Page 26

Theo

The rumble of the Aston Martin’s engine fills the air as I drive through City traffic. It’s been a busy couple of days in the runup to Justin’s funeral. Mackenzie hasn’t trusted me to sleep in her bed since Levi caught us. She seems conflicted about everything right now. I’m still thinking about what she told me the other morning at breakfast. She’s seeing other people? I’m pretty sure there’s no way she has time to go out with anyone else, but I don’t know why she’d say that. Fear, I guess? I suppose we’re all dealing with a lot right now.

I’ve been honest with her, though. I want her to give up her place and move in with me—into my room—not just to stay while we wait for the press to lose interest and any danger to pass. She thinks I’m going to hurt her. I know I did before, but that’s not who I am now. That’s not how I feel about her. I just don’t know how to convince her that’s true.

I switch lanes as I drive down the freeway to the airport. My mom, Anna Beth, is flying in from Atlanta for the funeral and to support Gina through these hard, heavy days. That should bring me some comfort…but it doesn’t. Not really. There isn’t much comfort to be found in any of this.

Tonight, there’s a dinner at the Sullivans’ house. It’s supposed to bring everyone together before tomorrow’s service at Grace Cathedral. Just thinking about it makes my chest ache. Justin deserves more than quiet goodbyes and polite talk, but this is all we can give him now.

I pull into the private airport terminal and roll my shoulders, trying to shake off the weight pressing down on me, then walk toward the building.

I don’t have to wait long. I watch as the plane lands smoothly, gliding down to touch the tarmac. A few minutes later, the doors open and there she is—my mom, strong and steady as always.

Her eyes find mine right away, and then she’s hugging me tight, like she’s never letting go. “I’m so happy to see you,” she whispers into my shoulder. For a moment, it’s just the two of us—mother and son. And even though the world is falling apart, this moment feels solid.

When she pulls back, I glance around, expecting to see Mitch, her partner, but he’s missing. “Where’s Mitch?” I ask, trying to sound casual.

Mom gives me a soft smile. “He stayed home to watch the dogs.”

It sounds like a normal reason. But the way she says it... Didn’t she want him with her?

“Really?” I ask, raising an eyebrow. Mitch and Mom are serious. Or at least that’s what I’ve always thought. Him not coming with her, especially now, feels strange.

She smooths her coat. “Yes. It’s fine. Let’s just get going.”

There’s no time to ask more questions. Dinner is waiting, and tomorrow is going to be hard enough.

I load her suitcase into the trunk, and we settle into the Aston Martin. The scent of leather mixes with her familiar perfume. As we drive through the winding roads near the airport, I glance at the skyline. The tall glass building where I work stands out, shining in the fading light.

Mom follows my gaze and tilts her head. “Why aren’t we stopping at the office?” she asks.

“There’s plenty of time for that later,” I say, keeping my hands steady on the wheel. “I’m done for the day, and you’ll see everyone soon enough.”

The car falls quiet, but my thoughts are loud. I keep thinking about everything that lies ahead in these next few days, and the fact that Mackenzie seems determined to keep distance between us.

My grip on the wheel tightens as I glance back over at Mom. “Truly, why didn’t Mitch come?”

She lets out a breath. “He offered. But with everything happening, I knew Gina would need me. I didn’t want Mitch to feel like a third wheel.”

“How are things between you and Mitch?” I ask.

Instead of answering, she looks at me and says, “How do you feel about Mitch?”

I think for a second. “I like him. He seems to make you happy.” Then I pause. “But if he doesn’t—if he ever hurts you—say the word. I’ll get lawyers involved before he can even pack his suitcase.”

Mom laughs, warm and real. But then, her smile fades just a little. She presses her lips together. “Well,” she says, “he asked me to marry him. And I said yes.”

I feel my heart skip a beat. For a moment, I drift a little too close to the next lane. I correct quickly, trying to stay calm. “That’s…that’s great!” I say, and I mean it. A wave of relief washes over me.

Mom gave up so much for me—her time, her dreams, everything. If Mitch makes her happy, if he gives her the love and support she’s always given me, then, of course, I support them.

Her eyes shine, full of emotion. “Are you sure?” she asks softly.

“Very sure.” I smile. “You deserve this. More than anyone.”

She squeezes my hand, and I turn my focus back to the road. Inevitably, my mind drifts to Justin, to the emptiness he’s left behind. But right now, I have my mom next to me, smiling about her future. Joy in the middle of sadness. Love even while we’re grieving. Life keeps going.

I turn on my blinker and switch lanes, then reach for the car’s speaker system.

“Time to have a little fun with Mitch,” I say with a grin.

Mom raises an eyebrow, amused.

The phone rings once. Then, “Hello?” Mitch answers, sounding surprised.

“Hey, Mitch, it’s Theo,” I say. “I’ve got a bone to pick with you.”

Next to me, Mom covers her mouth to keep from laughing.

