Page 97 of Finding Kyler
Ky moves to his mom’s side, wrapping a sturdy arm around her waist from behind. She crumples, slumping in his embrace. He levels a cold look at his dad as he props his mom up. “If you care about her at all, youwillleave. Give her some space. You owe her that much.”
James looks defeated as he slowly bobs his head. “I owe her much more than that, son.”
James turns, shoulders drooping, and descends the stairs, stopping to pick up articles of his clothing on the way. You could hear a pin drop in the room. Kalvin’s traumatized gaze lands on mine.
At the door, James spins around, clutching armfuls of clothes. “I’m sorry, Alex. Truly, I am. I’ll give you time, but please don’t end our marriage, not at least until you’ve had time to process how you think.” He switches his gaze to the boys. “I love you. All of you.” His eyes stray to mine, making sure to include me. “Look after your mom.”
The door bangs shut behind him, and a tortured cry escapes Alex’s lips. She buckles in Ky’s arms, and he swoops her up, carrying her up to her bedroom. Her anguished sobs follow me as I head to the kitchen to make her some sweet tea.
When I return a few minutes later, Kalvin is hovering nervously on the stairs, a sad, worried look in his eyes. I touch his arm lightly. “Will you be okay?”
Dazed eyes meet mine. “This is bad, Faye. She’s never actually thrown him out before. I can’t believe it. My dad’s a moron.”
“Hopefully they can sort it all out. Try not to worry.”
He harrumphs. “Impossible not to.”
I give him a quick hug. “You should get some sleep. She’s going to need your support in the coming days.”
Alex is lying on her side on the top of the bed, a blank, empty expression on her face. Ky is in the en suite bathroom rummaging through the cupboard. I set the tea down on Alex’s locker and join him. “What are you looking for?”
He holds a small pillbox in his hand. “These. The doctor prescribes her sleeping tablets on occasion when work stresses keep her up at night.”
I nod. “Stay here for a few while I help her get dressed for bed.”
Alex is almost comatose as I undress her. Tucking the duvet back over her, I help her sit up against the headrest. She stares numbly ahead, completely unawares. “Ky,” I call out softly. “You can come out now.”
I perch on the edge of the bed, and Ky rounds the other side. Somehow, he manages to get Alex to take the sleeping tabs, and he supports her trembling form while I help her to take sips of the sweet tea. Gradually, her eyelids grow heavy and she falls asleep in her son’s arms. Together, we settle her and turn off her light, tiptoeing down the stairs.
Ky reels me into his arms outside my room, and I wrap myself around him. We don’t speak; we just hold each other. After a bit, I lift my head and look up at him. “Are you going to be okay?”
His tongue darts out, wetting his lips. “I’m not important. She is.”
I nod. “We’ll look after her.”
He leans down, planting a feather-light kiss on my lips. “Thank you, for helping her. And for the track.” His eyes glisten with unfettered gratitude. “I should’ve said that sooner. May and Rick are ecstatic.”
I smile. “That’s great.”
His chest heaves up and down. “I’m glad you’re here, Faye. So fucking glad. You’ve no idea.”
His words warm part of the frozen spot in my heart. “I’m glad I’m here too.” And for the very first time, I mean it. Which is weird, because everything is totally fucked up right now, but it feels like home. Like I’m where I belong. I’m too tired to dissect exactly what that means. As if to prove my point, a loud yawn escapes my mouth.
“Go.” Kyler brushes his mouth fleetingly against mine. “You need to sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.”
I crawl into bed as if I’m half-dead. Exhaustion does a number on me, and I’m out for the count the instant my head hits the pillow.
Sometime during the night, a pair of warm arms snake around my waist and I’m drawn against a firm body. “Is this okay?” Ky whispers, and I mumble something incoherent as I snuggle into his embrace. His faint chuckle is the last thing I hear before I succumb to slumber again.
I’m alone in the bed when I wake the next morning. Rays of golden sunshine stream through the gossamer curtains, bathing the room in glorious light. I scratch my head, wondering if I dreamed Kyler last night. Nuzzling my pillow, I inhale his intoxicating scent as I smile to myself.
Hewashere!
My momentary burst of exhilaration gives way to a bout of anxiety. If James and Alex do end up divorcing, where does that leave me? The thought that I may have to leave here, just as I was starting to envision it as home, is upsetting. But I can’t dwell on that now. It’s selfish to be concerned with my own future when Alex is so devastated. The thought is sobering.
I wander to the kitchen, enticed by the appetizing smells wafting along the corridor. Kaden is standing in front of the stove, shoveling mountains of bacon and eggs into a large, circular serving dish.
The mood is solemn at the table as everyone sits down to eat. I don’t know when Ky found the time to contact Keven and Kaden, but I’m glad they’re here. Alex needs all her boys around her.
