Page 55 of In Too Deep

His attention shifts to me as I come to a stop beside him. “Hey, man.”

“Hey, bubba. How are you holding up?”

He shrugs as his gaze moves back to the front of the room. “This fucking sucks.”

“I know.”

Patting him on the shoulder, I follow his line of sight. There’s a picture of Dave as a young man on the screen, and it’s uncanny how much he looks like Robbie. A table with different mementos of Dave sits in front of the screen, and my chest tightens when I notice his ashes in the center. It’s hard to believe he’s gone.

Momma comes over, and I cringe as she fusses over Robbie, knowing it’s the last thing he wants. The man is hanging on by a thread, he doesn’t need my mom crying and hugging all over him as she tells him what a great man his father was.

“Come on, Ma,” I say, gently guiding her away from Robbie. “Let’s go get a seat.”

Thankfully, she agrees with a nod of her head, allowing me to lead her down the aisle. As we approach the row where Cat’s parents are sitting, I tell her to go ahead without me, that I’ll be right behind her. Though I’ve seen them in passing several times over the years, I haven’t really spoken to Cat’s parents in nearly twenty years, and I’m not entirely sure what to expect. I step into the empty row before theirs, shuffling between the wooden pews, and Cat’s mother’s face lights up with recognition as I come to a stop in front of them.

“Oh my goodness, Lawrence Grier, you haven’t changed one bit,” Mrs. Shea says, coming to her feet. She looks at Mr. Shea as he joins her. “You remember Cat’s friend Lawrence, don’t you, Sean?”

He nods, though it’s clear by the vacant look in his eyes and fake smile he has no clue who I am.

“It’s nice to see you, Mr. and Mrs. Shea. How have you been?”

“We’re good, sweetie. A little sad to be here today, but other than that... How about you?”

“Same,” I answer, nodding. I know I shouldn’t ask about Cat, doing so might be too telling, but I can’t help myself. “Is Cat here?”

“No, she and Spencer haven’t arrived yet.” There’s a painful twist in my gut at the mention of Cat’s boyfriend, but I keep my face neutral. “Have you met her Spencer yet?”

Her Spencer.

Fuck, that hurt. All I can manage in response is a shake of my head.

“He’s such a great man. I’m sure you’ll like him.”

I nod absentmindedly, certain the color is draining from my face.

“I love that boy,” Mr. Shea chimes in with a proud grin on his face.

On that note, I decide to excuse myself. “I better get back to my mom.”

“Of course, dear. Tell her I said hello.”

With a quick nod and a forced smile, I hurry over to the other side of the room where my mother is sitting. She’s talking to some of our old neighbors as I take a seat next to her, giving me a chance to gather myself.

Cat’s father doesn’t even remember me, though he apparently loves this Spencer guy. Cat’s feelings for him are the only ones that really matter, but her father’s opinion will make a difference in her decision. Cat has always put everyone else’s feelings and wellbeing above her own. Knowing her parents support her relationship with Spencer worries me. She can’t stand the thought of disappointing the people she loves. It’s something that played a big role in keeping us apart when we were younger, and I fear it will be the thing to keep us that way now.

As if I can feel her presence, my eyes are drawn to the door as Cat walks in with a man at her side. Either she hadn’t told Spencer about us, or he’s decided to forgive her. Neither option is good news for me.

Cat looks gorgeous in her simple, yet elegant black dress and cardigan, her date stylish in his gray button down and tie. Together, they look like a couple straight out of a catalog, taking my insecurity and jealousy to the next level.

Until I watch them together.

She drops his hand the second they enter the room, not even bothering introducing him to Sarah, and he follows behind her instead of beside her as she walks down the aisle. By the time they reach her parents, I’m breathing a little easier. Though it doesn’t last long, dread weighing heavy on my chest at the sight of Ava and Sean’s faces lighting up when they see Spencer.

I study them, analyzing every gesture, debating going over to say hello. Cat is visibly tense, her body language conveying her discomfort. Guilt gnaws at my gut, knowing I’m probably to blame for that. Not long after taking a seat, Cat stands again. My jaw tics as she bends down to give Spencer a quick kiss on the forehead, and her mother hands her something before Cat rushes out of the room.

Without any real thought or consideration, I follow behind her.

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