Page 82 of Volatile

Ivy watched him as he neared closer to her. He bent down and scooped her into his arms, then brought her onto his lap. She rested her head on his shoulder, and for the first time, she began to cry. It wasn’t long before her body convulsed with racking sobs. Lily almost broke down herself.

Joshua took her hand and led her out into the hall that was now illuminated by the room. He cradled her head, and she melted against him. He was her mountain, making her a better and stronger version of herself. She’d confided to him earlier about Ivy and where she worked. Everything was now out in the open, and she vowed to him from that moment forward to always keep their relationship in that same light. There were no more secrets hovering around, waiting to destroy them. Or at least she prayed that was true. Now more than ever, she had to have faith.

He grasped her chin and lifted her head to look at him. “Just so we’re clear, Lily. I never want you to do something like that again. I know you were acting out of concern for your sister, but never put yourself into an unknown and possibly unsafe situation. Do you understand?”

She nodded. “I understand.” He kissed her forehead. “Where’s Wes?”

“Out cold in my backseat.” Still? Was it the alcohol or...? “You need to know that one of the neighbors heard the disturbance and called it in. The police are going to want a statement. Do you think Ivy will be up for that tonight?”

“I don’t know....” She peeked inside just as Ivy picked up her head and pushed off his lap, moving to a different chair. Mr. Blazek’s chest rose sharply, and he dropped his head, raking his hands through his hair. Then he stood up. Lily quickly looked away.

A rap on the front door had both her and Joshua swiveling in that direction. She noticed Ivy’s boss peering through the window. He went over and let her in. Obviously, they were already well acquainted with each other.

“What are you doing here?” Lily asked. Another woman came in behind her. “Ms. Lamont?”

“Please call me Jacque.”

“We’re here for Ivy,” Cherise said. “She’s family to us.”

“I called them,” Mr. Blazek said, leaving Ivy’s apartment. Leaving Ivy.

Cherise squeezed his arm, then went in to take his place. “I’m going to sit with her awhile.”

Lily sneaked another look and noticed her sister hunched over like she was going to be sick before taking off for the bedroom. No, Cherise was not the one she needed right now. If Lily ever went through something horrid, she couldn’t think of anyone more comforting than Joshua to help her deal with it. Yet, Ivy was pushing away that comfort. And Mr. Blazek was letting her.

Was she the only one not understanding what was going on here? Apparently, since Jacque came over and hugged her. When she pulled back, she was smiling warmly.

“To say that Ivy is going through a lot and needs time is putting it mildly. Her entire world is shifting, being turned upside down. Her clear-cut definitions of right and wrong are changing, and she needs to process that. She was already questioning, but can you imagine what it’s like for her now? Her roles of good guy/bad guy reversed, and only she can decide how to make sense of it.”

Yes, but.... Lily faced Mr. Blazek. “You’re leaving?”

He couldn’t give up so easily. As difficult as her sister made it with Joshua, she still loved her more than anything and wanted her to have a happy ending too. And she wholeheartedly believed that it was meant to happen with the man about to walk out the door.

“She’s not ready for me yet, Lily.”

“But....” She was trying to understand, really, but Joshua would never leave if Lily pretended not to care. And that’s what Ivy was doing, she was sure of it.

“You want Ivy to accept that you’re not like her? You also need to do the same for her.”

“No worries,” Joshua said, tugging Lily tighter against his side. “You looked after mine when I couldn’t be there. You can trust that we’ll look after yours until the time is right. Ivy’s in good hands.”

Mr. Blazek nodded, shaking his hand. Then he turned to leave.

“She really does need you,” Lily called out. “She’s just too stubborn to admit it.”

He glanced back and gave her a half smile.

“I need her too, but I’m not ready for her yet either.”

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