Because of that, I wasn’t there when she needed me.
And now that I am, I’m not leaving until she tells me to go.
I’m not stupid; I know how this looks. I’m not a colleague looking out for my teammate, or even a friend offering support. Keeley has plenty of friends, all here tonight, and yet she chose me. She let me hold her. She broke down inmyarms. And anyone that knows her knows that’s a big deal.
The same goes for me.
My marriage ended because I couldn’t see that my wife was hurting. Even when she was standing in front of me. With Keeley, I didn’t have to see her at all. Iknew. She consumed myevery thought as I ran inside. I didn’t have to be looking at her for her to be all that I saw.
And I’ll be here for however long she needs me. No matter what happens because of that.
I’m not sure how long we’re standing, frozen in time before the crowd disperses and the whispers calm down. Still, I hold Keeley until she pulls away again, her tear-soaked cheeks cracking my chest wide open.
“Sorry,” she apologizes again and I scold her with a glare, making her laugh. “What? I am. I’ll buy you a new shirt.”
“I don’t need a new shirt. I have plenty.”
“But you had it made especially for today and?—”
“Are you planning on wearing this beautiful dress again?” I stare at her pointedly, holding back from calling her out for deflecting again.
“No.”
“Exactly.”
“Point taken.”
“Good.”
Bright lights assault my eyes, and I blink a few times as Keeley moves away, putting distance between us as though we’re no longer able to hide in the shadows. Not that either of us is mistaken enough to believe we were hiding.
I’d say the only people that won’t be questioning our relationship are Rochelle and Phil, and that’s because they were already gone.
It’s safe to say the cat’s out of the bag.
“I think the party’s over.” Keeley smiles softly before glancing over her shoulder toward the back room. “I’m going to grab my bag before everyone begins their goodbyes. I don’t want to miss anyone.”
“Take your time, Keeley. You see most of these people on a regular basis. They’re not going to mind if they miss you.”
She lifts her shoulders as she turns to leave, and I have no doubt she’s going to ignore me. I’d laugh if Paige wasn’t walking toward me, a hesitant smile gracing her lips.
“How are you doing, Kid?” I pull her into a hug, much like I did with Keeley, and she sniffles softly before stepping back.
“What a way to end the night.” She huffs out a strained laugh while tears prick her eyes.
“She’s going to be okay, Paige.”
“For now. But it’s not going to be that way forever. It’s going to kill Easton and Isaac.”
“Just them?”
“No.” She shakes her head. “It’s going to kill me too.”
“I’ll be here, Paige. Whenever you need me, I’ll be here.”
“Untilyoudie.”
“Whoa. Are you killing me off?”
