Page 125 of Forfeits

“Fletcher.”

“How is Annie?” I asked.

Brian sighed. “I think she’ll be okay. She’s crying a lot. I don’t think it’s only about the kitten. We’ve been talking about Daniel.”

“Yeah? She did mention him earlier.”

“Good. She needs to talk about him more. It’s been…too painful, you know?”

“I know. Trust me.”

“That’s just it, Fletcher. We do trust you, especially after what you did for Annie today.”

“I’m glad she called me.”

“Did she tell you that we’re not going to go ahead with the…other thing?”

“Yes. And you don’t know how relieved I am.”

“I’d already told her I wasn’t sure we were doing the right thing.” He cleared his throat. “It was a way to hold on to Daniel. I’m sure of it.”

“Yes. I’m sorry it led to so much animosity.”

“You know, seeing you fight for her? That was something. We can see how important Lucy is to you.”

“Yeah,” I said, blinking back emotion.

“Anyway, we’ll have to come over for that lasagna we never had.”

I couldn’t help smiling. “Aiden and I would love that.”

“And, Fletcher?”

“Yes?”

“I’m…I’m very glad you’ve found someone—and a way to enjoy life again.”

“Thank you, Brian. Aiden was a turn of fate. And I’ve had a lot of therapy.”

Brian chuckled. “Yeah, maybe that would be a good idea for us. It’s been three years now, and it hurts just as bad.”

“I can give you the name of my counselor, if you like. She’s fantastic.”

“I’d appreciate that. Thank you.” There was a pause. “When you’re my age, you think you can deal with anything. But there’s no shame in asking for help.” Brian’s voice broke, and I realized that we were all still recovering from Daniel’s death.

“No, there isn’t.”

I went back to the living room just as the movie started. Aiden beckoned me over to sit with him on the sofa. Lucy was in the armchair with Eddie on her lap. I cozied up to Aiden and nuzzled his cheek.

“Absolutely no kissing,” Lucy said, holding her hand up. “Got it?”

Aiden snorted, and I smiled. For the first time in ages, I thought perhaps I had a good future to look forward to.

* * * *

After Lucy went to bed, Aiden helped me tidy up. We were gathering the empty pizza boxes when I was hit with a wave of sorrow so strong it took me by surprise.

I put my empty box down on the kitchen counter and turned to Aiden, and I just started choking on sobs. I kind of fell into his waiting arms while he dropped the pizza box he was carrying onto the kitchen floor in order to hold me.

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