Page 88 of Fractured Grief

Bodhi

I’m so sorry for your loss, Indy. We’re all here for you.

It didn’t surprise me that Seb’s family knew about Lexi and that it was her birthday yesterday. They were close, and I was sure Seb would have told them all last night anyway.

Bodhi

Are you doing anything today?

Weird question.

Indy

Thanks Bodhi, it’s been hard. I woke up this morning a little worse for wear but I’m as okay as I can be. Hazel has a sleepover tonight, but that’s it. Why?

Bodhi

Oh, no reason ;)

Would you be up for some large and stoic company?

That was weird. Large and stoic company? Bodhi wasn’t large or stoic. I wondered what he meant when another message popped up.

Bodhi

Atty, Lyric, and your Sebastian are in town with Judy, and we thought you could use some company ;)

Seb’s been desperate to get to you since yesterday.

Oh, that’s what he’d meant. Seb was here. My heart skipped a beat. The first genuine smile of the day lifted my cheeks at the thought of Seb trying and struggling to get to me. He was such a wonderful man.

Indy

Of course, everyone’s welcome. I’d love the company. I have to drop Hazel off around eleven, but I’ll be home after that.

We chatted for a little longer before I gave Bodhi my address and was able to finish up my breakfast.

Hazel was still bounding around the house, choosing what toys she wanted to take, ensuring she had all her coloring books and pencils, and kept asking me when we could leave. I dropped her off with little fanfare and headed home.

I turned down the street, and in my driveway was a truck I’d never seen before, but the large figure leaning against it was one I knew well. I broke into a run as soon as my brain registered that it was Seb and leapt into his arms, kissing him.

Emotions overwhelmed me as Seb kissed me back.

“I missed you so much, Sunshine,” Seb said, and my heart always skipped a beat at his nickname for me.

“I missed you, too,” I said as I pressed my forehead to his.

I was in his arms again. He was here with me. I didn’t have to be alone.

“How are you here? I thought Atticus and Lyric were with you?” I asked. “And whose truck is this?”

“They are. This was Atty’s truck that he had modified for me to drive. Something you apparently knew about,” Seb teased, and my face heated.

“I did. I hope that’s okay. I didn’t do much, just connected Bodhi with Judy so she could approve the modifications. They were supposed to wait for me for the big reveal. I wanted to see your reaction.” I jutted my bottom lip out in a pout.

Seb just laughed and nipped at my lip before kissing me again.

“Hey, look, a free show.” The words had me jumping, but I quickly realized it was Lyric as he and Atticus walked down the street.