“I’m here, Keeley. I’m here.”
Every last ounce of strength leaves me as I pull back. “I asked her to dance, Sal. I should have been holding her.”
“You didn’t do this.”
“I didn’t help.” My voice cracks as the first tears fall, and I curl into Sal once more, holding on to him like a lifeline as my head spins, thoughts of my mom plaguing my mind.
At some point, a warmth spreads through me from my head, as though Sal kissed my hair, but it’s so fleeting, I have to wonder if I imagined it.
The lights dim as the soft tones of the music start up again and I reluctantly stand tall, smiling up at Sal. “Thank you,” I whisper, the words catching in my throat.
“She’s going to be okay. I saw her before the paramedics loaded her into the ambulance.”
“You did?” I blink a few times, confused.
“I was outside when the ambulance arrived. I had no idea anything had happened until I saw her. Phil said she was telling him that everyone needs to stop being dramatic.”
I snort out a laugh, wiping my eyes. “And here I am, more dramatic than anyone else. God, I don’t know why I reacted like that.”
“She’s your mom. You don’t have to be strong all the time.”
“Yeah, I kind of do.”
“Why?”
“Because when I let my emotions control the situation, I ruin really expensive, custom shirts.” I gesture to the mascara stain on Sal’s white silk shirt, and he huffs under his breath.
“I know what you’re doing.”
“What?”
“Deflecting. You’re allowed to show your emotions.”
“I’m fine.”
“Really?” He waves a hand in front of his shirt, much like I did, and I let out something between a laugh and a cry. I’m about to apologize again when Sal’s smile turns sympathetic, and another wave of emotion wells in my throat.
“Can I be real for a second?” I rasp, wiping at his shirt as if I can magically remove the black stains.
Sal grabs my chin, lifting my head to face him. “Of course.”
My chest tightens at the concern reflected in his eyes, and the room around us fades away.
“I’m terrified, Sal. I don’t want her to die.”
Without saying a word, Sal drags me back into his hold, and I allow myself to collapse into him, feeling safe in his arms. Feeling supported. Loved.
And while I know I’ll have to face reality again soon, for now, I’m exactly where I need to be. Consequences be damned.
Chapter Thirty-Six
SALVATORE
Keeley stays locked in my arms for another few minutes while I rub circles across her back, occasionally whispering words of comfort, ignoring the stares aimed our way.
The second I saw Rochelle, I knew I’d fucked up. I’d walked outside to hide away, acting the part of the coward I am.
I lost control of myself, working myself up as I watched Keeley having fun, hating the fact that it could never be me laughing by her side.
