Page 101 of Beat of Love
But something in his psyche shifted — just a little.
And his clenched features softened.
The tightness in his shoulders loosened a fraction.
He stared down at his hands like he barely recognized them.
“You’ve been living like it’s your penance. But maybe … it was never your sentence to carry.”
No words came. But Rafferty didn’t argue.
And that silence? It didn’t feel like drowning.
It felt like the first breath after coming up for air.
“You mentioned earlier how your family looks at you. Not just Aidan.”
And just like that, the current pulled him under.
Rafferty gave a short, dry laugh. “Yeah. The rotten egg. One bad day away from cracking open again.” He looked down, jaw tight
Scraping a hand over his head, his eyes darted to the window, seeing nothing beyond the frost-streaked glass. His voice dropped, turning guttural. “I make them nervous.”
Trent didn’t respond right away.
And the silence stretched on, and Rafferty fought his squirm.
“Maybe they don’t know how to hold space for your pain,” Trent ventured. “That’s not the same as you not belonging.”
Rafferty scoffed under his breath, but there wasn’t much weight behind it.
Trent continued, measured and calm, “People get uncomfortable around what they don’t understand. And you’ve lived through things they can’t even name.”
Except Brandy-Lyn.
I see you.
The good doctor spoke again. “Doesn’t mean you’re not part of them. Just means you’re carrying pieces they’re afraid to touch.”
That landed somewhere behind Rafferty’s ribs. He wanted to argue but couldn’t find the fight for it. Because it made sense.
“You’re not outside because you’re broken, Rafferty. You’re outside because no one’s been brave enough to meet you there.”
Rafferty sat with that. Didn’t speak.
“What would happen if you stopped waiting for them to reach for you?”
His gaze flicked up to meet Trent’s.
The man went on. “What if you made the first move — not for their approval. Not even for their comfort. Just … to let them know you’re still here.”
Rafferty frowned. “You mean, like, show up at Aidan’s door with a peace offering?”
Trent smiled faintly. “Maybe not Aidan’s. Not yet. But while Sullivan’s here, talk it out with him. And your sisters?” A pause. “Send a message. Ask to grab coffee.”
Rafferty stared at him like he’d just asked him to climb Everest barefoot. “I don’t know what I’d even say.”
“Then start with something simple.” Trent leaned forward slightly. “Start with: I miss you.”
