Page 70 of Someone to Remember
I have no idea what to say to that.
“Allow me,” Gage says to the rest of us. Then he looks right at Wynter. “It’s all bullshit. Every single bit of it is bullshit. The tragedy of it all, the shit people who don’t know better say, thinking they’re helping. The sayings, the platitudes, the cheering of small successes. Every bit of it is total bullshit.”
He’s making me nervous. “Gage…”
“But here’s the rub.” He never blinks as he gives Wynter his full attention. “What’s the alternative? Sitting alone in a dark room for the rest of our lives, rolled up in a ball, stuck in the place we were when it first happened? I don’t know about you, but I never again want to be in that place and hope to God that none of us are ever there again. Iachefor Taylor, Will and their children. But the ache isn’t stopping me from loving Iris and our kids or being excited about our wedding and all the good things to come. What the fuck choice do we have, Wynter?”
By the time he’s done, I’m wiping away tears, and so are most of the others, including Wynter.
“So very well said, as always, Gage,” Derek says as he takes a subtle swipe at his face.
Adrian slips an arm around Wynter.
“I never wanted any of this,” she whispers on a sob.
I glance at Angela and Luke, who are looking at the floor.
“None of us want this, sweetheart,” Gage replies. “But it’s the hand we were dealt, and if I do say so myself, I think we’re doing one hell of a job playing that hand. We’ve got two couplesfrom this group making new lives for themselves and their children. We’ve got Lexi engaged to Tom Terrific. Christy and Trey are creating a new family. Joy’s got her Dr. Bernie, and Hallie has her Robin. Naomi is dating, and Brielle swiped right. Kinsley talks more about possibly taking the plunge into dating than she used to. Angela and Luke came back for more of us after having had the time to think about whether or not they wanted what we’re offering.”
“I’m sorry,” Wynter says to Angela and Luke. “I shouldn’t have spouted off.”
“Why not?” Angela says. “Everything you said is true. Some days I feel like I’m wading through hip-deep bullshit. I feel that way every day, if I’m being honest.”
“Same,” Luke says. “I appreciate your honesty, Wynter. I’m just over two years out, but I’m still so pissed off that this happened to my family—and to Bella, who so didn’t deserve to suffer the way she did. Despite being surrounded by incredible love and support from everyone in our lives, every minute is a struggle, and it’s exhausting.”
A lot of us are nodding in agreement.
“That said,” Luke adds, “I was looking forward to tonight, to being with people who get it, which makes a difference. This group makes a difference, and I, for one, am thankful for the outlet.”
“Same,” Angela said. “I wish I’d joined sooner.”
“You came when you were ready,” I tell her with a smile. “Well… How about some dessert?”
Everyone stands and stretches, except for Wynter and Adrian, who stay where they are, heads bent together in silent communication.
I follow the others into the kitchen and go directly to Gage, who sees me coming and wraps me into a hug. “That was intense.”
“Yeah, but I think it was healthy to talk about the rage a bit. We don’t do that very often.”
“I worry about a setback for her. She’s been doing so great…”
“I know.”
“You were magnificent.”
“Aw, thanks. I was flying by the seat of my pants.”
“Your pants do good work.”
He laughs, and we’re soon surrounded by others needing hugs and reassurance and all the things we’re here to give.
“Look at you, swiping right,” I say to Brielle.
“Don’t be too excited. It’s a total shit show.”
I watch as Kinsley’s gaze seeks out and lands on Luke, who’s talking to Roni and Derek. Interesting…
She looks back at me in time to realize I saw who she was looking at. “Don’t make a thing of it.”
