Page 107 of Catch You

“You,” she admits, hesitantly. “He’s worried about you. So am I. So is everyone. I know this is hard right now, and the added stress of …” She nods toward my stomach like I need the reminder. “But you really should talk to him. Hear him out.”

“One thing at a time. Did I smell toast?”

“You did. Here.” She passes me the tray she’d abandoned on the dresser.

Sitting myself up, I accept it and immediately shove a piece of buttered toast in my mouth in the hope that it’ll help keep any sickness at bay.

Brooke watches me for a beat before turning to my closet.

“Have you decided what you’re wearing today?”

“Nope. Probably the first thing I find.”

“Don’t be like that. Your aunt specifically said she wanted everyone in bright colors. I know it’s hard, but she wants you to celebrate her today. And to be honest, she was kinda epic, so I think she deserves you to pull out all the stops.”

I roll my eyes. My aunt organizing her own funeral might have been a surprise, but her desire to ditch the black for today had been in the plans for a long time.

“What about this?”

I risk a glance up. “No.”

“What? Why? It’s so pretty.”

I sigh. “Just no.”

She huffs and puts it back in before rummaging around again.

“B, it’s okay. I can find something.”

“Okay,” she says, holding her hands up and backing away from my closet. “You’ve got two hours until the cars will be here. If you need anything, call me.”

“I will,” I promise before watching her back out of the room.

I’m not ready for today. Not that I think I ever could be.

I move on autopilot as I get myself in the shower and begin getting ready. I try to keep my imagination in check to stop it wandering to my family’s funeral all those years ago. That day, I prayed I’d never have to say goodbye to anyone ever again. But here we are.

I blow-dry my hair, leaving it curly as I know my aunt liked it, and apply some light makeup. In reality, I’m going to wash it all away with my tears in the coming hours.

Standing at my closet like Brooke did not so long ago, I run my eyes over everything, trying to find the right dress. Nothing feels quite right. Add that to the fact that I feel totally bloated and sick right now, and nothing really appeals.

In the end, I pull out a long, flowing, floral maxi dress that’s covered in big, bright flowers and team it with a pink cardigan.

I glance at myself in the mirror, and a small smile turns up the corners of my lips. She’d approve of this. I turn to the side and run my hand over my stomach. Despite the fact that I feel more bloated than I ever have in my life, it’s not at all noticeable.

Digging deep for some strength, I abandon my sanctuary in search of Brooke.

The smell of her coffee filling the kitchen makes my stomach turn over, but thankfully, I manage to keep the toast down for now.

She turns to me, her eyes softening as she takes in my outfit. “You look lovely.”

“You too.”

“There’s a stack of unopened cards on the coffee table, if you’d like to look through them.”

“Uh … no, I think today is already going to be hard enough.”

She nods. “You need anything before we go? More food? Drink?”

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