“Not exactly. They’ll split their time between the beach cottage and the apartment over the consignment shop.”
“How soon?”
“They’ll put the house on the market in a couple of weeks, after they’ve fixed it up.”
“Sara, I’m sorry,” Lacey said in a soft, sad voice. “Who will pack up Sean’s room?”
“I will.”
“Have you been in there since he died?”
Wow. No easing into things from my friends, which was why I’d come to them. I needed to face their brand of reality more often. “I haven’t been through the door.”
Kimberley clasped my hand. “If you haven’t gone into his room in four months, how can you bear to touch his things?”
My throat felt raw and thick. “I’ll figure something out.”
Lacey slid off her chair and wedged herself onto the couch beside me. “Could your grandmother pitch in?”
My friends, at least, hadn’t mentioned hiring strangers. I shook my head. “She and Grandpa are making a pilgrimage through the national parks out west.”
“You can’t do this alone, Sara.”
“I don’t want to either. That’s why I came here. Could one of you help?”
Kimberley’s eyes widened. “How?”
Here was my biggest problem. I wasn’t sure about what kind of assistance I’d feel comfortable accepting from my friends. So I couldn’t mention specifics yet. “I don’t know exactly. I wish you could just show up and do whatever I think of at the moment. Even better, read my mind, ‘cause I’m not sure how easy it’s going to be for me to speak.”
My friends exchanged glances, an electric excitement flashing between them.
“We know the perfect person,” Lacey said while Kimberley bobbed her head.
“Who?”
“Grant.”
I closed my eyes and let the suggestion sink in. My gut reaction was...positive. When I’d seen him a couple of days ago, I’d been reminded how patient and unobtrusive he was. And he’d known my brother. A major qualification. “Grant would be great, except he’s in DC.”
“Grant finds his way to wherever he’s needed.”
“Can you get in touch with him?”
Lacey shook her head. “That’s the main obstacle. We can’t let him know unless he checks in. So, no promises.”
“Wait a minute,” Kimberley said, pulling out her phone. “I might have his info in my contacts.”
“Really?” Lacey’s eyes widened. “He never gave that to me.”
I fought a smile. “You dumped him.Nobodyis surprised that your ex didn’t stay in touch.”
Lacey directed a scowl at me.
Kimberley looked up, beaming. “I found it. I’ll text him.” Her fingers moved over the screen. “I’ll let you know if he responds.”
“And if he doesn’t?”
“I’m sorry, Sara. I can’t help you.” Kimberley blinked back sudden tears. “The last time I can remember being in Sean’s room, it was for a photo shoot. I still look at those images, and they bring back beautiful memories, and I can’t—” The words choked off.
