Page 20 of Remember Me

“That’s it, sweetheart, let it all go. I’m here, we’re all here for you, and we will help you get through this. You don’t need to do this alone, lean on us,” she murmurs into my hair as she runs her fingers through it.

Jake hands me some tissues and offers to take Bella for a quick walk while I talk with Hannah.

“I know it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders right now, trust me, I’ve been there. When Nate died, I had to go through this whole process, so I can help you deal with your parents’ estate and funerals, and cut through any jargon you may not understand or be able to take in right now.”

The relief I feel at her words is better than any medication you could have prescribed me.

“You wouldn’t mind?”

She shakes her head and takes my hand. “Of course not, sweetheart, that’s what we’re here for.”

“Thank you, you have no idea how much that means to me,” I say to her as I wipe my eyes with the sleeve of my sweater.

“No problem at all. I’ll come by in a couple of days, let you get settled in first, and then we can make some calls. Maybe get Wren to come by as I’m guessing you would like the funerals to be held in Portland?”

I hadn’t even thought about that. Letting out a shaky exhale, I nod.

“You will always have a family here with us, no matter what happens, ok?”

I crumble into her arms, sobbing. I’m a wailing mess and I don’t know how I’m ever going to get through this.

Chapter 14

Jake

Lottie’s been home from hospital for a few days now, and to say it’s been awkward is an understatement. I’ve never felt like this around her before. Like we’re nobody to each other, although I guess in her mind, we are.

I’ve attempted to make conversation, but it falls flat every time. It’s like I’ve lost my ability to speak.

Luckily, I’ve been saved by Wren and Kayla, who have been here helping Lottie with personal tasks like washing and doing her hair, but when they leave and it’s just us, it falls into an awkward silence again.

We were doing fine until my mom showed up the day Lottie came home from the hospital. Since then, she’s shut down on me, and I have no right to complain with everything she’s going through. I just wish I could help.

Our time has been mostly taken up with funeral planning and going through her parents’ estate with her family's lawyer. There wasn’t a lot they could do over the phone, which is how I find myself on Wren’s family's private jet flying to Portland. I don’t think Lottie could stomach the hustle and bustle of an airport and a plane full of people right now.

The flight is so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Wren is busy catching up on some work while Sawyer stares daggers at her. I wonder what’s going on there—trouble in paradise? Lottie’s head is resting against the window, watching the clouds and refusing to make conversation or maintain eye contact with anyone. Then there’s me. The spare part, or that’s how it feels anyway. Remember, you’re here for Lottie. She needs you even if she thinks she doesn’t right now.

We land a couple of hours later, and our driver takes us to our hotel for the night. Lottie didn’t feel comfortable staying in her parents’ home being surrounded by memories. It’s going to be hard enough later when we have the reception there. After making sure she has eaten and had enough fluids, Wren helps her get ready for bed and I head for the next room.

I purposely rented a suite so I could be close to Lottie in case she needed me, not that she would ever tell me, but just being in her orbit at least makes me feel better.

I settle under the covers and bring up the group chat with my boys.

*Hockey Guy Chat*

Jake - Made it to the hotel

Louis - Told Charlie you love her yet?

Codey - Dickhead

Theo - Have you?

Codey - Seriously?

Jake - The atmosphere here is frostier than the polar ice caps

Jake - She won’t even talk to Wren