Page 75 of Ace

"I think it might be good if you spoke with someone," I urge.

He pulls back, using the back of his hand to dash away his tears as he looks up at me.

"Like a therapist?"

"It might help," I continue. "Maybe even a guidance counselor at school?"

He scoffs as he stands with his plate, carrying it to the sink. I frown when he puts it in the basin without scraping the food into the garbage disposal. He has always been so absent minded about the work he creates for others, but instead of chastising him this time, I'll just clean up after him. He deserves a little grace with the news he has just gotten.

"Do you think William would be okay with me speaking to a stranger about family issues?" he asks.

"We could find someone on the approved list," I offer instead because he has a valid point.

As much as we probably both need to speak to someone in order to manage our grief, we also have to keep in mind that regardless of professional responsibility, there are people out there who could leak family business for the right price.

"I think I'm going to head back to school," he says.

"Are you sure? You don't have to. I'm sure they'll be lenient—"

"I need something to take my mind off all of this," he says waving his hand around to encompass the entire house as if it is part of the reason our sister is dead.

Maybe he's right. Maybe the way we were raised and the expectation that we all appear perfect was the catalyst that forced Sadie to act the way she did. How would her life have ended up if she had grown up in a family that wasn't subjected to such criticism and high tenets?

"Is that selfish?" he asks. "I don't know that just going forward with my life, like going to class and making plans with friends is the best way to honor her."

I know exactly where he's coming from and the guilt he must be feeling. I feel it every time I wish Eddie was around.

"I think it's what we have to do," I say. "We can grieve her while still looking to the future."

I swallow down a ball of emotion as more tears threaten with an intense burn behind my eyes.

"You'll call me if you need anything?" I say, letting him know it's okay to keep on with life.

"Of course," he says as he walks closer and wraps his arms around me in a tight hug that I didn't know I needed until I was in the middle of it. "You'll do the same?"

I wrap my arms around his waist and squeeze him until he grunts with the pressure of holding him too tight.

"I will," I assure him, giving him the best smile I can manage when he takes a step back and looks down at me. "Let me know when you make it back, so I know you're safe."

He dips his head in agreement before shuffling away.

Not long after I hear the garage door opening so Chris can leave, Faye makes her way into the kitchen.

"Where's the boy?"

"He went back to school," I say, sad that it's only the two of us in the house again.

"He's much too old for school," she says, making me realize she's asking about Eddie, not Chris. I wonder, not forthe first time, if her mind isn't growing as old as her poor body is.

"Mr. Yarrow had to return to work. He'll no longer be staying with us."

"And what is he going to do about you?"

She shuffles to the fridge, reaching for a bottle of whiskey despite the fact that it's before ten in the morning.

I don't say a word. Hell, the amber liquid in the glass looks like a perfect solution for how I'm feeling, but I don't ask for a drink when she pours her own.

"How will he tell you he loves you if he's not here?"

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