“Stacey’s family …” I hiccup on my tears, “They just died.”
“Oh fuck, D,” Charlie says.
“I’m about to get on a plane to Australia. They are gone. Those poor babies lost their family. Poor Stacey.” I gasp.
“Deep breaths, D, in through the nose, out through the mouth,” Charlie says calmly.
“Wish you were here.”
“Wish I was there, too. But I’ve got you, okay. Whatever you need, whatever time of day or night, call me, text me, anything,” he tells me.
“Thank you.”
“I miss the fucking hell out of you, Derrick, and I wish I was there for you right now. It’s killing me that I’m a millionmiles away. Wish I could wrap my arms around you and tell you everything is going to be okay. Let you know that you can lean on me, because I’ve got you.”
“Just saying that makes me feel better.” I feel the anxiety attack start to subside.
“I’m here for you. Lean on me. It’s going to be a tough time, and you are going to want to be there for your friend, but helping her is going to take its toll on you. Use me as your outlet, I can handle it, I promise.”
“Sienna is coming too.”
“And she has Evan. Derrick, you have me. Let me be your strength during this time.”
“Okay,” I mumble, trying not to burst into tears again. “I don’t know what I packed, I sort of threw everything together. My head is foggy, and I can’t think.”
“Put me on FaceTime and show me what you have packed.”
Which I do. He then gets me to unpack everything, and piece by piece, he helps me repack my suitcase, luckily, because I forgot underwear and my toiletries.
“Thank you,” I say, looking at him through the screen.
“You’ve got this. I’ll be here whenever you need me.” Staring at his handsome face makes my heart ache.
We see the three of them getting out of the car. Poor Hunter had to get a mild sedative upon hearing the horrible news, thanks to Christian’s mum. Sienna and I rush over to Stacey and pull her into our arms as we burst into tears.
“I’m so sorry. So, so sorry.” Sienna cries.
“I have no words,” I tell her as we hug her tightly.
“I don’t believe it. We only saw them a day ago. They were here, living and breathing, and now … now …” Stacey gasps as a wave of grief hits her. “Thank you, guys, for coming down to the airport to see me. I appreciate it so much, I’d better go.”
“We’re coming,” I tell her. Stacey stills.
“Did you seriously think I’d let you go through this alone?” Sienna asks her.
“We know you have your Viking, love, but now you have the two of us, too,” I add.
“What about the babies?” Stacey asks her.
“Evan has it covered, plus his parents are down the road.”
“What about work?” Stacey looks at me. She knows I’m in prime award season, but nothing is more important than her right now and luckily all those late nights these past couple of days have paid off because everything is done.
“Sweetheart, it’s called delegating,” I reassure her. Stacey bursts into tears, and relief fills her as she hugs us again.
“Thank you, guys. Thank you so much.”
“What are friends for?” I tell her.
