Page 29 of Fool Me Once

Even though I’m disappointed with her answer, I don’t show her. This isn’t about me; it’s not about her parents either. It’s about her opening up to her loved ones about the things she’s been keeping inside way down deep.

“All right.” I nod. “I’ll keep my phone on. You can call or text me if you need anything.”

Pushing my own door open, I jog around to get hers. Once she steps out and Storm follows, I lightly close the door and turn my attention to her.

She eyes the house over, fidgeting her hands together.

Not wanting to make her feel like she’s on display, I clear my throat. “I’ll head across the road. Remember … my phone is on if you need me.”

She doesn’t acknowledge my words, but I know she heard me, so I take my time heading to cross the street. Just as I step onto the road, her panicked voice stops me.

“Smith?” flies from her mouth.

I spin around quickly to find her turned toward me, her eyes huge. “Yeah, Firefly?”

She looks down at the grass, still wringing her fingers together, before lifting her gaze back to me.

“Maybe you could go in with me after all?” She shrugs her slender shoulders. “I mean, if you wanted.”

I miss the light that always used to be in her eyes and the smile that would pull at her plump red lips. She’s a ghost now, and it’s the most fucking painful thing to see.

Walking toward her, I stop directly in front of where she stands and smile. “I would love to. You ready?”

Her head barely bobs, and she turns and starts taking steps toward the house. Before her foot lifts to the first porch step, the house door flies open, and her mother is looking at us, covering her mouth like she’s trying not to cry.

“My girl,” she whimpers before bolting outside. “You’re here.”

What I don’t expect to happen is for Gemma’s eyes to fly to mine just before her mom throws her arms around her body. She tenses up on impact but gently wraps her arms around her mom, still watching me.

After they embrace for a few more moments, the door opens again, but this time, it’s Will. His eyes fly to mine, and there’s no mistaking the panic written all over his face. I made a deal with him long ago—that I’d never tell anyone that he forced me out of her life. I’m sure he’s worried that I’m about to break our deal.

When Lori releases her, I see Gemma staring up at her father, who is much skinnier, paler, and frailer than the last time I saw him. And the crew cut he always wore has turned into a balding head.

“Hey, Dad,” Gemma whispers, her lips trembling.

He stares down at his daughter as if he isn’t sure she’s really here rightnow. With a cane in his hand, he takes a few steps closer to the edge of the porch.

“Hi, Gem,” he rasps. “Good to see you, girl.”

The old Gemma would have run up the stairs, wrapped her arms around her dad, and held on tight. That girl is gone, and the one left behind moves nervously as she heads closer to him. And even when she reaches the top of the stairs, she looks uncomfortable. But when he holds his arms out and pulls her against his chest, she erupts into sobs, letting go of everything inside.

“I’m sorry I haven’t been home,” she cries against his shirt. “I should have been here. You’re sick.” She sobs harder. “I’m so sorry, Dad.”

“Shh,” he whispers against her hair. “You’re here now, sweetie. That’s all that matters.”

I know her parents probably aren’t happy I’m here, but I don’t really give a fuck. And even though I know her father needs her, I’m not letting her stay here. It’s not safe. Not until her father gets better.

“Is William around today?” She asks about her brother, but her parents both shake their heads.

“Not today,” Lori answers. “He went to visit his girlfriend in Boston for a few days.”

“I see,” Gemma says, and I can instantly hear the relief in her tone.

Seeing her parents today is hard enough. I’m sure she was nervous that her big brother would be here too.

This is the first step to healing, I believe. She’s finally going to admit everything out loud, and I’ll be here for her every step of the way.

Seated in the living room on a couch next to Smith, across from my parents on the love seat, I take a deep breath and tell myself to be brave.

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