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She releases a haggard breath. “I’m here for you. Always. But promise me one thing.”
“What?”
“Don’t shut down.”
“I already have.”
“Then open your heart again. I can’t accept that this is over for you guys. I just can’t, so although I understand you, and him, too, I don’t think it’s over.”
“Maybe it is.”
She shakes her head. “My heart doesn’t tell me so. I admit that I don’t have the experience with love that you have. I adore Adrian to no end. He’s been so good to me and your mom, too. God, he’s even with her now because he knew I was worried about you and worried to leave her. But he’s no Cillian. We’re not madly in love with each other the way you and Cillian are. But if I had that kind of love, I’d hold on for dear life and never give up hope. Do you hear me?”
Her words touch my heart, reaching past the dark fog of gloom surrounding my soul. “I hear you.”
“Good. Now get yourself home. Spend the time with your mom instead of working your heart out here. I’m going to be here until lunchtime. I was thinking we could go to the spa later and stay overnight. Just the three of us. Your mom has already agreed.”
“I’d like that. It would be a nice break.”
“I’m glad to hear that because I think you need it.”
“God knows I do.” I give her a weak smile.
“Then I’ll book us in, and I’ll see you at about one.”
“Thank you, Roxanne.”
“You are so welcome.” She pulls me in for a hug and holds me close. “It’s going to be okay, Chloe. Everything is going to be okay.”
I’m grateful for her words of comfort. Sometimes, that’s all a person needs to hear.
“Thanks.”
“Go on now.”
I dip my head and leave. When I get outside to my car, I nod at Liam. He’ll follow behind me.
It’s funny. I knew that he's Cillian’s favorite, so I always feel safest with him.
On the drive back to my mom’s house, I try not to think, but Roxanne’s words of hope and strength stay with me.
I reach home in half an hour and head inside. I hear Mom in the back room, so I head there. This used to be my studio. Roxanne and I turned it into another sitting room. We were planning to get a piano to put in there so Mom can play her music again to keep her mind occupied.
The door is open, so I walk in and find Mom inside sitting on the sofa and Adrian standing by the window. He’s pulling the curtains.
“Hey, guys.” I smile.
“Hi, sweetie.” Mom’s smile is cautious. She hasn’t known what to say to me to comfort me, so she will either smile or gives me the occasional hug. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah.”
“Did you see Roxy?” Adrian asks, stepping away from the wall.
“Yes, she relieved me of my duties and sent me home. She mentioned the spa later.”
“And I hope you agreed.”
“I did. She said she’d be back at one to pick us up.”
