Page 53 of Unbreakable Bonds (The Boston Romance #2)

I release a long breath. Thank God she didn't ask him this sensitive question. "I don't know, honey. Cole is trying to come to terms with what happened. He needs time to process. But tell me, Sam, what are your thoughts about the situation? It seems you've been doing some thinking."

Her eyes grow glassy as she looks away. "The first few days, I was mad at her for what she did, but..." She trails off, smoothing the bedding with nervous fingers.

I reach for her hand. "Hey, it's okay. There's no judgment here."

Her eyes dart to mine. "You'll think I'm crazy."

When I stay quiet, waiting, she continues. "When are things going to settle, Alisha? First, I lost my mother and grandparents. Then Leo broke my heart by disappearing. And now my dad is in pain, and I lost another grandmother."

I pull her against my chest as her shoulders shake with sobs. "Oh, sweetheart." I bite my lip, fighting my own tears while holding her, letting her grief pour out. God, I wish I could ease her pain.

Finally, she sits back, wiping her eyes, and reaches for the book she brought.

"What's that, honey?"

"It's a notebook my mom gave me. She loved life quotes, and she wrote this passage for me. I've read it several times this week. Would you... would you read it?"

I take the black journal, opening to the first page with its careful handwriting. "Want me to read it aloud?"

She nods, and I begin:

"My dear Sam. Here are a few words from me to you that I hope you will take with you in life.

Life isn't a merry-go-round; it's a roller coaster.

It won't always be smooth, it may not always be pretty, but it will be an adventure, one not to be missed.

And more important to remember, my sweet Sam, is that people make mistakes in their life.

I'm no different. I've made mistakes. But when people mess up, try to forgive them.

Be the one who nurtures and builds. Be the one who has understanding and a forgiving heart, one who looks for the best in people.

Because when you forgive, you in no way change the past—but you surely will change the future.

Decide that no matter what comes your way, no matter how difficult, no matter how unfair, you will do more than simply survive. You will thrive despite it.

I wish you, my dear Sam, the brightest and happiest future. A big hug and endless kisses, your mom, Jessica."

I brush away a tear, Jessica's words hitting deeper now that I know her full story. "Oh, Sam. This is such a beautiful message." I set the journal aside and take her hands. "You want your father to forgive his mom, don't you?"

Samantha nods, biting her lip.

"Honey, Cole isn't there yet. Maybe he never will be, and we need to respect that. But if you're ready to forgive your grandmother, that's okay too."

"Thank you for not getting mad at me."

I stand and pull her into a hug. "You can always come to me." Her bright smile warms my heart. "Now, let's get ready before you're late for school."

* * *

Walking to work later, I freeze as that familiar spine-tingling sensation crawls up my back.

My eyes scan the diner and stores across the street.

Where are you hiding, motherfucker? Nothing seems out of place among the morning crowd, but the feeling persists.

I hurry the last few feet to Venus, the anxiety fading only when I step inside to Amanda's cheerful greeting.

"Hey, girl. How's Cole doing?"

I join her at the new summer display. "He's not talking much. Working, hitting the gym every morning. Trying to process, I think."

Amanda glances at me. "I can't blame him. He's been through hell." She adjusts a dress on the rack. "God, I wish I had magical powers. That I could just..." She claps her hands together dramatically, "make my true prince appear."

The store bell chimes and Brian walks in, making Amanda's eyes go wide.

"Hey, ladies."

"Wish granted," I whisper, fighting a laugh.

Amanda clears her throat, crossing her arms. "W-What are you doing here?"

He stops at a rack of dresses, fingers trailing the fabric while his eyes linger on Amanda. "Nick said you've got trouble with the kitchen sink."

"Yes, and my brother promised to look at it."

"He and Cole are in meetings all day. I had time." His smile turns playful. "And out of the three of us, I have the most experience with sinks."

The tension between them could power the whole block. To break it, I turn to Brian. "Has Cole talked to you about his mom?"

His expression darkens. "His mom is a heartless, soul-sucking witch. After what she did, he deserves to be bitter and angry. Let him process in his own time, Alisha."

I sigh. "Yeah, you're right."

"If it helps, he told Nick and me his whole story. We thought he was messing with us about the piano thing."

My heart leaps. He opened up to his friends! God, I'm proud of him.

"For our bulldozer to share like that is huge. You and Samantha are changing him. Don't push him, Alisha. Let him feel the pain."

"What?"

Brian shrugs. "Someone once told me she wished me pain. Sounds crazy, right? But she meant that when our heart breaks, we get a chance to grow. To develop ourselves and our emotions."

I blink, surprised by the depth from our usually playful friend. Before I can respond, the store bell chimes again.

My breath catches as Carmen Walker steps inside, Jeremy close behind her. She moves carefully through the store, her cream silk outfit pristine as always, but something's different. Her hands clench and unclench, and when her eyes meet mine, they're swimming with emotion.

"Can I help you?" My voice comes out steadier than I feel.

She blinks rapidly. "I'm sorry for coming here, but Cole hasn't answered my calls since..." She glances at Amanda and Brian, trailing off.

"Oh, we know what happened," Brian says coldly.

Carmen's lips press together as she swallows. "Could I talk with you in private?"

Brian's disapproving cough fills the silence.

"Please, Alisha." Carmen's voice trembles. "Let me explain a few things."

Damn. Cole will be furious if he finds out I talked to her. But Samantha's tears and Jessica's words about forgiveness echo in my mind.

"Please, Alisha, give Carmen a few minutes," Jeremy pleads softly.

Amanda catches my eye, shrugging to say it's my call.

I look at Carmen - this proud woman now nearly breaking before me - and realize I have to make a choice that could change everything.

What am I going to do?