Darkness obstructed my view. Foreboding followed. In a room nearly full of strangers, I was leery of everyone’s presence. Ishmael knew his guests. I’d hardly gotten a chance to meet most of them. Besides my sisters and Mercer, I was swimming in a pool of unfamiliar faces.
Ishmael’s spine straightened. He pulled his suit together by the jacket, buttoning it as he pulled me into his side. I settled in uncertainty as I found my footing. The abrupt turn was uprooting.
“Ishmael. Ishmael Grayson.”
He didn’t extend his hand, but neither did the person he was introducing himself to.
My person.
“Chemistry. Chemistry Childers.”
My breath was stuck in my throat. But, still, I found the strength to analyze the room. My heart was exposed. Out in the open. Around people that knew his face and his history. Around people that could make one call and have him sent away for the rest of our lives. Around people I was afraid of him being in the same room with, which was why I was hesitant to give parts of me to Ishmael.
But his presence.
His presence was his love language. It was his way of letting us know he was in support of us. And that he was standing ten toes behind us. And that he loved us. And that nothing mattered more than our happiness.
“Teddy,” I gasped.
“The phone lines are jammed. All cameras have been confiscated. No one can enter. No one can exit. I’m safe, baby.”
Nothing was the same. Rugger stood near the exit of the living room. Rome was mere feet away. Her smile assured Teddy he was in the clear. Roulette stood beside the coffee table that was littered with cellular devices. Rather held four cameras in her hand.
Roaman leaned against the wall with the official photographer’s attention. His camera was near his side. Range quietly acquired signatures of everyone in attendance. I didn’t have to read what was on the pages of the paper pinned to the clipboard to know they were Non-Disclosure forms.
“But–”
“But this is a victorious night. I’m here in support of everything you two have accomplished.”
“Appreciate that,” Ishmael cleared his throat.
“This city raised me,” Teddy explained, “Don’t let it fall under.”
“This city raised me as well. If it falls under, it means I’ve taken my last breath.”
“Rhea is home. We’re expecting you for dinner tomorrow.”
I could feel my eyes grow in my skull. While I’d been planning to travel across the water, my mother had been doing the same.
“Your mother?”
I turned to face Ishmael. Nodding, I confirmed.
“Yes.”
“The trip to visit her will have to wait, I guess.”
I agreed.
“It will.”
Turning back to Teddy, I parted my lips to inquire about the details.
“I–”
Nothing was left of him. Not even his scent. The room felt cold at once. My chest imploded before expanding. His absence never got old. The pain never dulled. It was still sharp and overwhelming.
“My baby.”
