The four of us walk to the back of Mason and Karina’s house. We can hear the party already in full swing. There are kids in the pool, men manning the grill, and women putting out a spread of food. People wave to us as we come in, Caleb handing out beers.
“Welcome, welcome,” he greets. “You’ll find a shit ton of food, drinks, and kids.” He grins.
“Should we go see if they need help?” Shelby asks gripping my hand tightly.
“The only thing you should do,” - I put my arm around her shoulder, taking a drink of my beer – “is stay right here by my side.”
It’s amazing for me to see the group of people together like this. Even though my family is close, after what happened with Braylon, I started distancing myself. Whether I’ve wanted to admit it or not, I’ve missed this part of my life. Instead of making my family choose, I’ve pulled away.
I’ve got a plate balanced on my knee and a fork halfway to my mouth when Mason gets up in front of everyone.
“First of all I wanna thank everybody for coming by today. I know time off is special and you protect it. None of us get to spend enough time with our families. So I appreciate you giving me the afternoon. Because of your hard work, we’ve been given a grant by the state of Alabama. With the money we’ll be able to get from the auction, along with this, we’re going to do some big things. There will be a vote, though,” - he tries to shut down the clapping and hooting that’s coming from the group of us - “we’ll decide as a group what we’re going to get.”
My chest swells with pride. I’m doing something here I wasn’t in Paradise Lost. Something that makes a difference in the community.
A service that isn’t connected to a family.
I’ve chosen to give my time, my expertise to a group of people who appreciate me.
This right here? It’s the calling I’ve always wanted and never had. These are the friends and family I’ve chosen, and I’m damn glad I did.
Shelby
I jump when my phone rings. It’s not very often my office phone gets a call, so my heart pounds as I reach for it. “Shelby Bruce’s office.”
“Shelby, hey it’s Stella.”
“Why are you calling my office phone?”
Immediately I’m worried. For her to call this number, something has to be wrong.
Her voice is low and full of apology. “It was in Mrs. Haley’s information, to call you when she passed.”
“Oh no!”
“Yeah, about an hour and a half ago. You have her final wishes?”
Sighing heavily, I dig into my filing cabinet to find the information she gave me about how she wanted the last of her wishes to go. Grabbing the file, I throw it on the desk. “I do, is there anything I need to come down there and take care of?”
“Just let me know which funeral home she wants to use and I’ll call them for you.”
“Thank you.” I do my best to keep the tears out of my voice. I shouldn’t be this emotional about a client. It’s not good to get involved, but this woman touched a place inside my heart. “I’ll take care of everything else.”
“Okay, my thoughts are with you, Shelby.”
“Thanks, Stella.”
After I hang up the phone, I break down. Tears stream down my face, and I sob. For the love this woman had in her heart. For Montana, who doesn’t know how she was loved by others.
For myself.
The last client I lost was a child I’d not been able to save. Just like I hadn’t been able to save Mrs. Haley.
Fumbling with my cell phone, I dial a number that’s become my lifeline. Sniffling, I speak when he answers. The same words he’d said to me.
“Sully, I need you.”
“Shelby, what’s wrong?”
“Mrs. Haley.” I barely get the words out. “She died.”
“Oh, Counselor, I’ll be right there.”
After I hang up, I collapse into myself. I don’t expect him to be here quickly, but I hear the door open, along with Sullivan’s worried voice.
“Shelby, are you okay?”
“No,” I sob, getting up to throw my arms around him. “Can you just take me home?”
“Yeah, let me call in.” He moves his chin over my shoulder, grabbing his radio to alert dispatch.
I’m not even sure what he says, but I let him hold me. I let him do what I haven’t let anyone else do before. I trust him enough to make sure I break down safely. To let myself feel all the emotions and not worry about the ugly-cry. Not obsess over the wrecked voice, or the red eyes.
And Sullivan Baker? He doesn’t disappoint when he tucks me into bed that night.
He slides in right next to me, putting my head against his chest, and allowing me to hold him tightly.
“She died by herself,” I whisper to him. “She wouldn’t allow Frank to be a part of her life, so she decided to be alone. Can you imagine? Dying alone?”
“No.” He pushes my hair back from my forehead, stroking it tenderly.
I lean into the touch, wanting nothing more than to lose myself in the heat we normally have, but I can’t do it tonight. Tonight I need the soft side of not only Sully, but myself.
“I always used to worry about it,” I sniffle. “Ya know, since I moved here by myself. Like what if something happened to me? Who would know?”
“Well now you know you’re never going to have to worry about that ever again.”
Chapter 28
Shelby
It’s a quiet day and I’m slightly thinking about leaving early, especially after the day and night I had. Not even the joy of letting Montana know about her good fortune has been enough to soothe my soul about Mrs. Haley.
It’s a beautiful afternoon, and I’d love to go for a walk. Reaching over for my phone, I debate on who I can ask to go with me. Scrolling through, I stop at Rowan’s name. The two of us haven’t done much on our own, and if I can see myself being in Sullivan’s life, I need to be in hers too.
S: Are you busy this afternoon? I’m thinking of taking a walk.
R: Ohhh sounds good, what time? I get off at three. Want me to meet you at your office? I have workout clothes I can change into here.
S: Me too, I’ll see you then.
Putting my phone over to the side with a smile on my face, I’m excited to be spending some more time with her. She’s the most important person in Sullivan’s life, and I know if I want to be in his, I need to be in hers.
Sighing, I take a glance at the amount of paperwork in front of me. It’s going to be a long morning until I’m able to take the much-needed walk. Opening my desk drawer, I grab out my wallet. It’s the perfect day for an iced coffee.
There’s a line out the door for The Café. Glancing at my watch, I see it’s lunch time, and today is fried catfish as the special. I’m not a fish lover, but I’ve heard from literally everyone else in town how good it is.
I wave at Leigh as I pass by. “You don’t need my money today.”
She laughs. “If you want some coffee, it might be a wait. Eden’s isn’t as slammed.”