There’s a short pause on the phone. “Everything okay?” Mitch asks.

“Why didn’t you ask me before you proposed to my mom?” I say, trying not to smile.

Another pause. Then a deep sigh, like he’s getting ready for a tough conversation. “Because Anna Beth is a strong, independent woman,” Mitch says firmly. “She doesn’t need your permission—or mine—to make choices about her life.”

His words hit differently than I thought they would. He’s right . My fake seriousness fades. What’s left is something real—respect.

I let out a breath. “You’re right, Mitch. And honestly? I’m really happy for you both.”

“Thank you,” he says. His voice is warm, kind. “That means a lot.”

Mom reaches over and pats my leg. It’s the same comforting gesture she’s given me since I was a kid, the kind that reminds me she’s always there.

An idea pops into my head, and I speak before I can second-guess it. “Mitch, I want to give you two a special honeymoon. How about a suite at the Ritz-Carlton in New York City? And tickets to every show you want to see?”

There’s silence on the line, then a surprised voice. “Thank you. We were actually thinking about New York… That would be amazing.”

“Done,” I say, pulling into the driveway of my building. “I’ll set everything up. Just tell me your dates.”

“I don’t even know what to say. Thank you,” Mitch says again, sounding stunned.

“Talk soon,” I say, then end the call.

Mom lets out a happy sigh. “New York will be perfect for us.”

I open the door and pull her bag from the trunk. “Only the best for my favorite lady.”

We walk toward the elevator.

“Are you sure it’s okay I’m not staying at a hotel?” she asks. “With Mackenzie and Levi here…”

I wave my hand. “You’ve got your usual room. This is your home too. Don’t worry about it.”

She gives a small nod, but I can tell she’s thinking about something else. After a pause, she asks, “How are things between you and Mackenzie?”

I let out a sigh. “It’s…complicated. One minute, it’s good. The next, it feels like she hates me.”

Mom’s eyes focus on mine, calm and full of quiet wisdom. “Remember, love and hate are the two sides of the same coin.”

The elevator dings, and we step inside. As the doors close, I lean against the wall, thinking about what she said.

Love and hate—two powerful feelings, always crashing into each other. Sometimes, they feel like the same thing. Life, love, and even loss… They all twist together in this strange, messy way.

Tomorrow, at Justin’s funeral, I’ll face more of that. But tonight, I’m choosing to focus on the people still here. On family. On Mackenzie.

Adrenaline pulses through me as the elevator rises. When the doors open with a soft chime, I step out with Mom by my side, and there they are.

Mackenzie is holding Levi’s hand. They look like a little family. That thought hits me fast and deep before I can stop it.

“Hey,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Anna Beth!” Mackenzie says. Her face lights up in a way I haven’t seen in days. She steps forward and hugs my mom. I wish she still looked at me that way.

“Mackenzie,” Mom says as she hugs her back, then turns to Levi. “And you must be the famous Levi.”

Levi stands up straight, proud. “Hi, Mrs. Reed,” he says politely, reaching out to shake her hand.

“Please, call me Anna Beth,” Mom says, shaking Levi’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

I watch them, feeling a quiet kind of respect for her. My mom has a way of making people feel important, really seen. And I don’t think Levi gets that from many adults.

“We’re just heading out to drop Levi with our dad,” Mackenzie says after a moment.

Mom nods. “Of course. Don’t let us keep you. Family matters.”

Mackenzie pauses. Her eyes flick to mine before she says, “I’ll meet you at the Sullivans’ in a little bit for dinner…?” Her voice is steady, but I can hear the hint of doubt underneath. Why did that come out like a question?

“Yes, of course. That sounds great. It will be so good to have you there.”

I see the relief in her eyes. I can tell she needed my words, though I’m not sure why.

She nods, and Scott steps forward, always at the ready.

“See you soon,” I call, and Mom waves.

The elevator doors close behind them, and I stand there for a second, thinking about what family used to mean—and what it could mean.

Mom touches my arm. “Come on, let’s get me settled.”

I nod and lead her upstairs to the room that’s always been hers when she visits.

“Here we are,” I say, opening the door and stepping aside.

The room is cozy, soft light, clean sheets and the scent of lavender from the pillow spray the cleaning lady always uses before she arrives. I put her bag on the stand next to the bed and unzip the first pocket, just out of habit.

She places her hand over mine. “Thank you,” she says.

I clear my throat. “I’ll be downstairs when you’re ready. Phillip will drive us to the Sullivans’.”

Mom nods as she starts unbuttoning her sleeves. “Give me just a few minutes.”

“Take your time,” I say. “We don’t need to leave for a bit.”

I step out and gently close the door behind me. Then I pause, leaning against the cool wall in the hallway, letting the weight of everything sink in.

Tonight is about remembering Justin. About being there for Gina. About staying strong, even when everything feels like it’s falling apart.

One deep breath.

One step at a time.