AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I shift my gaze to Grey, searching for the right words.“I’m reminding myself that you’re not in an alley, and you have coping mechanisms for the cravings,” I say, rubbing my arms to alleviate the creeping anxiety.“You just need to work on the self-loathing part.”
“Me, not us?”Greyson asks, looking genuinely confused.“I thought we were in this together.”
“Grey, I adore you, and you have my heart.But I can’t make you love anyone, not even yourself.That’s your journey, babe,” I reply, gently brushing his arm.“Though, I’ll be here to support you.”
Sanford gives me a comforting smile.“I’m glad you wrote that fucking biography.”
“No, you’re not.You hate it,” I retort playfully.
He concedes with a nod.“I do loathe it, but you’re right.It brought us hope.”
Our conversation is interrupted by the piercing ring of Greyson’s phone.He glances at the screen and groans.“It also gave my family too many details about those days.”
“Sorry,” I mumble.
He waves his hand dismissively.“Don’t be.I know the book was therapeutic for you, and you’re here because of it.I can handle the repercussions—though I reserve the right to complain every time they text or call.”
With that, Greyson steps away to take the call.“Hey, Mom.Yes, I’m in ...”
Sanford turns to me, “Let’s cook, Ae.You haven’t eaten well today.”
“Are you okay?”I ask, concern filling my voice.
Sanford shakes his head with a wistful smile.“I’m better.This is a work in progress.”
I nod, sensing a surge of anticipation building within me.We are a work in progress, but I can’t help but wonder how far we can go and if we will reach our destination together.
ChapterSixteen
Greyson
I adore Mom,but as I swipe to answer the call, I already know this conversation will overwhelm me.Also, this is the first of many.My siblings will be next.Knowing Piper, she’ll visit me tomorrow first thing in the morning.Tucker might text me soon.And though I’m grateful for my family, I don’t want to deal with all those calls.
“Hey, Mom,” I answer, bracing myself.
“I heard you’re in Seattle, at Sanford’s place,” she says.
“Yes, I’m here,” I admit without correcting her that this is also my place.The truth is, I’ve been avoiding it, just as I’ve been avoiding him.
In less than three seconds, I’m immediately wrapped up in the comforting, although overwhelming, chatter of not only one but my three parents.Their inquiries pour in through the speakerphone, questions overlapping and intertwining like a well-rehearsed melody of concern.
“How long will you be here?”Dad’s voice echoes, the bass tone jarring but concerned.
“Will Aerin be coming with you to visit us?”Mom interjects, her voice filled with eager anticipation, leaving me no chance to respond.
I don’t even bother asking how they found out Aerin is with us.It’s likely my uncle, Piper, or who knows what Decker has already spread the word.We’re not exactly secretive when it comes to sharing information.
“How are you holding up through all this?”Pa pushes.There’s apprehension laced in his steady tone.
“Talk one at a time, please,” I interject, the steady rhythm of my heart pulsing in my ears.I take a deep, grounding breath, gathering my thoughts before responding.
“I don’t know how long I’ll be here,” I admit, my voice steady despite the uncertainty.“And I’m sure Aerin would love to see you, but we need a few days to ourselves first.”
There’s a brief pause on the other end before Pa’s voice fills the silence.“And how are you doing, Son?”His question, simple as it is, carries a weight that is hard to ignore.
“To be honest, I’m not quite sure yet,” I confess, caught in a strange blend of relief and vulnerability as I speak my truth.“But I have a solid support system if needed.”
A shared silence from their end acknowledges my words.Despite the years that have passed, their instinct to protect and worry about me remains undiminished.
