Chapter 20
Raquel
Grief comes in many forms, and Jeremy hasn’t reached out to me since his father’s passing. I had to call Tessa to get word if he was okay after the phone call incident. He is going through a rough time, and I don’t want to overstep boundaries, but he has answered none of my calls or texts.
He is supposed to be by to get his father’s thing today, but he might not be ready. With it only being a few days, he may need more time. There has been no word on the funeral arrangements, and I hope he will reach out to me to let me know. I might not have known Donald long, but being there to pay my respects means a lot to me.
My eyes keep peering over to the doors, waiting for him to arrive. What do I even say? There are no words to express my sadness for the Grey family. I hope Hazel is helping him, and not letting him bottle everything up inside. If he would just talk to me, then maybe I could help.
“Hey.”
Jeremy is standing in front of me, disheveled. It looks like he hasn’t showered in days, scruff on his face, and is still in sweats.
“I’ll go grab his things for you,” Kristin responds, giving us a moment alone.
“I’ve tried reaching out.”
He runs his hands through his hair and then tugs at his shirt. “I don’t want to talk to anyone right now. It’s just too much. Going through his things, dealing with the life insurance and will. And planning the funeral. I just want to be left alone.”
His eyes don’t meet mine, but I can see the tears dripping onto his shirt. I want to embrace him, and let him know I care, but there’s so much distance between us.
“It looks like there is a couple of boxes. Would you like us to help you carry them to your vehicle?” Kristen asks.
He nods, and takes the first box from her, and I badge him out, holding the second box in my hands. Even by the way he walks, the depression has started, and it’s going to take some time to deal with it.
“Here is that card, if you change your mind.” I slip a card into the middle console of his truck and touch his shoulder.
No response from him. He just gets in his truck and leaves.
Tonight is dinner at Tessa’s, and maybe they can shed some light on Jeremy for me. I don’t want to pry, but he needs someone on his side. Leaving him alone can cause more problems. Is anyone helping him with arranging these things? Where is Hazel?
Once my shift is over, I head over to the house to relieve the babysitter. Upon walking in, Lily is already dressed and ready to go.
“Give me a minute to put on jeans, baby girl.”
I go to my closet and slip on some dark jeans and plain white t-shirt. “Okay, now we can go.”
Tessa and I usually get together once a month, but she invited us over for something special tonight. She didn’t have to tell me over the phone, I could just tell. Good news, I hope.
Lily sings to the radio the entire way to Tessa’s and then runs inside without even so much as knocking. I’ve taught her better than that.
“Sorry about her. You know how she gets when she’s excited.”
Damon shakes his head. “She’s family at this point. No worries.”
I walk past him and take a seat next to Tessa. She is resting while the potatoes are boiling.
“Girl, you look great.”
“No need to lie. I feel like a beached whale.”
She takes my hand and puts it on her stomach, asking to see if I can feel the baby kick. It’s always a miracle when you think about it. How do our bodies grow a living thing inside of it?
“So, did he come get Don’s stuff today?” Tessa asks.
I nod and leave my hand on her belly.
“He hasn’t been to work, which is to be expected, but he hasn’t answered one of Damon’s calls. Aiden said that Hazel hasn’t gotten out of bed since Jeremy got home from the hospital.”