“When is he coming back?” I ask when it’s clear my last question is going to go unanswered.
Nora shifts out of Hero’s embrace to sit next to me. She grabs my hand, and I can see regret in her eyes.
“Grandma Betty fell, but she’s fine, and Tobias went to stay with her for a while.”
My heart lurches into my throat. Or at least that's what it feels like.
“He … he … she.” I can't even get the words out. I spot Griffin across the room, talking to his mother. The sight of him should calm me, but it doesn't. It doesn't do anything. I’m about to have a panic attack, and he isn’t the one I need.
“Why didn’t he call me? Grandma Betty is my?—”
I understand why it isn't here, but a feeling I can’t explain washes over me.
He’s supposed to be here. He’s supposed to be with me at every big life event. We’re supposed to make memories. Tonight won’t be right without him. I don't care if it’s a stupid dinner.
Nora shakes her head.
“I’m sorry, Natalie. He asked us not to tell you.”
“And he just thought I wouldn't notice that he isn't here?”
Despite how upset I am that he didn’t tell me, it hurts more to think about him alone and how he must have felt when he heard about Grandma Betty. He needs me.
“I think I need to go?—”
“Hey, guys,” Griffin says, walking up to our group. He puts his arm around me, but I can't look at him. I’m on the verge of tears.
“You all clean up nice,” he adds, and Graham stands to shake his hand.
“Congratulations. I don't think I’ve seen you since the big news came out.”
“I’ve been busy. My job has been more demanding on the West Coast, so I’ve been traveling more than normal.”
“Busy is good.”
“It is, especially when—whoa, whoa,” Griffin squats to look me in the eye and gently turns me to look at him completely. “What’s going on?”
I don't answer him, so he scans the group, but not a single one speaks up.
Griffin grabs my hand and pulls me to a quiet corner of the room.
“Talk to me,” he says calmly. “Did something happen to Tobias? I noticed he isn’t here.”
I nod. “His grandma fell, and he left today to go help her.”
“Okay.”
“I keep thinking of him going there alone, and I …” The words drift off as more tears fall.
A moment goes by; I’m not sure how long it is before Griffin speaks.
“Natalie, look at me.”
I wipe the tears that have escaped and look up at him. He takes a deep breath and grabs my hands.
“Where do you want to be right now? Here with me, celebrating our engagement, or in Lovers with Tobias?”
“It’s … complicated.”
