Page 68 of Sienna Rossi: Beyond Shattered Trust

I wait, giving her the time she needs. “Did it- does it get easier? I know your dad’s back, but… You know how it felt to lose a parent… Heaven lost her dad. How long will it hurt?” she asks, her voice cracking, but she refuses to let her tears fall.

My heart breaks for her. I walk towards her, clutching my hands in front of me. “It hurts for a long while, but we all deal with grief differently. It’s ok to let it out in whatever way works for you,” I say softly. “Losing a loved one is never easy, but always remember that your family is also hurting, and it’s ok to talk to them. Because they know how it feels, and they’re hurting, too.”

She nods, and I stand there for a moment before I turn and leave the room, wishing there was more I could do for her. I make my way downstairs and check on the chips, waiting until they are golden before removing them from the oil.

After sprinkling salt over the lasagne, I retrieve it from the oven. I place it on top of the cooker and cut it into squares, plating a piece for Katara and adding some chips. I set the tray aside and grab some sauces for her, and hesitate when I look at the drinks.

“Orange juice; she doesn’t drink fizzy.”

I jump, startled, not realising that Jayce had entered. He’s leaning in the doorway, arms crossed, one foot resting on the frame, looking way too hot.

I can feel my cheeks burning up.

“You should be aware of your surroundings at all times,” he remarks. “And you’re standing way too close to the oil.”

I step away, moving my hair over my shoulder, only for it to tumble down my back again.

I glance around, momentarily blank. Oh yeah, orange juice!

He’s still watching me, and I suddenly feel very self-conscious as I walk over to the fridge and take out the orange juice carton. I look around, trying to remember which drawer the glasses are in, when Jayce walks around the island and reaches for a drawer just above my head. His scent fills my nose, and I resist the urge to inhale deeply.

He grabs three glasses, giving me a ‘you’re welcome’ look before placing them down.

“Thank you,” I say, with a mock sweet smile. His eyes dip to my lips for a lingering moment before he looks away, leaving my stomach feeling a giddy mess.

Just one look from him, and I lose myself. Gods.

Placing one of the glasses on the tray, I carry it upstairs to Katara, who’s applying some makeup now, not looking as vulnerable as she did earlier.

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome,” I answer as I place the tray on her desk.

She offers a small smile, and I pause at the door on my way out. “If you ever need to talk, I’m just a text away; remember that.”

She nods, taking a chip. “Thanks, Sienna.” She looks at me. “I hope you and Jayce get together soon. I think this family needs you.”

I don’t know how to respond to that, and so I smile. “Thanks,” I whisper.

It is my duty to be here for his family… They are my family now, too.

Returning to the kitchen, I see Jayce has already carried the stuff over to the island, placing two plates down at the counter, side by side.

“What was she doing?” he asks, not looking up as he deftly opens both cans of fizzy at the same time.

Ok, show off.

“Why not go see for yourself?” I suggest as I bring the lasagne over; I place a trivet on the counter before putting it down.

“I’ll pass,” he says curtly.

I slide onto one of the barstools as Jayce takes the one beside it. It’s a start… There are six stools on this side. I hide my smile as I look over at him, raising my eyebrow.

He simply raises his own back before helping himself to some lasagne and chips. “Since you aren’t starting, I will. I’m fucking starved.”

And I’m starved for you.

I watch as he bites into a chip, like his sister, not bothering with a fork.