Page 88 of You'll Be the Death of Me

“You’re him now?” Jason interrupted. “Cole?”

Cole turned to him, and Dell realized they hadn’t actually met yet.

Cole stuck out his hand. “Jason, pleasure to meet you. We haven’t had the chance. Well, at least not face-to-face, yet. Or, well, you know what I mean.” He awkwardly gestured at himself.

Jason slowly stuck out his hand to place it in Cole’s/Robbie’s. “You’re really him. This is really real.”

“Very real,” Cole said. “I apologize for all the distress. You’ve been remarkably helpful. Dell is lucky to have a friend like you.”

Jason visibly squeezed Cole’s hand harder. “Yes, she’s mybestfriend.” It landed like a threat and a plea.

“I understand that,” Cole said. “She is obviously very important to many people.” He paused and looked to Dell. “Myself included, even after a day.” His eyes held hers long enough Dell could see Cole through Robbie. That soul-deep gaze she wanted to dive into. He eventually turned back to Jason. “I promise you I am doing all I can to make things right.”

Jason paused before speaking, letting the weight of what Cole had said sink in. Dell could tell he was passing positive judgment. “Good,” Jason said. “She deserves only the best.”

“I agree,” Cole said with a nod.

Dell watched their exchange with a rush of relief. Seeing her best friend basically approve of her... whatever Cole was, felt like passing a test.

Cole released Jason’s hand and turned to Dell. “Shall we? I’m sure Robbie wants his body returned, and, Jason, you need to get back to your Sunday.”

Dell couldn’t mistake the excitement in his voice, tempered by some nerves. She smiled to herself, proud of having helped him face a fear.

They filed back toward the living room, where they found the Lewises embracing by the fireplace. Mrs. Lewis was still sniffling but softly smiling, and appeared to be laughing at whatever Mr. Lewis had said in an effort to comfort her.

“Excuse us, but we’re going to be heading out now,” Jason gently said. “We don’t want to take up any more of your time. Thank you so much for letting us stop by.”

Mrs. Lewis wiped her eyes. “Of course. You can come by any time.”

Cole stood frozen by the sofa, and Dell worried at first that he was immobile with fear but then realized he was simply overwhelmed. She couldn’t blame him.

“Would it be all right if I gave you a hug, Mrs. Lewis?” he eventually asked. His voice betrayed a slight wobble. “I lost my own mother when I was younger, and I just feel like—”

He couldn’t finish before Mrs. Lewis reached out and threw her arms around him. Cole stiffened at first before softening and holding her like he had the world in his arms.

“I’m sorry, dear,” Mrs. Lewis said, pulling back from hugging him. “Any excuse to be close to Cole, even if it’s someone I’ve just met who’s interested in his work. We miss him so much. And I’m sorry about your mother.”

Dell felt her heart split another crack. Cole glanced at her through Robbie, and she could see in his eyes the hug was forboth of them—himandRobbie. His face softened into overwhelming gratitude.

“It’s all right,” he said to his mother, and hugged her tight once more.

Once they said their goodbyes to Cole’s parents, they headed outside to Jason’s car. Dell hovered nearby as Cole returned Robbie’s body to him.

Robbie stumbled and gripped his head. Jason reached out for his arm to steady him.

“Okay, are we done now? And where are we?” Robbie asked, and swiveled his gaze around.

“Berkeley. Dell and Cole say thanks. Wanna go grab something to eat?”

Robbie was still reeling. “Um...”

“Come on, kid.” Jason helped him into the car with a slap on the back.

Dell left them to it and returned to the porch, where Cole had sat on a step with Chaucer. The sun had crested its midpoint for the day and was beginning the routine descent that turned all the western-facing windows in the Berkeley hills gold. Dell sat down next to him, with Chaucer in between them. The dog turned his head to sniff her hand when she stuck it out.

“Hi,” she cooed at him. “Do I smell different now that I’m not a twentysomething boy?”

Chaucer responded with an enthusiastic lick of her palm.