Page 36 of Fractured Grief (Hope’s Ridge #2)

Bodhi patted Atticus on the chest. “Close your mouth or you’ll catch flies.

” He beamed up at him. “You’ve been too busy, and we’ve been a bit distracted to be all up to date on everything, but I told you there were sparks.

” He turned and sent me a wink. “It’s so nice to meet you, officially.

Thank you for taking such great care of Seb, and I’m so glad he finally admitted his feelings.

It just makes me so happy!” His shoulder-length, shaggy brown hair bounced as he danced in place.

The freckles dotting his nose and cheeks stood out as his smile grew.

“Seb deserves all the happiness in the world.”

“Thank you?” I said, but it came out sounding like a question. “I’m sorry, but I don’t think I remember you. Did you visit Seb during one of his sessions?”

“No, no, sorry for the confusion. Lyric filled me in.” He sent me a conspiratorial smirk, and I couldn’t help my bark of laughter at that.

“Oh dear, I can only imagine what he’d have to say,” I smiled at Bodhi. He was only a few inches taller than me, and his aqua blue eyes were intense. I wondered if they were contacts. He seemed to be around my age, but younger than his boyfriend.

“He’s a character and loves to add to the drama. But we love our Lyric in all his exuberance,” Bodhi said fondly.

“Mind if I chat to Atty for a sec?” Seb asked me.

“No, that’s fine.”

“Come on. How about we head into the break room and leave these two to chat about mechanics?” Bodhi said as he led Hazel and me through the workshop and into a back room with a small kitchenette, table, chairs, and a long black leather couch.

“Here, honey. Why don’t you rest on the couch with my phone for a little while, while I chat to Seb’s friend?” I said this, knowing Hazel would soon get agitated with all the new people and places.

“Want something to drink?” Bodhi asked .

“We’ve just been to Jolt, but I’d love a glass of water. Thanks.”

Bodhi grabbed us glasses and gestured for me to sit at the round table in the middle of the room.

“So, other than being a PT and a dad, tell me more about yourself, Indy,” Bodhi asked as he came to sit opposite me.

“Not much to tell outside of work and Hazel. I’m from a small, unpleasant town. I was glad to escape finally, and I moved to Missoula for work. What about you? Are you from Hope’s Ridge, too?”

“Oh no. I basically fell into Hope’s Ridge trying to escape my abusive ex, found Atticus, and then never left.” He spoke so openly about his past that I was a little taken aback.

Something about what he said was similar to some of the early notes in Seb’s hospital file. “Shit. Your ex is the one who shot Seb,” I whispered in horror. “I’m so sorry, Bodhi. That must have been terrifying.”

A haunted look crossed over Bodhi’s face. “It was horrible. I know Seb doesn’t blame me, but I still hold onto so much guilt about what happened to him and how everyone’s suffered because of Derek.”

We sat in silence for a few moments before Bodhi spoke. “I’m glad Seb doesn’t remember much of the shooting and thankfully doesn’t seem to have any PTSD. It was hard to come in here at first, especially for Atty. We’ve all had to move past a lot and face our own mortality.”

“Wait. It happened here?” My whole body went cold. This was where Seb almost died. Shit .

“I’m so sorry, Indy. I thought you knew.” He placed a hand over mine. “Would you like to leave?”

“No, I’m okay,” I said, robotically. “It was just a shock.”

I could do this. I’d faced death before.

I hadn’t witnessed the incident, and looking around, nothing seemed out of place.

It looked like a normal break room, nothing foreboding or crime scene-worthy in sight.

I’d be fine. Taking a deep breath, I centered myself.

Seb was fine. He was alive. I couldn’t imagine having to come to the place where your brother and friend had almost died every day.

“I’m sorry for all you’ve gone through,” I said once I’d gotten myself under control. “It must have been hard for all of you.”

“It’s not been easy. But knowing Seb is okay and recovering has helped a lot. You’ve had a lot to do with that.” He waggled his eyebrows at me.

My cheeks heated at his implications. “I did the best I could as his physical therapist, but he has a way of growing on you. I could no longer resist.”

“I was just teasing. I know how much you helped him. When you gifted him a walker that fit his giant frame, we knew you’d be great for him, in every sense.” Bodhi sent me a conspiratorial wink.

I let out an awkward chuckle, not sure what else to say. “Lyric’s a character. I’m guessing he says a lot more embellishments than truths.”

“Oh, Lyric is one of a kind.” Some of the light left Bodhi’s face, his mouth downturned. “Although the incident and Seb’s injuries have subdued him so much. He’s lost some of his spark. We’ve all been worried about him.”

“It sounds like a lot to deal with. He’s so brazen every time I’ve seen him. I can’t imagine him even more impetuous than he already is. His energy rivals Hazel’s and that’s saying something.”

We both laughed. “That sounds like Lyric, a big kid with boundless energy.”

After a brief pause, Bodhi continued, “I know we’ve just met, but I wanted to ask you if you’re someone who could help us look at getting a vehicle modified for Seb to be able to drive.

I know he loves driving and not being able to has worn on him.

Atty is prepared to do the work, but what do we need to know to ensure it’s right for Seb?

We were thinking of making it a surprise. What do you think?”

“Wow, that’s so cool. I’m not the one who would cover everyday stuff, but I can get you in touch with Judy, who is Seb’s occupational therapist, and she can give you the right specifications for what Seb would need.

” I glanced over to Hazel playing with my phone.

She was so focused, I wasn’t sure pulling her away would be a good idea.

“I can give you my number and you can remind me, and I’ll text you her business card. ”

“That’d be great.” Bodhi beamed at me and pulled out his phone, unlocked it, and passed it to me to add my number.

“Do you think it’s a good idea to keep it a surprise?

I thought so, but we’re worried Seb would want to be involved as a mechanic, and we know he’s not ready to come back to work yet. ”

“Does Seb like surprises? If he likes surprises, I’d say go for it. When do you think you’ll have the car ready?” This was exciting to me.

“As soon as possible, I’d say, if Judy gives us the okay. We’re thinking of either modifying Atty’s truck or buying a second-hand one to adapt,” Bodhi paused, his gaze turning pensive. “Do you honestly think Seb will ever be back to one hundred percent and be able to feel his leg again?”

That was a hard question to answer, and not just as a PT or boyfriend, but as someone fully invested in the person in question.

“I’m honestly not sure. Seb’s had tingling and muscular responses, but still can’t feel the majority of his leg.

He will continue to improve, but unfortunately, there is no way of knowing what those improvements will look like. I wish I knew the answer.”

We shared a sad smile.

“I understand. It must be frustrating for you, too, with extra feelings involved.” Bodhi reached out and patted my hand on the table. “Seb’s lucky to have you in his corner.”

“I’m the lucky one. He’s so caring and attentive. It’s been nice to have someone to lean on, after all these months.”

“Someone you can trust?” Bodhi asked, knowingly, and given what I’d been told about his past, he could probably understand more than most what finding the right person could do for your life.