Page 50 of Fractured Grief

“You two know each other? I guess in a small town, everyone knows everyone.” I felt awkward for some reason, but I couldn’t place why.

Seb scratched the back of his neck. “Ah, yes, we were high school sweethearts.”

“Really? So, you two go way back, then.” Miss Emerson was Seb’s ex. Wow.

Lyric broke the tension, as I’d come to expect from him. “Yeah, yeah, these two were their year’s prom king and queen and all that, but they arewaybetter as friends. Right, guys?”

“Lyric,” Seb sounded exasperated.

“It was a small town, not many options,” Emily said with a fond smile on her face. “Better Seb than you.” She playfully ruffled Lyric’s hair.

“Hey! Don’t touch the do,” he said as he jumped back. “You’d have been lucky to snag me,” he added with a cheeky wink.

With the weird tension broken, Emily said her goodbyes and left.

“I’m going to step out and give you a moment,” Lyric added leaving the three of us alone.

Hazel was happy lying on my chest, and I was just glad to have her close.

“Please come stay with me.” Seb caressed my cheek, and the look in his eyes made my heart melt.

“Okay, thank you,” I whispered.

Chapter 25

Seb

Seeing Indy so pale, lying on Doc’s patient bed with a drip in his arm, was hard. He seemed small, so delicate.

He looked so sweet, lying there hugging Hazel to his chest. These two had burrowed their way into my heart and taken up residence.

“Will you be okay for a minute?” I was still holding his hand, needing to feel connected to him. “I’m just going to make a call.”

“We’ll be fine,” he spoke quietly, not wanting to disturb Hazel.

Forcing myself to let go of his hand, I stepped out.

I strode through the door and down the hall, moving as fast as my cane would allow. I passed Doc and Lyric with a nod and moved to the front door.

“You okay, man?” Lyric asked.

“Just need a moment,” and with a wave, I stepped out into the cool night air.

I hobbled back and forth in front of Doc’s practice before gaining the courage to call Ma.

“Hey, Ma.”

“Seb, darling, how are you feeling today?”

“I’m fine. I have some news and need some help.” My heart was racing as I prepared to tell her the truth.

“Of course, honey. How can I help?” She’d give the clothes off her back to someone in need. I was lucky to have a mother like her.

“So, ah, you know Indy. I like him,” I paused, holding my breath as I waited for her response.

“I like him, too, Seb. He’s been such a great help to you.”

“No, Ma. I mean, I like him,likehim.”