Page 66 of Fractured Grief
“Sure thing. I’ll bring it all out to your table soon,” Kath said as Seb paid, and we headed back to the table.
I loved the hipster vibes and small-town charms of Jolt, and the muffin and coffee were to die for. I hadn’t been able to suppress my groan as I enjoyed my first bite of my overlarge muffin. I enjoyed Seb’s eyes on me as I ate, and my skin tingled with electricity at our closeness. His soft smiles as he watched me had my heart skipping a beat. I was still flying high at Seb’s ready acceptance of our boyfriend label. I was giddy that Seb was mine.
After we finished our treats, Seb offered to show us a little of the town and asked if we minded ducking by his work. I was excited to have Seb share his town and life with us.
We made our way back onto Main Street and headed up towards the town entrance to visit the garage.
We were about to step into the large, open workspace when we noticed a couple in a rather heated embrace. A petite man was held up with his legs around the back of the tall man, who had similar colored hair and skin to Seb. This must be his other brother. The only one I hadn’t met, as he’d been unable to visit Seb at the outpatient center.
Seb cleared his throat before speaking in hopes they’d notice us and pull apart naturally, but to no avail.
“I’d say get a room, but I know that wouldn’t matter with you two,” Seb called. His words had them jumping, and the smaller of the two came launching at Seb.
“Sebastian, it’s so good to see you,” he said as he jumped into Seb’s arms for an exuberant hug.
Seb chuckled. “It’s good to see you too, Bodhi,” as he hugged the man back.
“Careful, Bodhi, you’ll knock him over.” The other guy said as he came to greet us. “It’s good to see you, bro,” he said and gave Seb a backslapping hug once Bodhi moved aside.
Once they’d both hugged Seb, they turned to glance at Hazel and me.
Seb reached his arm out for me to step into his embrace. I did just that, reveling in his warmth and ownership. “Guys, this is Indy. My boyfriend,” Seb announced, beaming from ear to ear. “And his daughter, Hazel. Indy, this is Atticus, my older brother, and his boyfriend, Bodhi.”
Atticus’s jaw dropped as his gaze flicked between me and Seb.
“Wait. Hold up. Boyfriend? What the hell have I missed?” he said, looking stunned.
Bodhi patted Atticus on the chest. “Close your mouth or you’ll catch flies.” He beamed up at him. “You’ve been too busy, and we’ve been a bitdistractedto be all up to date on everything, but I told you there were sparks.” He turned and sent me a wink. “It’s so nice to meet you, officially. Thank you for taking such great care of Seb, and I’m so glad he finally admitted his feelings. It justmakes me so happy!” His shoulder-length, shaggy brown hair bounced as he danced in place. The freckles dotting his nose and cheeks stood out as his smile grew. “Seb deserves all the happiness in the world.”
“Thank you?” I said, but it came out sounding like a question. “I’m sorry, but I don’t think I remember you. Did you visit Seb during one of his sessions?”
“No, no, sorry for the confusion. Lyric filled me in.” He sent me a conspiratorial smirk, and I couldn’t help my bark of laughter at that.
“Oh dear, I can only imagine what he’d have to say,” I smiled at Bodhi. He was only a few inches taller than me, and his aqua blue eyes were intense. I wondered if they were contacts. He seemed to be around my age, but younger than his boyfriend.
“He’s a character and loves to add to the drama. But we love our Lyric in all his exuberance,” Bodhi said fondly.
“Mind if I chat to Atty for a sec?” Seb asked me.
“No, that’s fine.”
“Come on. How about we head into the break room and leave these two to chat about mechanics?” Bodhi said as he led Hazel and me through the workshop and into a back room with a small kitchenette, table, chairs, and a long black leather couch.
“Here, honey. Why don’t you rest on the couch with my phone for a little while, while I chat to Seb’s friend?” I said this, knowing Hazel would soon get agitated with all the new people and places.
“Want something to drink?” Bodhi asked.
“We’ve just been to Jolt, but I’d love a glass of water. Thanks.”
Bodhi grabbed us glasses and gestured for me to sit at the round table in the middle of the room.
“So, other than being a PT and a dad, tell me more about yourself, Indy,” Bodhi asked as he came to sit opposite me.
“Not much to tell outside of work and Hazel. I’m from a small, unpleasant town. I was glad to escape finally, and I moved to Missoula for work. What about you? Are you from Hope’s Ridge, too?”
“Oh no. I basically fell into Hope’s Ridge trying to escape my abusive ex, found Atticus, and then never left.” He spoke so openly about his past that I was a little taken aback.
Something about what he said was similar to some of the early notes in Seb’s hospital file. “Shit. Your ex is the one who shot Seb,” I whispered in horror. “I’m so sorry, Bodhi. That must have been terrifying.”
