Page 34 of Holding You
“He’s perfect, but don’t tell him I said that. He already thinks he’s this god because he … never mind.”
I laugh. “Yeah, spare me the details, please.”
I nudge her with my shoulder, and then, utensils in hand, we head out to the patio, where everyone else is seated.
Will I ever forgive myself for leaving them?
I know what I did was right at the time, but it doesn't make it any easier to know what I missed.
At some point, I need to move on.
I’m a different person now.
“I’m so hungry,” Sadie says and digs in the moment all the food is out. Hudson is right there with her, passing the fruit bowl, and then like dominoes, everyone dishes up.
“Susie, Max, come get some food, please,” Declan says. Both kids grab a banana and then run off to play again.
“It’s better than nothing,” I say, making my own plate.
“I agree. So, I don’t really know if this calls for an announcement or anything,” Declan begins, and everyone stops eating to focus on him. “But with the news that the house Susie and I are living in is being sold, we are moving back to my apartment in Chicago for the remainder of the summer until our house is ready.”
Silence falls over the table, and I'm instantly flooded with happiness and dread.
Happiness that he will be far away from me and I won’t have to listen to the town talk about him.
But dread for Max. He's so happy, and Susie plays a big role in that happiness.
Now she’ll be leaving.
“I know Susie and I aren’t actually part of the Asher family, and this is probably weird because everyone here is?—”
“We consider you family, Declan,” my father interrupts. “And this is unfortunate news. Luca, can you not move up the timeline for his house?”
“I looked into it last night when Dec called me. Between shipping dates on supplies, the schedule we have with plumbers and electricians, and my other jobs, I just can’t see a way to do it that won’t put my guys into a ton of overtime. It’s summer. And it's hot. I can’t do that to them.”
“And I would never ask you to do anything that means people rearranging their entire schedule to accommodate me,” Declan chimes in.
My eyes bounce around like pinballs as my brothers and Declan go over all the options. I don’t know what to say. I just thought he’d be in another area of town and that was enough breathing space for me. But Chicago is a long way away. I doubt he’d plan trips back here just for the kids to play together before school starts.
"Any other rentals?” Miles asks.
“It would still be another thirty days before we could move in. Nothing is available sooner than that.”
“Ruby has an entire unused basement,” Luca adds quickly. “There are two rooms down there and a living room. It’s?—”
“Not your house to offer,” I rush out before this choice is made for me.
Declan holds up his hands. “Like I said, I don’t want to do anything that puts anyone out.”
“And it would.” My reply is laced with so much distaste, the entire table goes quiet.
“Ruby Ann Asher,” my dad scolds. “What is wrong with you?”
Instead of answering, I stand quickly and head into the house.
I expect my dad or brothers to follow me but am pleasantly surprised when it’s Shay, Quinn, and Sadie.
They all look at me with sad eyes.
