Page 45 of Someone to Watch Over Me

It’s okay to care about Tom, Lex. He seems like a fantastic guy, and he’s been so good to you as a friend. That’s a nice place to start.

What about his faulty ticker?

What about my breast cancer? What keeps Gage here after that?

I don’t like to think about her cancer scare.

Hint—he decided he’d rather be with me for whatever time we have together than to be without me. Look at what Adrian just endured during Wynter’s pregnancy, having to dread every day that the same thing would happen to her as happened to Sadie.

Adrian’s wife died hours after delivering their son, Xavier.

When you put it like that…

Everything is a risk. Allowing all of you into my life after losing Mike was a risk. Not only did I fall in love with the best group of friends I’ve ever had, but I also took on your grief and you took on mine. But I wouldn’t trade my Wild Widows for anything.

Neither would I. I have no idea where I’d be if it weren’t for you guys.

Same. I like your Tom. I like how he stepped up for you without wanting anything in return other than your friendship.

After he told me about his HS crush on me… What I would’ve done for that info back in the day!

If you’d known that, you might’ve missed out on loving Jim.

I thought of that, and I wouldn’t have wanted to miss him.

Things happen the way they’re meant to, or so I’d like to believe.

I guess so. Everything just feels so BIG when I think about an actual relationship with Tom.

Forgive me for saying this, but you’ve been in a relationship with Tom almost a year already. You’re just thinking about making it official at this point.

Why do you have to be such a smarty-pants?

LOL. My curse in life.

More like your gift. Thanks for chatting so late.

No problem. Gage is sound asleep, and I was reading.

You two give me courage…

Aw, that’s sweet of you to say. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s worth it. I promise. Jim would want you to be happy, right?

Yes, that was his most pressing concern after he was diagnosed.

Then you need to give yourself permission…

Trying.

Sending you love and hugs.

Thank you for always knowing what I need most.

You’ve got this, Lex. I have faith in you!

Sleep well.

You, too.

---