“I know. You’re a very big girl.”
“Mommy, I’m gonna show Granma.”
“Okay, honey.”
Nadine ran out, yelling, “Granma, look.”
“Now you two sit down.” Monique pointed. “I have questions.”
“What would you like to know?” Tristan’s lips twitched.
“You’ve got to be kidding.” She glared at him. “Years I’ve waited for you to be happy, and I’m finally seeing it. All this time I’ve known you, and you’ve laughed more in the few minutes you’ve been here than you ever have. And I know what you’re thinking, but you do deserve it. Just because we go on living doesn’t mean we forget. I’ve said it before, but I’m going to keep saying it until you believe it: never for one second did I blame you for what happened that night, and I know Terry wouldn’t either. And Ineverwished it was you instead of him. Ever. It never crossed my mind.”
“It did mine.”
Sean’s hand crept into his and squeezed tight. “But not anymore, right?” he asked, his brow furrowed.
“No. But it took me a long time to realize that. No matter what I did, or how much therapy I had, I blamed myself. Maybe I always will, but the endless pain is gone.” He glanced up to see Monique brushing away tears. He focused on Sean. “Everyone has both light and darkness inside them, and we have to make the choice of what we allow to take over. I’m choosing the light.”
Sean’s smile brightened his eyes. “I am too.”
Chapter Twenty-One
When Sean told Tristan he wanted to let Charlotte and Ray know they were together, he didn’t get the reaction he’d expected. They’d had such a welcoming reception at Monique’s a month earlier, Sean couldn’t understand Tristan’s growing nerves as their train approached the station.
“What’s wrong with you? Do you really think Charlotte will be upset that we’re together? News flash—she’s been shipping us since the first.”
That caught Tristan’s attention, and he faced Sean, brow furrowed. “Shipping us? Where? What the hell does that mean?”
Restraining himself from laughing in Tristan’s face was almost painful. “Aww, you’re so cute when you’re clueless. It’s short for wanting us to be in a relationship.”
“Oh. Millennial-speak. Got it.”
“Shut up.” Sean elbowed him, but although it seemed his explanation satisfied Tristan, it didn’t dispel his anxiety.
“It’s not Charlotte I’m concerned about,” Tristan muttered, surprising him.
“You think Ray’s going to have a problem? He doesn’t know you’re gay? Is that it?”
“No. I mean, I’ve never discussed my personal life with him, but I doubt he cares.”
The train stopped, and they exited onto the platform. Even though he’d told Charlotte they’d take a cab to the house, she insisted on picking them up. He spotted her waving to them.
“There she is.” Tristan walked by his side, and Sean pressed on. “I don’t understand what the issue is. Trust me, Ray will be happy to hear about my business plans. I know he always thought I was a bit of a fuckup.”
Charlotte flung her arms around him. “Hi. I hope whatever’s in that bag isn’t more toys for the kids.”
He hugged her tight. “I plead the Fifth. And why do you assume it’s only me? Maybe Tristan got them stuff.”
She gave Tristan a hug. “Did you?”
He snickered. “I plead the Fifth too.”
“Oh, brother. Come on, get in. Ray’s got the grill going and the beers cold for you.” They climbed into the Land Rover. “Tristan, I know you don’t eat burgers, but how about chicken? Or we could do fish.”
“I’m sure whatever you have is fine. I’m not a vegetarian, so I can indulge in a burger once in a while.”
Sean couldn’t resist. “Don’t worry, Char. Lately Tristan’s been into sausages, so I’m sure it’ll be fine.” He got a death stare from a red-cheeked Tristan, which he ignored.
