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“I—I’m Ameline?” I sound so dumb, but I’m startled by her judging stare.
“This is Ameline. Didn’t Gabe tell you that he got a roommate?” Jude asks.
“It doesn’t make any sense,” she responds, as she studies me. “Why would he need a roommate?”
Jude scoffs. “Obviously he doesn’t. Remember Cedric, his old roommate? This is his little sister. She needed a place to stay because their mother is sick, and Gabe offered.” He shrugs. “You know your son. He’s always picking up strays.”
I stare at them, a little confused.
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.” She places a hand on her chest. “How’s your mom doing?”
“Dying,” I mumble.
Her eyes open wide. “I’m terribly sorry.”
I shrug.
“I’m Pria. Gabe’s Mom. If you need anything, please?—”
“Ma’am, the doctor is here to check on your mom,” a nurse interrupts.
I smile at Jude and his mom. “If you’ll excuse me, Mrs. Decker. I need to check on her.”
“Oh, your mom is here,” Mrs. Decker says, glancing at the library and then at her with the same compassion Gabe looks at those who need him.
But I wish they hadn’t followed me to the library. They stay until the doctor tells me that they’ll be increasing the amount of morphine, so Mom is more comfortable. To call if I need anything.
“He should’ve told us, so we could help. My son is always trying to fix everything and thinks he’s alone. Listen to me, Ameline. If you need anything, you can call me, okay?”
I nod once.
Jude is leaning by the shelves, watching and shaking his head. I don’t understand what that means though. Should I tell her that I’m actually Gabe’s wife? I know he’s waiting for the right time to let them know about our status, but she’s here.
“Why don’t we go back to the kitchen to fix all the containers you brought, Mom?” Jude asks. “I need to head back to the studio to help Dad.”
She smiles at me, grabbing my hands and squeezing them. “Do you want me to stay and make cookies with you? I really don’t think you should be alone.”
“It’s fine,” I say, making my way out of the library. “Gabe will be back soon.”
She frowns. “Oh, I highly doubt that not with Christmas two days away. We have a lot to do.”
“You have a lot to do too, Mom,” Jude reminds her.
But Pria has already paused by a side table crowded with family photos. She straightens a few frames before lifting one of a pretty blonde, it’s Leslie’s picture. “I can’t believe he still has it here. The anniversary is almost here. Do you think he’ll be okay?” She turns toward Jude.
Jude shrugs.
“Who is she?” I dare to ask, hoping she gives me the story.
“We need to go, Mom,” Jude insists while his mother says, “His high school sweetheart. They were going to marry, you know? That was until she died. I don’t think he’ll ever love anyone the way he did her. You never forget the love of your life.”
All the air gets knocked out of my lungs. But I pretend that nothing has happened to me. That the axis hasn’t been shifted one more time and the ground is moving like quicksand threatening to swallow me if I move.
Jude’s face says everything. Gabe’s with me out of pity, and he’ll never love me.
Message received.
Chapter Forty-Four
