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That sentiment surprised Malcolm even more. His sister’s best friend was the least gentle woman Malcolm had ever known. “I can call her,” he offered because, no matter what, he wanted to support his cousin.
Celia glanced up at him, taking a deep breath. “Erin constantly tells me I’m not crazy like my mother. I kind of need that right now.”
“You’re nothing like your mother.” Malcolm couldn’t avoid the harshness in his words. He’d never been as satisfied as the moment he’d heard that woman was dead. Celia’s mother had always been sick, but Malcolm didn’t like excuses like that. “Celia, you’re amazing.” He brushed her hair behind her ear. “Whatever news you received, you’re strong enough to handle it. You and Trenton.”
Only recalling the doctor’s voice, as she told them Celia’s life wasn’t in danger, helped Malcolm keep it together through the unknown.
“What can I do to help?” he asked. Normally he would have already known. His skin felt too tight not having the answers.
A beeping sounded from the nearby closet.
Celia frowned over at it, wiping at her face. “That’s my phone. Maybe it’s Trenton?”
“He’d probably text me,” Malcolm said, but he moved to get it anyway.
“I hope he’s back soon,” Celia said.
Malcolm hoped so too. Then he could get some straight answers from her. He didn’t glance at the phone’s screen but handed it to her.
“Oh.” The soft sound fell from her lips as she frowned down at it. “Oh, no.”
Her worry tweaked Malcolm’s already frazzled nerves. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s the woman from group. I haven’t seen her for a while. I never thought…” Celia trailed off, staring down at the phone.
“This was the one you reached out to?” He remembered being so proud of her in that moment. Celia had often been self-focused, though for completely justifiable reasons. Hearing about her offering someone else help had been like a turning point in his mind.
“I never thought she’d take me up on it.” Celia’s hand tightened on her phone. “The timing is bad.” Her eyes found his. “Only, maybe not.”
Malcolm sighed. “I thought you were joking when you said you offered her me.” He had often helped women, his cousin included, out of dangerous and abusive situations, but it had been a long while since the last one.
“I sort of was,” Celia admitted. “This will be good for you too. I know you’re worrying about me, and I can’t tell you there’s no reason to worry. Not exactly.” She bit her lip. “It’s not fair, is it? That I want to tell Trenton first.”
Malcolm pressed his hands against his sides. “You’ve kept things from me before. Don’t think I never noticed.”
Her eyes dropped to the bed.
“You tell me when the timing is right for you. I’ve always been okay with that.” He dipped his head, capturing her eyes again. “Because you always do tell me, when it’s important.”
“You saved my life, Malcolm. In so many ways.” Her eyes filled again.
“If I’m the one to make you cry when Trenton arrives, I might not have to imagine what him punching someone would look like,” Malcolm said, forcing a smile.
“Are you really still trying to imagine something like that?” Trenton asked from behind him.
Celia only had eyes for her fiancé as he set down her duffel bag and strode to her side.
“Where do I find this friend of yours?” Malcolm asked.
The couple’s hands had already clasped together. Celia blinked at him, the ease that had taken over her features shifting into a more familiar guilt. “She’s here, actually.”
That made things simpler. “Send me the information, and I’ll check it out,” Malcolm said, moving toward the door. “No rush.” He slipped out, pausing at the corner to look back.
Trenton was already cupping Celia’s cheek, asking her how she felt, most likely. Then he listened to her talk.
Malcolm shifted so he wouldn’t accidentally read her lips. Celia would tell him on her own, and he’d respect that. He watched his friend instead. He watched as Trenton stiffened in surprise, then clutched her hands in his as he continued to listen.
Malcolm turned away, already sure his suspicions were right. He knew Celia well, and her panic had likely meant one thing. Only, like everything that happened to her, it wasn’t good news like it should have been.
