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NAVY

“Navy, I’m sorry about that.”

“Don’t apologize. I’m happy I finally got to meet Gwendolyn. Besides, don’t think I didn’t thoroughly enjoy your mouth on me,” I tell Bodhi, sitting on his bed and wrapping a blanket around me.

I showered once Gwendolyn left to give Bodhi time to process her arrival.

I’m not sure what’s in that metal tin but I have a feeling it’s something of deep meaning.

I’m aware there’s still a lot I don’t know about Bodhi’s past and what happened with Gwendolyn, but I hope he tells me one day.

Bodhi sits on the bed in front of me and rests his hand on my knee. “My mom left four years ago for my dad’s brother.”

Oh, god.

I knew Bodhi’s mom wasn’t around, but I didn’t know that.

“Jesus, B. I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.”

He nods. “It is what it is at this point. Not many people know the dirty details,” he tells me.

“Are you okay? Is your dad okay? Penelope? I’m worried about all of you now.”

“We’re fine. For now, at least. My dad is challenging, rightfully so. I think he still loves her and refuses to move on.”

I hope he does one day.

I can’t imagine. It must be a horrible feeling loving someone so deeply, only for them to abandon you. “Are they still together? Your mom and uncle. If you don’t mind me asking.”

I’d never want to intrude when it’s not my place, but since Bodhi brought it up, I gather he’s open to talking.

“No, they aren’t. My uncle has remarried.”

“And your mom…” I hate that I even have to ask. He doesn’t deserve this.

Bodhi shakes his head. “Haven’t seen or heard from her since.”

My stomach drops and I waste no time wrapping my arms around Bodhi’s neck. “Oh god, I’m…I hate that for you. I could apologize, but sorry doesn’t make it better. It never has. All I know is that you never deserved to be abandoned like that. It’s her loss.”

I can see the exhaustion weighing Bodhi down. His eyes are full of sorrow and underlying pain. I expect the hurt and devastation living in his heart has rooted itself and been a stumbling block in his life ever since.

“Yeah. Some days I’m fine; others, I just miss my mom.”

He looks at me and my heart breaks for the man who lost the woman that brought him into this world. The woman who was supposed to love him unconditionally and be the first example of unwavering love in his life.

But instead, she abandoned him. She abandoned the man I love.

How dare she?

“You’re allowed to miss her, B. I’d be worried if you didn’t.”

“Therapy helps. Actually, it’s helped a lot,” he tells me truthfully.

I know he mentioned therapy to me before but never why. I can’t imagine going through as much as he has would be easy.

“I’m proud of you,” I tell him sincerely.

He sends me a small smile. “Thank you for being so kind to Gwendolyn. I’m sure we looked questionable walking in on.”

I smile. “I’ve never once seen you with a woman, Bodhi. I know better than to think something of you hugging another woman five minutes after eating my pussy.”

“Shit, Navy,” he breathes out.

I smile and shrug my shoulders, making no moves to apologize for my forwardness.

“I feel like shit,” Bodhi tells me with a heavy sigh.

“What for?” I reach my hand to hold his.

“You didn’t come.”

I giggle. “My pussy will survive, trust me. She’s patient. Besides, you can make it up to me next time.”

“Deal.” Bodhi lays down beside me, pulling me into him and wrapping his strong arms around me.

“Hey, B,” I whisper.

“Yeah?” I hear his breathing steady and I know he’s almost asleep.

“Will you tell me more someday?” I ask.

I want to know everything. I want to know how to love him and be there for him when he’s struggling or needs me.

“I’ll tell you all of it, terremoto. Every last bit.”

I’m beginning to think he means a lot more than just the night of the accident.