Page 23 of Someone to Remember
“Wynter… Come on. Don’t think that way. We have to hold on to hope, even at times like this when it might seem pointless. Please don’t let this send you spiraling back to where you were when you’ve come so far from that starting point.”
“I’ll try not to, but it won’t be easy. I already hold my breath any time Adrian takes the kids somewhere without me.”
“I understand that, believe me. Gage has said the same thing to me about when the kids and I are out without him and how worried he is, even though he knows we’re fine.”
“How are we supposed to live like this, Iris? I mean, seriously…How?”
“One minute at a time, my friend. We hope for the best and try not to constantly anticipate the worst. That’s all we can do, because so much of it is out of our hands.”
“That’s the part I can’t handle.”
“Yes, you can. You’re doing a beautiful job of handling it, and we’re so very proud of you.”
When she sniffles, I realize she’s crying. “None of this would be possible without you and the group you founded with Taylor and Christy. You guys literally saved my life. Please tell me what I can do to help her.”
“I’ll let you know.”
“Please do. Adrian will want to help, too.”
“As we all know, she’s got a long road ahead of her and will need all the help she can get for quite some time. There’ll be lots of chances to help. I know she’ll appreciate your kindness.”
“Tell her… Tell her we love her, even though I barely know her. That doesn’t matter. I love her, and I’ll be there for her. So will Adrian.”
“I’ll pass that on. It’ll mean a lot to her. I’ll let you guys know about this week’s meeting and if anything changes.”
“Hey… Iris… Are you okay in all this? You step up for everyone when shit goes sideways. Sometimes I worry about the toll that takes on you.”
The Wynter I first knew never would’ve asked that question, which is just another reason I’m so proud of her. “I’m okay, honey. Gut-punched like everyone else but doing whatever I can for Taylor and her kids, which is the only thing that matters right now.”
“You matter tremendously to all of us. Take care of you while you’re taking care of everyone else, okay?”
“I will. I promise. Talk soon. Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
I’m wiping tears off my face when Gage comes into the room, looking for me.
“What now?”
“Nothing new. Just filling Wynter in on what happened.”
“How’d she take it?”
“Hard, but she wants to help Taylor, even though she barely knows her.”
“She’s come a long way, our Wynter.”
“That’s what made me teary.”
“Tyler is all packed up and can’t wait to get to Derek’s so they can play video games.”
“Thanks for helping him.” I grab the suitcase along with essential blankets and stuffed animals. “Let’s get going.”
Gage puts his hands on my shoulders. “You’re running onadrenaline, babe. Should you get some sleep before we go back?”
He was up all night, too, but all his concern is for me, as always. “I’d like to go back to Taylor’s to help out where I can. I can grab a nap at some point. You don’t have to come if you’re tired.”
“If you’re going, I’m going.”
