Page 78 of Four Times Taken

"Not tonight." Ryan shook his head at Matt, who nodded his understanding.

"Right. I'm sorry." Bringing his hands together into a soft clap, Matt tried to infuse some lightheartedness. "Don't worry. It's not like we have anywhere to be. Right, guys? We'll stay here with you as long as you need us to," he said, though his face told me he'd rather not spend any length of time cramped together in this small house.

It's the first time I've seen his 'rich side' on show. It almost made me laugh through the tears. I was about to tell him it was okay, he could go back to the Airbnb if he wanted. They didn't have to sacrifice their comfort for me, but Ryan interjected first.

"Actually..." He scratched the back of his neck. "There's something I need to tell you."

He hesitated, and the fear in his voice freaked me out. "What is it? Spit it out," I said.

"On my way over here, I got a reminder about a job that's been in the works for six months now. I forgot all about it. But I can..." Ryan said.

"Ah, shit. Not you, too." Eric groaned behind me.

"What is it? Don't tell me you have surfing lessons to attend to." Ryan grunted.

Eric glared at him before addressing the rest of us. "It's my parents. They're not doing well. Their nurse is asking me to come see them."

"What? Eric? Why didn't you say something?" I spun around to grab his hands and cradle his face.

"I got the news tonight," he said.

"I'm sorry, man. I didn't know." Ryan softened.

"Yeah, you keep putting your foot in it as of late as if you're in competition with us for Lily." Matt cast him a disapproving look.

Ryan cleared his throat. "I guess I can cancel..."

"No." I shut him up. "You're both going. I won't have you neglecting your responsibilities and the people in your life." Just because I can't get my shit together, I finished in my head.

"Yeah," Ethan agreed. "Besides, as Matt says, it's not like the both of us have anything going on. We can afford to stay back here with Lily. It'll give us time to bond closer since you two are always taking her attention away," Ethan joked. "Hey, give your parents my best, will you? When are you leaving?"

"I was hoping to go by the end of the week?" Eric checked in with me.

"Babe, go. I'm so sorry I can't come with you. Give them my best wishes as well?" I stroked his cheek.

He kissed my palm. "You sure you'll be okay?"

I hated that he didn't know how much I cared about him and the people who mattered to him. I hated that he thought his world had to revolve around me and me alone. And I thought it had to do with more than our scare tonight. Over a decade ago, he had left my life, into the dark abyss, without a word. And I had made him pay for that, without considering why he might have chosen to do it that way.

Within the first couple of weeks, I would've feared him leaving again; I hadn't allowed myself to hope for anything long term. We're both adults now, and I'm assured that he loves me as much as he says. I know our communication is stronger, and I don't doubt that as long as it is within both of our control, we'll see each other again. Soon, too. We'll figure it out. Even if I have to travel with my mother across the country or hire a short-term nurse while I look for him and actually meet his parents this time, we'll make it work. Because we love each other.

"Of course. After all, I'm in good hands." I smiled at Matt and Ethan. "Right now, you should be thinking about your parents. And you, Ryan, should stop sulking and look forward to Hawaii. Are you kidding me? I'm jealous."

"Maybe one day you can come with me?" Ryan asked.

"I'd love that. But now, what I'd love most is some sleep. My head is banging." I stood. When they all hesitated to follow me, I turned on my heels to face them. "Well, what are you waiting for? Come to bed."

"Uhhh..." They jumped up, sure, but they all looked at each other, addressing the elephant in the room.

"No sexy time." I smiled. "You guys have worked me out. Plus, with Terri showing up..."

I didn't have to finish my thought, they understood. That's not what they're concerned about. They're worried about who's going to sleep where, and the look on their faces, nervous to ask the question, made me laugh aloud.

"Well, two of you can share my bed if you don't mind squeezing together. Two can sleep in the guest bedroom if that's all right with you. The bed isn't much bigger than mine, but..." I started.

Before I could continue, Eric and Ryan volunteered to share my bed.

"Ah, great." Ethan's face shrugged.

---