Page 47 of Aug
“I’m so sorry. You should take more tim–”
“Time waits for no one, Balle. You know that.”
I pulled back, gathering myself as much as possible as I did so.
“Sitting at home won’t make it hurt less. Staying on the frontline will help, though.”
“My God, August. I really hate to hear that. I didn’t know what had happened to you. You had us all worried.”
“Don’t worry about me, Balle. That’s my job… to worry about you.”
“Well, it’s time someone worried about you. Besides, you’re family. I couldn’t help myself. God. I’m so sorry.”
“Me, too.”
I helped her inside of the SUV and then slid in beside her. No more words were exchanged. I didn’t have anything left in me. I wanted silence. She respected those unspoken wishes and busied herself with her tablet.
We arrived at the home of The Therapist a few minutes after pulling out of the gates of Balle’s home. The commute was short. They all lived within twenty minutes of each other.
We filed out of the car and into the home to find the entire Childers clan in attendance. Everyone except for the man who’d employed me and the mother of the flock. Greetings were exchanged as we made our way through the home and into the dining room.
Socializing wasn’t in my range of capacity. I got into position and decided not to move for the rest of the night unless absolutely necessary.
Until I heard that familiar voice.
And, then saw that familiar face.
My heart’s cries grew louder as the prettiest girl of them all rounded the corner. Dressed in olive green, Tiana brightened the entire room upon entry. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Slow to blink, I tried my hardest not to miss a moment of her beauty.
Inside and outside.
She was the full package. The full ride. Full scholarship to a better life. Yet, I felt it deep in my bones that I’d fumbled. My gaze lingered, analyzing every movement.
She avoided me like the plague. Her eyes didn’t move in my direction. Her body was angled in the other direction. Her back was facing me.
She’s not happy with me.
I scanned the placecards, hoping hers was near me. It wasn’t. It was on the opposite side, right across from Rome.
Face to face.
I observed as everyone began to settle down and take their seats. Tiana adjusted her dress as she settled in. She swiped the strands of hair that had fallen into her face. The smile on her face was forged. She was experiencing pain, discomfort, and anxiety beyond expected. My presence wasn’t in her plans.
I’m sorry, Ti.
“Happy belated birthday,” Roaman blurted, handing Tiana a small LV bag across the table.
My nostrils swelled. There was another layer added to the complexities of this situation. I’d missed Ti’s birthday.
Fuck.
“Thank you! You really didn’t have to.”
“I know, but I did.”
“So did I,” Range said, handing her a second bag.
“Awww. Thank you.”
