She blew out a breath. “He’s fine. If you ever wondered where Sophia gets her drama queen side from, it’s him.”
We both laughed, but there was an undercurrent of anxiety running through it. As if neither one of us knew quite what to do or say. I remained there for a moment, pleasure mixed with pain. I didn’t know if I could sit here and talk to her as if nothing had happened, when my entire world, my heart, was shattered.
I stood, dragging my fingers through my hair. “What are we doing?”
“We’re talking. We’re finally doing what we should’ve done before. I’m sorry I didn’t give you a chance to explain what happened the weekend of Sophia’s birthday. I know it’s probably too late, and that I probably don’t deserve it, but I’d like to hear your side of the story now.”
I went to the window, surveying the city. “What’s the point?” I muttered, more to myself.
I’d apologized for punching Cal, but I didn’t know how much more I could take. Especially when I wasn’t sure it would make any difference.
“Preston.” Her hand was on my back, her touch reawakening the ache for her I’d tried so desperately to ignore. “Talk to me, please. I want to know.”
“I’m not sure you do,” I said, knowing how difficult it would be for me to tell her the truth—and for her to hear it.
“You’re not…” She withdrew her hand, and I turned to see her holding it to her mouth, her eyes wide. “You’re not sick, are you?”
“No.”Thank god.“But my friend Sam is.” I led her back over to the couch, knowing this was a heavy conversation. “Are you sure you feel up to this?”
“Yes. Please, talk to me.”
I nodded. “The day Sophia broke her arm…” I drew in a shaky breath. “Well, I got a call from Sam’s wife that he tried to commit suicide.”
She held a hand to her mouth again. “Oh my god, Preston. I’m so sorry. Is he—” Her eyes searched mine. “Is he okay?”
I nodded. “He’ll be discharged from the hospital soon, but he has a long road ahead of him.”
She placed her hand on my bicep. “I’m so, so sorry.”
“He’d called me the night of—the night when it happened, but I didn’t answer.”
“You can’t blame yourself for what happened,” she said.
I didn’t say anything—couldn’t. Instead, I stared straight ahead and focused on finishing the story. “I lost track of time and there was no cell service in the hospital, so I had no idea what was going on with Sophia. As soon as I found out about Sam, I should’ve called you. At least then you could’ve had Cal or someone else pick her up. I can’t tell you how terrible I feel that she broke her wrist and I wasn’t there.”
She lifted a shoulder. “You couldn’t have prevented it. No one could.”
“I know. But every time I think of her sitting there alone, scared and in pain…” I cleared my throat.
“I know.” She hung her head. “But even if you’d gotten there first, I would’ve left work to be with Sophia. She loves the mermaid Kate drew, by the way.”
I grinned, feeling a little lighter. “I’m glad. I kind of thought she might. How is she? Is her arm healing okay?”
Alexis nodded, taking another sip of water. “She’s doing well. She was excited to start school.”
“Does she…” I swallowed, turning my attention to the view. It was much easier than looking at Alexis. “Does Sophia hate me?”
“What?” Alexis gasped, taking my hand in hers. “No. She doesn’t hate you. She misses you. She loves you.” Something released in my chest, a tightness I’d been holding in.
“I love her too.” Saying the words was as easy as breathing.
“So, do you want to tell me why you punched Cal?”
I groaned. “Not really.”
I would never want her to know just how hurtful his comments were. How insensitive. I wasn’t even sure he’d really meant them, but they’d certainly hit their mark.
“Okay, then,” she said, and I sensed her frustration. “Will you at least answer one question?”
