When You Come Back to Me (Lost Boys #2) - Emma Scott Page 0,82

to do me a favor, River.”

I braced myself. Whatever she asked me to do, I’d do it. “Anything.”

“You’re the rock in the family.”

“Pretty sure that’s you, Mom.”

“No…but if so, I’m passing it down to you. You’re solid and clear-headed and so very smart. You take care of everyone, and I know that’s what you’re going to do when I’m not here anymore.”

“I’ll do my best. I swear it.”

“That’s not the favor I’m asking, that’s a prediction.” Mom smiled gently. “I know you, my sweet boy. I know you will do whatever it takes to make sure the family stays together. Your dad and sister are strong. They’re going to be okay. You are going to be okay. I feel it in my heart. But when the tough moments come—”

“There’re going to be a lot of those,” I said, my eyes filling. “In case you hadn’t noticed, you’re kind of a big deal.”

Mom touched my cheek. “I know you’ll do your best to hold everyone together. What I’m asking is that you don’t forget about you. That you take time for yourself. Remember to breathe. To cry if you have to.”

My tears spilled over as my chest hitched. I felt her hand in mine give me a frail squeeze.

“Promise me, River.”

I nodded and held my breath to keep the sobs from pouring out. I clenched my teeth and wiped my eyes on the shoulder of my shirt.

When I looked up, Mom was lying heavily against the pillows. “It’s the hardest thing. Not dying. That’s easy because it’s inevitable. The hardest thing is feeling like I’m leaving you behind.”

“Then how about you don’t?” I teased weakly. Brokenly.

“I won’t,” Mom said. “I’ll still be with you. Always.”

From the downstairs entry, the front door slammed. “Hellooo, Whitmores! Aunty Dazia is here.”

“Go,” Mom said. “Have fun with your friends. Who did you say you were hanging out with? I haven’t heard you mention Chance or Donte or any of the guys in a while.”

“I hung out with them last weekend.”

Cursory time spent with the guys to keep up appearances. Donte was hot and heavy with a new girlfriend, taking the pressure off me. But eating at the Burger Barn or walking the Boardwalk, listening to their inane talk instead of being with Holden was torture.

“No one special yet?” She smiled softly. “No pressure. I’m just…hopeful.”

I swallowed a lump and took a breath. Now was the time to tell her about Holden. What other time could there be?

“Well…”

“Hello, my loves!” Dazia said, breezing in. Her smile only faltered a little at the sight of Mom looking pale and wasted in the bed. I quickly stood up, and she took my face in both hands, kissed both my cheeks.

“River, you get more handsome every minute. The girls must be falling over themselves for you.”

I managed a smile. “Good to see you, Dazia. Thanks for coming.”

“You can’t keep me away.” She sat on the bed and touched Mom’s cheek. “How are we feeling, love. Not so hot?”

“Bye, Mom,” I said.

“Bye, honey,” Mom said. “Have fun tonight.”

I went out and sagged against the wall outside the bedroom door. Keeping Mom’s promise felt impossible. My own grief was a chasm that if I fell into it, I’d keep falling and never come back out. I had to be strong. Not just for my dad and sister, but for myself. So I didn’t break apart into a million pieces.

At ten p.m., I drove to the Seabright neighborhood and parked alongside the Parish’s huge Craftsman. I came around to the side gate, then froze to see an elderly woman leaving the guesthouse. The woman patted Holden’s cheek, then turned and went back to the main house. Holden watched her go, then touched his fingers where her hand had been.

My heart swelled at the sight. Whoever that woman was, I loved her already.

Holden caught sight of me and waved. A few minutes later, he met me at my truck.

“Who was that?” I asked as he climbed into the cab. “Is there something you need to tell me?”

He gave me a pointed look. “Is this you being cute?”

“Yes,” I said with a small laugh and kissed him. “But for real, who was she?”

“Beatriz Alves. She’s my aunt and uncle’s caretaker, but…”

“She’s your friend.”

He nodded. “On the nights you ditch me to hang out with the Neanderthal Squad, we have movie night.”

“Does she know about me?”

“Yes.” Holden glanced at me with rare vulnerability in his eyes. “Sometimes things feel so good with you, it starts