“Well, this is going to suck.”
“You might surprise yourself. It was lovely to meet you, Claire, and I look forward to seeing you next week. Bring your list with you please, and I’m just a phone call away if you need anything.” He stands, holding out his hand for me to shake.
The hour went by extremely fast. It’s almost like whiplash, this bubble of progress only to go back to the real world and cope somehow.
Adam stands when he sees me, worry written all over his face.
“I’m fine.” I realize he probably doesn’t believe me with the red face I’m rocking from crying.
“Let’s get you back home. If you want to talk about it, you can, but I won’t push you.”
See? He’s so understanding and sweet.Even if he does look like he wants to punch out my therapist.
He gets me settled in the car, and then we’re off. His hand reaches over, entertaining mine and giving me silent strength I desperately need right now.
Craig’s words roll around in my head, but all I can focus on is Charlie.
I miss him so incredibly much. I’ve never just sat with that feeling because it hurts so damn much. He’s missing not only his life, but mine. I have a man in my life and a baby on the way, and neither of them get to know just how amazing Uncle Charlie would have been.
Sobs retch through my body at the thought. I run my hand over my belly, telling this baby that I promise to make sure theyknow who Uncle Charlie would have been for them. The one that would have gotten ridiculous presents that I would have hated. The one that would pick them up after school just to go get some ice cream. He would have been there through everything, and Craig was right; I don’t want to forget that version of Charlie.
We pull into a parking garage I don’t recognize before I turn to Adam with a question in my eyes.
“My apartment. I, umm, selfishly don’t want to leave you anywhere like this.”
I must be an extra hot mess then if he didn’t even want to leave me at my apartment.
“Is that okay?” he asks.
“Yeah,” I croak out, my voice shot from crying.
It’s as we get onto the elevator that I realize I’ve never been here. I’m about to get a glimpse into who Adam really is outside of his job.
Chapter 30
Adam
I’m at a loss.
I know therapy can get emotional, but Claire hasn’t stopped crying. Is it the hormones? The session? Something else?
I’m panicking and need answers, however egotistic that is. My gut reaction is to call someone with experience in this while Claire is in the bathroom.
“Well hello, stranger. Nice to know you’re in the land of the living,” Daisy, my sister answers almost immediately.
“Yeah, good to talk to you too. Listen, I don’t have time for small talk, but I promise to call about everything later.”
“Shit, what’s up?” Her immediate focus is something I desperately need right now.
“Don’t ask questions,” I preface, realizing she’s about to learn a lot of shit really quickly. “My pregnant girlfriend just had a therapy appointment, and she cried the entire way home. I’m talking full-on sobs, and I don’t know if this is therapy, hormones, or me. I’m a loss, Dais.”
Silence is the only thing in my ear.
“Dais?”
“I’m processing all the shit I just learned,” she deadpans.
“Sorry.” I cringe, glancing at the bathroom.
