Normally, I’d speak through the intercom, asking who it is, but I honestly don’t give a shit at the moment. So, with the push of a button, I just release the gate, granting access to whoever’s dropped by. I unlock and open the door a little, then drag my ass back to the couch to lie down.
I check my phone for a text again as someone pulls up and rounds the circular drive. Still no response from Blue. A few seconds pass before a car door closes, followed by the trunk slamming shut, then the car drives off. I stay completely still and listen as the front door creaks open, and I should probably get up to see who just walked in, but like I said…
Don’t give a shit.
Footsteps echo across the marble tile in the foyer, then stop. A few seconds later, someone takes a deep breath.
“Well, shit. I’m not saying I needed the red carpet rolled out for me, but a damn handshake would’ve been nice.”
I recognize that voice right away.
Confused, I’m off the couch in a flash, then I’m rushing toward the foyer, staring at the last face I expected to see today.
“Grandpa?”
A huge grin spreads across his face as he sets his suitcase down, and I swear this is the first time I’ve feltanythingbut rage or dread since Blue left.
“So, your mamadidteach you boys manners,” he laughs, and the next second, he has me in one of his tight hugs.
Something I didn’t realize I needed so badly.
“What are you even doing here?”
He releases me but grips my good shoulder, staring like he sees right through me—right through the fake ‘I’m okay’expression.
“Well, the last few times we chatted, I heard it in your voice. You need someone, so… here I am. Being your someone.”
My chest feels tight all of a sudden, and I hate that my emotions are so fucking raw. Taking a breath to fight the sting in my eyes, I nod. As surprised as I am to see him standing here, I know I shouldn’t be. Whenever any of his kids or grandchildren are going through, Boone Landry is right there with them. My cousins usually keep him pretty booked up, but I guess he knew how much having him here would help.
And it means a whole hell of a lot.
I give him a one-armed hug, squeezing him when words fail me.
“Thank you,” is all I can manage.
“Ah, stop it. Now, I’m here until you tell me to leave, so point me toward my room.”
Without hesitation, I grab his luggage and lead him toward the stairs to one of the guestrooms. Then, I carry his suitcase to the closet, so he doesn’t have to lift it on his own. He moves toward the window, overlooking the pool as he nods.
“The pictures you sent don’t do this place justice, West,” he says, still surveying. “I tell you what. I couldn’t be prouder of what you and Blue have built.”
Hearing her name sends a sharp pain pulsing through my head like a current of electricity.
“Thanks,” I mutter, taking slow steps to stand beside him at the window.
Silence creeps in, and I know he feels it. The weight I’m carrying. How I’ve reached my breaking point.
“I’m sorry you had to drop everything to come here. I know you don’t need it, but I’ll reimburse you for your plane ticket.”
“West, please,” he chuckles quietly. “I’m here just as much for myself as I am for you.”
But something in his tone shifts the vibe in the room. The air is suddenly heavier, more solemn.
“You haven’t sounded like yourself for weeks now, and it… it worries me,” he admits. “So, it’s my job to do what I can tohelp. Even if all I can do is keep you company. Or keep you from self-destructing.”
I don’t meet his gaze, but I catch it in my peripheral vision as I stare straight ahead.
“I know your mom’s away and a little out of touch with all you boys are going through, but… you’ve got me.”
