I should go in for a hug or kiss. Though we’d spent plenty of time in bed over the last couple of weeks, I wasn’t sure if we’d graduated to casual displays of affection in front of Leo and Hayle. Which would probably seem backward to anyone who wasn’t familiar with my unusual relationships with the brothers.
He took the choice out of my hands, stepping forward to pull me into a hug. But he quickly moved one hand up my back and around to cup my jaw. “We all want you to be happy, Thea. I hope you know that.”
My throat too full of the overwhelming feelings these three men provoked, I merely nodded and stood on tiptoes to kiss him. Screw whether we were at that stage of our relationship. I needed this, needed him.
Hell, I needed all three of them. Thankfully, it seemed that Santa Claus must have decided that I’d been a very good girl this year and dropped the Sharpe brothers right in my lap.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Thea
Exactly fifty-two minutes had passed in silence. Well, except for the new Taylor Swift album I’d chosen to play when Hayle made no move to turn on any music in his SUV. The songs were surprisingly mellow, which was something I needed right now. My nerves were strung so tight, I was waiting for them to snap at any second.
I glanced at Hayle out of the corner of my eye, half-afraid to face him head-on. I had no idea what to say to him. He was the one who had insisted that I accompany him to visit his mother. But, now that we were actually headed to her facility, he seemed to find my presence somewhere between a nuisance and downright repulsive.
“Maybe we shouldn’t do this.”
Hayle jerked in surprise before shooting me an enigmatic look. Perhaps he didn’t find my presence repulsive so much as totally forgettable.
“Are you backing out on me?”
“No.” I pulled the cuffs of my sweater down until they almost covered my icy hands. “But I think you should back out on me.”
“Why would I do that?”
I let silence fall between us again and attempted to pull my thoughts together. It was something I should have done before speaking up, but my mouth had jumped the gun.
Honestly, I had no desire to see Lily Crowder. But it was more than that. No matter what I’d said before, I wasn’t so sure pushing for the truth was the right thing anymore. Even if the truth set me free, what would be the cost? To imprison Hayle in the knowledge of his mother’s wrongdoings? What good would that possibly do?
“Thea?” he prodded, and I gulped past the lump in my throat.
“I know what it’s like to lose my mother, and I don’t want you to go through that.”
He didn’t turn to me, but I saw his Adam’s apple bob in response. “It’s not the same. I won’t lose her, even if…”
“Even if what?” When he continued staring out the windshield, I said softly, “You can’t even say it, Hayle. Clearly, you’re not ready to face it.”
“I don’t have a choice.” He finally shot me another look, and I saw nothing but sorrow in his brown eyes. “I get that I screwed up when I basically accused you of lying on Thanksgiving. But you have to give me a chance to make it right. This visit with my mom has to happen…for us.”
As he pulled into a long drive, I stared at his profile, my heart already aching. Whatever happened with Lily, I didn’t see how he could possibly get out of this situation unscathed. I had no doubt she needed more help than a month or two in this mental health facility could give her. And I wasn’t sure he was prepared for that reality.
“If you’re sure,” I replied finally. Ultimately, this was his decision, and if he was ready to face reality, then I would stand by his side, supporting him.
“I am.”
As we stopped at the front desk to check in and then were led to a courtyard that looked more like a palace garden, I couldn’t help but wonder how much a monthly stay at this place cost. I was certain that Vincent would pay any amount to keep Lily out of his hair, but if she remained here for long, the expense would undoubtedly add up. And that, at least, made me a little happy, even knowing he could easily afford it.