“I didn’t…I never knew. He’s been ducking my calls for the last few weeks. I thought he was pissed at me.”
“More like he didn’t want the lecture about using again.”
“Shit, I never even knew.”
The weight of my failure almost broke me.
I couldn’t breathe. My breath left me in gasping wheezes, and it was everything I could do to just hold on and get through this conversation.
Ryker coughed. “So listen, when can you get here? The cops will only release his body to you, and the longer it takes, the more likely we have of shit leaking.”
“I’m in Fiji, so it’s going to take me a day to get back.”
“Getting married apparently. Congrats, by the way. She sounds like a feisty one. It’s good you have someone in your corner to help you through this.” He sighed. “Get your ass on a plane, boy-o. We need you.”
“I’ll text you the details once I have them. See you soon.”
“Stay safe.”
“You too.” I ended the call and dropped my phone on the bed. Covering my face with my hands, I wept.
I felt so powerless.
So stupid.
How did I of all people miss the signs?
I couldn’t believe he was gone.
Tears rolled down my face, and Saylor murmured something as she cuddled closer to me, trying to comfort me.
But some wounds just wouldn’t ever close. And I had a feeling this was going to be one of them.
Everything moved quick after that.
I texted my assistant, Naomi—who I saw had also tried to reach me—and got her to work arranging our flights home.
We packed in a flurry. Having to put one foot in front of the other was the only thing keeping me upright. That, and Saylor’s hovering presence. She never really asked too many questions, just got to work packing and arranging details on our end to get us to the airport.
I could tell from her expression she was stressed.
I was just numb.
Gio was dead.
Gio ODed.
The words looped in my brain until they almost lost all meaning.
I didn’t get it.
How didn’t I see?
I should’ve seen the signs. But I’d been too caught up with preserving my sobriety. I knew his girl was partying. Why didn’t I think about him?
My shame spiral continued through the boat ride to the small Taveuni airport that looked more like a bus station than an airport.
Which might’ve been a joke from Saylor. I can’t really remember.
