He puts the bottles down on the counter and his hands into his pockets. “You looked a little lost for a minute.”
“Ignore me when that happens,” I say while massaging the back of my neck. My body aches with pent-up emotion.
Silence fills the air, but I can see it in his face. He wants to say something but is holding back. “What is it?” I ask.
He breathes in and takes a step forward. “Look, I’m not the first person you’d think of when you want to talk, but if you need anything or someone other than family, just call me. Okay?”
I absorb his words and I’m thankful for his offer. “Thanks. That’s sweet of you.”
His lips press together into a smile and he’s about to turn around and walk away, but I don’t want to be alone.
“Actually, while you’re here, there is something you could do.”
“Name it,” he says with relief.
“Talk to me about anything.”
“Anything?” Tommy asks, folding his arms.
“Yes. Why don’t you tell me what it’s like to live in New York?”
He raises his brow. “I thought you’d been there before. Yeah, you have. You and Scott saw us play last year—” He stops mid-sentence. “Fuck. I didn’t mean to?—”
“I asked you to talk about anything, and you did. If Scott was there, don’t ignore it. Never forget him, Tommy, please.” I smile to myself at the memory of Scott singing his heart out. “He loved Koolum Law and every song you ever wrote. He was so proud to know you guys and of everything the band achieved. Your concert at Madison Square Garden was one of the best nights of our lives.”
He bites his bottom lip and nods. “Yeah. It was an awesome night.”
“And we loved the city,” I say absentmindedly.
“Then you should go back and visit sometime.”
“Maybe I will one day.” My attempt at a smile isn’t very convincing. “So,” I sigh, “have you decided when you’re going home?”
“You sick of me already?” He grins.
“I didn’t mean that.” I half smile. “I meant you must be missing your girlfriend.”
“Not really.”
“No?” Perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised. I didn’t get a good feeling when I met her at the wedding.
“It’s complicated.” His mouth twists to the side. “I’ve got to go back for a meeting in a few days, but it’s a flying visit.” An awkward second passes before he moves away from the subject of Chelsea. “Anyway, me and the boys decided we need to be here for Ash for as long as he needs us. We don’t want to leave Calla on her own when she could use our help. And then… well, there’s you.”
“Me?” My throat tightens as tears threaten to form again. I wish I could control this need to cry all the time. I’m sure it makes people uncomfortable.
“Are you okay?” His arm drapes around my shoulders.
“Oh, yeah. I’m fine.” I try to sound upbeat, but my emotions don’t cooperate as tears fall uncontrollably.
“Hey, come on. It’s okay.” He hugs me close.
“I'm sorry, Tommy. I was trying so hard not to do this.”
“Jesus, Angie. It’s understandable.”
I force a tight-lipped smile. “You’re a good guy. Thank you.”
For a few silence-filled moments, I let his words settle.His support means the world to me, but it’s difficult to make anyone understand how deep this pain penetrates.
