Page 39 of My Favorite Secret
I knock on the door and enter, finding Thomas sitting behind his desk, clean-shaven and wearing a fresh suit, yet crying into his hands.
He’s too upset to notice my presence. I clear my throat, unsure how else to announce myself. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
He looks up at me and breaks down further. “Clara’s death has hit the news. She had her upcoming art exhibition. Reporters are asking me to make a statement, but I can’t bring myself to do it because it will mean she’s really gone. How can she be gone? I don’t understand it. Shecan’tbe gone.”
Thomas and I outwardly don’t like each other. And yet here he is, showing me his most vulnerable side. I never thought I would say this, but there’s so much pity within me for this man. Over the years, I’ve seen how deeply in love Thomas and Clara were. I can’t imagine what it would feel like to lose the love of your life so suddenly and with no goodbye.
My father knows how it feels.
I’ve never said I don’t empathize with what he went through. With four young children to raise, he had it tough.
Thomas whimpers in his hands. “I need to be at the funeral home in one hour. I can’t do it.”
“Youcando it.”
“I can’t.”
“You can. I’ll go with you.” The words leave my mouth before I know what I’m saying, but they feel like the right decision.
Being away from Harper is the last thing I want. But I’ll take care of her father for her. I’ll make sure Clara has the sendoff she deserves. Harper will be safe with my brother.
“I’ll take charge during the meeting if that’s what you need. I’ll help in whatever way I can. But you need to be there for Clara and Harper. And for yourself.”
Thomas wipes his face dry, and after a deep, shaky breath, he nods. “You’re right. Thank you, Felix. I had a moment of weakness.”
“You’re allowed to have as many moments as you need. Let’s go. I’ll drive us in Tyler’s car.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
HARPER
I don’t remember much from the last few days except that someone has been holding me the entire time. My mind wants to believe it was Felix, but I know better than to run with those thoughts. It must have been Tyler, taking care of me and never letting me out of his sight. He’s here with me now as I wake up, stroking my hair behind my ear.
“Harp, can I get you anything? Food? Water?”
“I’m not hungry.” My throat burns as I speak the words. My head pounds with a headache from crying.
“How about a bath to freshen up? I filled the tub when you started stirring a few minutes ago.”
I nod, though I couldn’t care less about freshening up. Nothing is of importance anymore. Not eating. Drinking. I’ll never dance again. All I want is to disappear from this world.
Tyler helps me out of bed and walks me to my bathroom. A bubble bath is waiting for me. A clock on the wall tells me it’s midday, but I’ve lost track of how many dayshave passed since…
Since…
She’s gone. How is she really gone?
“I should… ah… give you some privacy.”
As Tyler turns to leave, I hold his hand. “Will you stay? I don’t want to be alone.”
“Of course.”
He looks away, giving me a moment to undress. I’m still wearing the same outfit from when I received the news.
My movements are slow and fatigued as I step out of my clothes and lower into the warm bubble bath. I rest my head against the rim. My eyelids can barely stay open, so painful from crying.
Within a few moments, Tyler peeks over his shoulder, finding me in the water. “Let me wash your hair.”
