It reminds me too much of my dad's funeral. I hate how this place has brought more heartbreak than anything else.
Just a few days.I tell myself.You can do this.
"Nora!"
I turn and Ollie's already closing the distance between us, pulling me into a hug that squeezes the air from my lungs.
"You're here," he says into my hair. "I wasn't sure you'd make it."
"I almost didn't," I admit, pulling back to look at him. "Flight got delayed and traffic was a nightmare.”
"But you’re here.” His eyes are red-rimmed, tired. "That's all that matters."
Mia appears beside him, one hand resting on her belly. She looks exhausted in that bone-deep way grief demands, but she manages a small smile when she sees me.
"Look at you, Mama," I say softly.
"I'm so happy you're here." She reaches out and squeezes my hand. "I'd hug you, but…" She gestures towards her growing belly. "It's good to see you, Nor. We both missed you."
"I missed you guys too. How are you feeling?"
She laughs, the sound a little watery. "Pregnant and sad. It's a strange combination."
"I can imagine."
Ollie's arm is still around my shoulders, like he's afraid I might disappear if he lets go.
"So, how long are you staying?"
"I don't know yet," I say honestly.
"You're staying for the shower though, right?" Mia asks, and there's something careful in her tone.
"Yeah." I look down at my hands. "I think I will."
“Fuck yeah,” Ollie says firmly. Then, quieter: "I'm glad you're here. I know things have been—" He stops, searching for the right word. "Busy."
Busy. That's one way to put it.
"Too busy," I say.
Mia shifts her weight, wincing slightly. Ollie's hand immediately goes to her lower back, steadying her, and something about the automatic nature of it makes my chest ache.
"Are you okay?" I ask.
"Fine. Baby's just heavy." She looks at me then, really looks at me, in that direct way she has. "Lydia's planning the baby shower for next Saturday because knowing our child, it'll decide to make a surprise appearance before it's meant to."
I think about LA. About the studio meeting on Tuesday that I'm supposed to be at. About the life waiting for me that feels less like mine with every day I spend here.
"I think I'll be here for about two weeks," I say finally, and the words feel like more than just an answer about a party.
Mia's smile widens. "Really? Oh my God! You might be here for the birth then."
"Plus," Ollie adds, "you're going to be an aunt. That's a big deal."
"I know." My voice catches. "I'm really proud of you, Ol. Both of you."
He pulls me in for another hug, and this time I let myself sink into it. Let myself feel the safety of my brother's arms, the way he's always been the steady one, the one who holds things together when everything else falls apart.
