I moved on instinct, taking Serena’s hand and squeezing. “I’m so sorry, Ser.” I hadn’t used the nickname in years, one that used to fall off my tongue with such ease.
A tear slipped free, sliding down her cheek. “I don’t know what to do. I don’t have a vote. I lost that right when I stayed away for so long. Jax was right that I didn’t want to deal, but I also wasn’t here for my family when they needed me the most.”
“You were grieving. None of us make the best decisions in that state. But you’re here now. That’s what matters.”
More tears came. “I hate who I became, Laik. It’s like I thought if I put on this other façade, I wouldn’t have to be the girl who lost her brother. I wouldn’t have to feel that pain.”
I wrapped my arms around Serena, tugging her to me and holding on for dear life. As if this glimmer of the girl I’d loved so dearly might vanish if I didn’t. “That makes so much sense. But you can’t bury that pain. It comes up in other ways.”
“Like being a raving bitch.”
A laugh bubbled out of me. “Maybe a little.” I released Serena but held on to her hands. “I missed you.”
“I missed you, too. I just—I couldn’t—”
“You don’t have to explain. What if we both give each other some grace and start fresh?”
Serena let out a shuddering breath. “I’d like that. I was so scared when I heard you guys had been shot at.” Her eyes glittered again. “I don’t want to lose you, too.”
I pulled her into another hug. “You’re not going to.”
She nodded against my shoulder, and I released her with one more squeeze.
Addie furiously wiped tears away. “Sorry,” she muttered. “Hormones.”
Serena laughed. “We’re all just a mess today, aren’t we?”
“But at least we’re a mess together.”
A shadow passed over Serena’s eyes. “We have to do something about Mom. I’m really worried.”
“Maybe we can talk to Gilly,” I suggested. She certainly seemed aware of how perilous things were with Kay at the moment.
Serena worried the side of her lip. “Gilly loves Mom more than anything, but she’s also terrified of pushing her too far. Of doing something that will hurt and not help.”
I understood that fear, but we couldn’t let it stop us. “Okay, first step is calling Kay’s psychiatrist. He won’t be able to share anything about Kay’s treatment, but he should listen and hear our concerns. Maybe if the psychiatrist suggests more intensive treatment, your dad and Gilly will listen.”
“That’s a good idea. Dad does listen to the doctor. I can get his number from Mom’s phone book tonight.”
I squeezed Serena’s knee. “You’re not in this alone. I’ll help in whatever way I can.”
Her breath hitched as she swallowed down a sob. “Thank you. I know I don’t deserve that. But thank you.”
The bell over the door sounded, and Addie hurried to stand. “I’ll deal with whoever that is.”
“Thanks.” I lifted my mug, taking a sip of the steaming liquid and letting it soothe some of those ragged edges. The last few days had been hellish, but there had been so much good in them, too. Boden. A fresh start with Serena. Knowing how many people genuinely cared about me and had my back.
“I’m guessing you aren’t the one my brother is banging since you’re already knocked up.”
I stiffened at the harsh voice coming from the gallery’s main room. Serena and I both pushed back from the table, rushing towards Addie and the man speaking. His eyes scanned over both me and Serena. “She was here the other day, so it’s gotta be you.” He grinned. “I gotta give it to Bo. He always had good taste.”
I let a million different curses in my mind. “You must be Eli.”
“The one and only. Nice to meet you, Laiken.”
Eli’s fingers twitched in rapid movements at his side. My hands fisted as I took that in and noted his disheveled appearance. “Are you looking for Boden?”
“Nope.” He popped the P in the word. “Already had a lovely heart-to-heart with brother dearest. I came to talk to you.”