Page 26 of Make Me Feel Again

“Oh, yeah. Is she coming?” I try ask uncaring, but my heart beats out of my chest waiting for the answer.

“Yes, of course she is. She always comes.” She says like it was a silly question. The fact I will see Rylee in a few days eases the ache in my chest. It shouldn’t be like this, it shouldn’t feel like this, but it does, and there’s nothing I can do about it. I was looking forward to the ball, but now I’m damn right ecstatic, just so I can see her face.

I nod. “That’s good, I’m glad she is.” I keep my voice neutral. Bridget’s hand wraps around my forearm, and she gives me a gentle smile.

“You have been so good to her, Cash. You have helped more than I ever thought you could, and I can’t thank you enough for that. She means so much to this family, and I don’t ever want that to change.”

I muster up a tight smile. I hate lying to Bridget. “It’s what Jace would have wanted.” I’m sick to my stomach even saying those words, but I can’t tell her how I truly feel. I don’t even know how she would react, but I can’t see it being good. I can’t see anyone taking the news well that I have feelings for Rylee.

“Did you come over for a reason or just to see me.” I ask.

“I just wanted to come see how you were doing and, erm . . .” She sits down next to me. “See if you have heard anything from the police?” Her eyes meet mine, and her brows wrinkle.

I sigh, shaking my head. “Nothing.” I take a sip of my whiskey. “They haven’t had any leads, no one has seen him. He has a warrant out for his arrest, but that’s it.”

“I really worry, Cash,” Bridge says, looking down at her drink. “I worry for Rylee and us as a family. I don’t think it’s settled in that Jace was . . .” She can’t even say it.

I lean forward, grabbing her hands. “Hey.” She has unshed tears in her eyes. “They will catch him, and he will get what’s coming, Bridge. I won’t stop until he does.” She envelops me into a tight hug.

“I love you, Cash,” she whispers.

“I love you too, Bridge.” I hug her back, sinking into her smell that reminds me of home, or my mom. She always reminded me of Mom as she was growing up, but she has now turned into another version of her, and it makes me smile.

“So, how about you show me the donations. Boh mentioned they are good this year.” She squeals.

“They are but hands off the cabin in Whitefish, that’s mine.” I wink at her.

“Ooo, so who will you be taking to the cabin, is it that nice girl from your birthday.” She waves her hand around.

“Becky? No, no. I haven’t spoken to her in a while.”

“Well, you can’t go to a cabin like that”—she points to the paper in front of her—“and not take a girl, Cash. There has to be someone?” Her eyes flick between mine. She has always had this way of being able to tell when I lie.

“There maybe someone, but it’s early days yet.” I lie, hoping it will dull her need to know who it is.

“Well bring her to the ball, I will scope her out and see if she is good enough for my older brother.” She nudges me with a smile.

I glance at her. “Yeah, maybe,” I whisper, then start going through the papers to show her the other donations to get her off the topic. Little does she know she already loves the girl like her own, she more than approves of Rylee, just not for me.

Chapter twenty-four

Cash

Myeyeshavebeenfocused on the door for the last hour. She hasn’t turned up yet, and I’m thinking she may not. I don’t want to ask Bridget. A part of me wanted to text her back this morning when she texted memorning, but I was worried I might scare her off if I pressured. I’m trying to go at her pace even though it’s killing me.

Everyone approaches me as if I’m a bomb about to explode. I’m the guy whose son was murdered only six months ago and his killer is on the loose. It’s like people have forgotten how to have a conversation with me. A heavy thump lands on my back, and I glance over my shoulder to Bohdi. He nods.

“You good?” I take a sip of my drink, looking at him over the rim of my glass, something isn’t right about him. Nothing is right with any of us, but Boh has always been good at keeping his head up and ours along with him. It’s like the light has gone from his eyes completely. I nod, swallowing my drink.

“As good as can be, I guess, you good?” He nods, looking everywhere but me.

“Bohdi.” His head snaps back to me.

“Yeah. All good.” He rushes out.

“You and Bridge did amazing in here tonight.” I glance around, taking in the hanging gold, silver, and blue decorations.

He nods, tight-lipped, and throws his thumb over his shoulder. “I’m just going to do the rounds. I’ll see you in a bit.” He slaps me on the shoulder before walking off. His head is no longer held high, his shoulders are downward. It’s not the Boh we all know. Before I go after him to speak to him, Mike, one of my coworkers, stops me.

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