appointment was good, but how is he still here?”
“He and Carol came separately, and he must have cancelled appointments to stay.” I could feel my face breaking into a giant smile.
“Oh boy, look at you all giddy and inlurve,” Lyric teased.
“Shut up. No teasing, pl-lease,” I implored.
“But it’s so cute.” Lyric gazed at me with his palms on his cheeks like a lovesick child. “My giant, stoic, lug of a brother getting all thefeelings. It just makes me so happy!” He was squealing.
“Shh, keep it down and k-keep it to yourself.” I shoved him towards the stairs. “Go away and leave us be.”
“But I’mhungry,” Lyric added as he tried to make his way to the kitchen. Grabbing the hood of his hoodie, I pulled him back.
“No, you’re not. You’re a brat. Go.” I pointed to the stairs.
“You’re no fun,” he pouted before making his way up the stairs. It was still weird that he was in my old bedroom, and my room was now downstairs.
Once I was sure he was gone and not going to come back and continue annoying me, I went to grab some water before sitting next to Indy. He murmured in his sleep as I sat, and he shifted to cuddle into my side, his head on my arm, still fast asleep.
A rightness settled over me at having him in my arms again. I’d known he was special from our first meeting, but I don’t think I realized how special until this moment—seeing his much smaller body next to mine, fitting perfectly against me. I could feel the clawing darkness inside me loosen its hold. He’d helped me learn things about myself; things I didn’t think were in the cards for me. He gave me hope of more, shaking away the loneliness and grief that had been a part of me since Pa died. I wasn’t living, I’d justbeen coasting. Indy made me long for more, a real life, a family, kids.
I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of Hazel. She was so cute. I hope I’ll get to spend time with her, too. What was it like to have an eight-year-old? Would Indy want more kids?
My eyelids grew heavy as my mind ran away with the idea of kids and what my life with Indy could be like.
Chapter 22
Indy
Uh, my head. My eyes felt like they had lead weights on them.
Where was I? I forced my eyes open and took in the darkening living room. I was at Seb’s.
I was still at Seb’s!
It’s dark!
“Shit! What’s the time!? Hazel. Damn it.” I launched off the couch and patted myself down—phone, keys, wallet, good to go.
