Tears race down my cheeks, my heart drowning in them. I hurt. For Enzo and Tommy Hawkins. For the life they ran from, then the life they lost. If it hurts me this much, what must Enzo be feeling? Seeing his brother for the first time after all these years. And only when it’s time to take him away. It must be killing him.
Enzo. I scramble to my feet, shoving the door open. My ears are hit by the steady beep only a flat-line could produce. Enzo’s back is to me. He’s hardly more than a shadow now as he slowly fades away. Just before he disappears forever, he turns his head over his shoulder, eyes locking right onto mine. My heart slams against my chest so forcefully it reverberates throughout my body.
I part my lips, but no words come out. I want to cry. Want to beg. Want to scream. But mostly, I want to hold him until I know he’s going to be okay. Then I want him to hold me until I’m okay, too.
Instead, I’m frozen in place, and he’s already tearing his eyes from me. Turning away.No. Don’t leave again. “Enzo, wait!”
I unfreeze my legs and rush toward him, my hands reaching out when all that’s left is a smoky fog in his trail. My skin connects with the black smoke, just before it vanishes completely, and I’m struck by an icy sting zinging through my fingertips. I gasp and snatch my hand back, hugging it to my chest as I stumble backward.
I’m heaving, body trembling. I collapse against the nearest wall.
What the hell was that?
I’ve never seen him collect before. A shiver snakes down my spine, my eyes darting to the now lifeless body before me. He’s gone. Really gone. Only taken when his time was right. I close my eyes, and my breathing slows slightly. He’ll make it through to the other side, meeting his brother face to face again as he does.
Finally, he can say what he needs to.
Finally, he can be at peace.
Chapter 49
“Idon’t understand.”
The chair is hard as stone beneath me, only adding to my discomfort as I try to comprehend the legal documents in my hand. It’s been three weeks since he’s been gone. Three weeks since that day at the hospital. Yet uneasiness still rolls over me at just the mention of his name, let alone seeing his handwriting. His signature.
The stranger before me removes his glasses, setting them aside as he centers his brown gaze on mine, adjusts his suit collar. “It’s simple, really. Just as the papers state. Just as I’ve already explained. Mr. Thomas Matteo Blackwood has left everything to you.”
“Everything. As in . . .”
“His property and all possessions within. His money. His vehicle.”
“Everything,” I repeat again, still unable to grasp it.
“Yes, ma’am. Once again, that’severything.”
I swallow, my eyes glued to the letters right here in front of me. Clear as day. Holy shit. The cancer-hiding bastard left me everything.
I knew he was a big softie.
Claire smilesat me from across the boutique. I smile back, because that’s what normal people do. When Bobby and his mom follow suit, catching my gaze as he pays for his items, I plaster an identical grin on my face for their benefit as well. It seems to please everyone, because they all look away and continue their transaction.
A glint from Bobby’s pants pocket drags my gaze downward, to the key ring that’s half hanging out, revealing the latest AA chip he’s earned. Claire’s been taking him to weekly AA meetings, now that Dylan’s out of the picture—thanks to last month, when he stormed into the inn without realizing Bobby was there. Big mistake. They ended up getting a restraining order on the dickhead, and we found out the next day he was fired from his job, too. Just the cherry on top. Claire’s been worry free lately, back to her bubbly nature and encouraging Bobby every step of the way, and he hasn’t had another slip up since that one night.
Although the sobriety mission has done nothing to take the heat off me. They’ve both been extra concerned about me ever since Mr. Blackwood’s passing, offering to take me out almost daily. This is the first time I’ve agreed to it over these past two months, and only because Bobby’s mom is in town and I never could resist her motherly charm. How could I say no to a universal mother? That’d be like turning down Mrs. Weasley. Exactly, it isn’t done.
It hasn’t been the worst thing, having such close tabs over me. It’s forced me to adult, to take care of things I should’ve dealt with long ago. Starting with Grams’s house. I called the realtor several weeks ago, and we accepted an offer. I smile vaguely, recalling the family I chose. I think Grams would be happy with them living in her home—a single mother with a young daughter.
The soft sound of Claire’s laughter brings me back to the boutique, my gaze finding her and Bobby huddled close together as his mom takes her turn at the register. Bobby’s leaning forward, wearing that goofy grin as he whispers something in her ear, and she giggles again, a rosy blush reddening her cheeks. I don’t miss the way his fingers tenderly entwine around hers or the squeeze she gives his hand in return. The boutique is dimly lit, but the way they’re positioned beside the shop’s window casts a romantic glow over them.
The sight is both soothing and painful to the broken pieces of my soul.
Really, Bobby and Claire are a perfect fit. I don’t know why I didn’t see it sooner. She gives him the courage to stay strong, and he gives her the love she deserves.
My fingers dart to my ring, rubbing it like it has the power to grant me three wishes. I haven’t told anyone about the dreams. The dreams that returned to me ever since my fingers grazed Enzo’s smoky trail more than two months ago. They don’t come every day, but even once a week is enough to hurt. Enough to remind me how much I miss him. How much I hope he’s somehow okay.
I close my eyes, trying to block the thoughts from my mind. I can’t think of him. Not out in public. Alone in my room, yes. I spend every waking second consumed by thoughts of him when I’m locked up behind the privacy of my own four walls, where I’m free to cry and suffer in peace. But not here. Not now.
“You ready?” Claire’s chirpy voice calls me back to the shop again, and I nod.
