Acouple days pass and I can’t seem to let go of what Dani said. Her words are stuck on repeat in my head. Even though I know how sick he was, I can’t help but wonder if my attempt to leave pushed him over the edge. Maybe I should have stayed instead of being so selfish. Maybe I should have tried harder.
Then maybe he would still be alive.
I’ve wanted to confide in Linc about what Dani said but I don’t want to burden him with my problems. He’s got enough on his plate right now. We haven’t been able to FaceTime the last few nights, only talk over the phone for a few minutes before bed, which has been a relief actually. I fear he would be able to see the turmoil written all over my face. I certainly feel it festering in my heart.
In order to get my mind off of everything, Caroline and I are staying over at Gwynn’s tonight. I whip us up some spaghetti and garlic bread and after we eat, the three of us settle in the living room. Gwynn picks up a cream blanket that she’s been working on, along with her crochet hook, and goes to town. Caroline sits next to her, studying her every move and asking a million questions. Gwynn answers each one thoroughly and with extreme patience. My phone rings from my bag, I motion to Gwynn that I will take it in the other room. She gives me a warm smile and a nod. Swiping the screen, Linc’s handsome but tired face pops up.
“Babe,” he breathes, relief heavy in his voice. “So damn good to see your face.”
I step into the bedroom, shutting the door behind me and taking a seat on the bed. “God, I’ve missed you. How was your day? How’s the promo going?”
“Good, I’m tired as shit though. I’ve been running around all day. How about you? Are you at Mom’s house?”
“Yeah, we’re staying with her tonight. I made spaghetti for dinner and now she’s in there trying to teach Caroline how to crochet.”
Linc smiles. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Helping me take care of her.”
“You don’t have to thank me, Linc. I want to do it. I should have done it a lot more before but…” Tears sting my eyes.
“Hey, what’s the matter?”
“Nothing. Why?” I say, swiping away an escaped tear.
“Don’t lie to me. I know you. I can tell when something is bothering you. What is it?”
I should have known he would be able to see right through me.
I sigh. “Dani. When she left the other night she said some pretty nasty things to me. I’m just…still trying to process it all.”
“I thought you said everything went fine.”
“It did. Until she got ready to leave.”
“What did she say?”
I let go of a deep breath; her cruel words still cutting me deep. “She expressed how unhappy she was that you and I are together and that I drove Dean to kill himself in order to be with you.”
Linc pulls a hand down his face. “Christ. Why didn’t you tell me this the other night?”
“I didn’t want to bother you with it. You have enough going on right now.”
“It doesn’t matter how busy I am. I want you to talk to me. You can’t hold this shit in. It makes it worse, you understand?”
I nod.
“You take what she says to heart, Syl. She’s still hurtin’ and people in pain do things that they might not realize hurts someone else. You know what I’m saying?”
I nod again; reminded of the pain I’ve caused him and so many others without even realizing.
“Have you thought any more about what we talked about?”
“Linc.”
“You better get your ass on that plane. I need you here with me, Sylvie.”
When he begs like this, I can’t help but want to give in. “What about Caroline?”
“It’s already been taken care of. Your parents already said they would keep her. You have no excuse.”
“Okay, I’ll come. But just for the weekend.”
He smirks. “I’ll take whatever I can get.”
