“I think I went into shock for a bit.”
“Understandable, given the news. You are no longer tied to Ben.”
“True, and that’s a relief. Maybe I won’t get any more letters from him now.”
“That’s possible. Another positive is that Lily has gained an amazing big brother.”
“Nick would’ve spoiled her,” Seb says with a little smile.
“Lily would’ve had him wrapped around her finger in no time,” I add. Tears start flowing again when I think about Nick and Lily bee together. She would’ve started rolling her eyes like he does. What am I going to do without him? My life is a book with more missing pages.
“From what I understand, someone will handle Patrick at some point, so he will not be a part of your life for long, Summer. He has nothing to do with Lily or Vanessa, and there is no reason he ever will. Remember that. It’s a very brave thing Nick did this morning,” Sarah replies.
“I’m mad at him,” I tell Sarah.
“That makes sense, Summer. How else are you feeling towards Nick?”
“Mad, sad, terrified, heartbroken, in love, proud. Did I mention terrified?”
“Me too,” Sebadds.
“He’s definitely in a difficult situation, but he possesses highly trained skills, from what Zander has said. He also has experience on his side. Believe in him. He has so many reasons to fight to come back home.”
“What if something happens to him?”
“Don’t play the ‘what if’ game, Summer. You have no reason to doubt that Nick can handle himself. Believe in him. He has the FBI helping. He put his father away when he was younger, and he has more experience now.”
“I guess, but his father has more experience, too.”
“That’s true, but remember, Nick has you and his family to fight for. Patrick is fighting only for himself. That makes a difference.”
Nodding that I heard her, I look at Seb. “What do you think, Hurry?”
“I think I need another vacation,” he says, rubbing his hand down his face.
“Seb, how is Beth?” Sarah asks.
“Doing okay, I think. Her treatment is progressing.”
“If I may make a suggestion?”
“Yeah, go ahead,” Seb replies.
“A new location may be best for her right now. I can make a few calls and get her transferred to a different rehabilitation center. That would decrease the chances of anyone giving her drugs again, and it would be more difficult to fall into old patterns if there is nothing familiar.”
“That’s actually a good idea. Is there somewhere close by?”
“Yes, there should be. If you give me Troy’s phone number, I can make arrangements.”
Seb rattles off his number to Sarah as I watch a slight weight lifting off his shoulders already.Sarah is very kind.
“Lean on each other and your family and friends. Difficult times can forge stronger bonds. The best thing you can do is live your life to its fullest, one moment at a time.”
“Thanks, Sarah.”
“Of course. Would either of you like to discuss further?”
I check in with Seb, but he shakes his head, so we hang up for now, with an invitation to call back anytime. “Did that help?” I ask Seb.
