Page 117 of Just Neighbors

“I’m sorry … what?”

Her eyes are glossy, and she places a finger underneath her nose as she tilts her head down. “I want to apologize.” She blinks away tears. “I’m sorry if I’m being too emotional. Kyle came to talk to me. He explained that you’ve been the sole caretaker for Trey, that, since he was a baby, it’s always been you. He asked me how I’d feel if someone tried to take my children away from me, and his words made me understand. My heart hurts if I caused you any pain. I only wanted to help Trey, but I understand now that helping him is having you. Trey can stay with you. Michael and I will not be pursuing any type of custody battle, and we have no issue with helping if need be—whether it be money, school assistance, anything like that. We’re here.” She sucks in a breath. “And, when you two feel comfortable, I’d love to get to know him. So would his brother and sisters.”

Tears fill my eyes. “Thank you,” I blurt out, my voice thick with emotions, so many damn emotions. “Thank you so much.” I pull in a breath and wipe away my tears before clearing my throat. “And I’m sorry … for keeping everything from you … and, uh … taking money away from your family.”

She shakes her head. “Honey, you did that for those kids. Michael told me he had the checks made out to you because he knew you’d do the right thing and that you stopped accepting them when you had enough money to help them yourself. You doing that, even against your better judgment, only further proves how much you care for them.” She grabs my hand and squeezes it. “And I am so,so very sorryabout your loss.”

We’re both crying as we stand, and she wraps her arms around me before leaving. “My door is always open.” She hands me a piece of paper when we separate. “Here’s my number. If you need anything, Chloe, please let me know.”

I sniffle. “Thank you again.”

She gives me one last look before leaving. “Now, I understand why my son loves you so much.” She sighs. “With four children, I try to steer clear of their love lives, but Kyle cares for you deeply. He’s not perfect, and sometimes, he doesn’t think before he speaks. But he’s ready to take on every broken piece of you, and hopefully, you’re willing to do the same with him.”

31

Kyle

I’ve told Chloe good morning for the past week.

I’m not greeted with curse words or finger signals.

I get a small glimmer of a smile and a bowed head.

That’s it.

I should appreciate her lack of telling me to fuck off but don’t. It further proves every light inside her has dimmed.

My family’s disdain toward Chloe has lowered. We sat down after the funeral and all came to the understanding that she’s not the bad person; he is.

I haven’t forgiven my father, but I am giving him credit for stepping up. When he realized my mother was finally going to walk away, it sucker-punched him. My mom ignored his infidelities before because they were hidden, but when they were released in the open, that did her in. Not to mention, he produced a child with his mistressyears ago. My siblings and I had begged her to leave him, but she didn’t want to lose her family. I didn’t agree with her decision, but I accepted it because I love her. She asked us to work on not hating our father, so for her, I’ve tried to keep a straight face and not punch him when he’s around. But no matter what, I’ll never have respect for him.

I slam the door shut after getting into the car with Gage. He’s my best friend, but lately, he’s proven to be more than that. He was there for Gloria’s funeral, and that was a big step for him. Gage isn’t one who frequents funerals, especially children’s funerals, after what he experienced in Chicago. He came for me. He kicked away those fears for me.

He jerks his head toward Chloe’s house. “Have you gone over and talked to her yet?”

He asks this every day.

I give him the same reply every day.

I shake my head and rub at my eyes. If you don’t count my good mornings, then no. “I’m not sure what to say.”

“She hasn’t mentioned your mom’s visit to her?”

“No.”

“Use it as a conversation starter. Knock on her door and deliver the news as if you didn’t know your mom had paid her a visit. You wanted to make sure she knew.”

I blow out a breath. “I’m giving her time to grieve.”

“You are one patient man.”

* * *

“Hey there. New job?”

Trey is squatted down and sliding cans on a lower shelf in a grocery aisle at Garfield’s. The last time I saw him here was for shoplifting, and now, they’ve given him a job.

Good for him.

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