Heal by Nora Phoenix

Author:Nora Phoenix
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Nora Phoenix

22

For a moment, Issa sat stunned. What was happening? His mind was racing with all possible explanations, but then it settled on the only thing that could account for this unexpected emotional breakdown. This had to be about Sarah.

He ached inside at the thought that Del might regret what they had done, the idea bitter on his tongue, but he shoved that down. That wasn’t important. He would have time to examine his own feelings later. Right now, he had to focus on Del, who was shaking with sobs, his head buried against Issa’s thigh.

His heart broke for him, and since he couldn’t figure out a way to drag Del onto the couch, he sank down on the ground next to him, wincing for a moment as his bare butt hit the floor. Del immediately wrapped his arms around Issa and wetted his neck with his tears. Issa held him, not saying anything. Words were so woefully inadequate here.

It took a long time before Del’s tears subsided. When they did, he kept his face hidden against Issa’s neck.

“You don’t need to say anything, but if you want to talk, I’m here,” Issa said softly, caressing Del’s back. “And please don’t make light of your pain by attempting to apologize. I can assure you that won’t go over well.”

Del’s body relaxed even further. “I don’t know what happened,” he whispered, his voice hoarse.

“That’s okay. We don’t always know why we get emotional.”

“How did you become so wise?”

“Don’t forget that I watched my dad come to terms with losing the love of his life when my father died. They weren’t married because it wasn’t legal then, but they were husbands in every way. It took him years to get over him.”

“It’s impossible to explain to someone who’s never been through it. That sounds so dramatic, and I hate that it almost makes it sounds exclusive, but it’s so hard.”

“I get that. At least you have Calix, who truly does know how this feels.”

“I’ve often felt horrible for feeling like that, as if by thinking that I somehow condoned what happened to Matthew.”

“I’m sure Calix doesn’t see it that way.”

“He doesn’t. In fact, when I tried to express this sentiment to him, he told me to fuck off and stop being an idiot.”

Issa chuckled. “Well, that was clear.”

“It was, but that’s Calix for you. Between him and Milan, I can count on being told the truth.”

“And me. You know I’d never lie to you.”

Del lifted his head, and oh, those red-rimmed eyes and blotchy cheeks made Issa’s whole heart go out to him. “I know. Thank you for that.”

“We live in a strange world if you have to thank someone for being honest with you.”

“Welcome to the absolute fucked-up reality that is my life.”

“I’m sorry.”

Del let out a long sigh. “Would it be okay if I took some time to compose myself, maybe take a shower? I feel a little off-kilter, and I need to find solid footing again.”

“Of course. Why don’t I make some food for us in the meantime?”

Del shot him a smile filled with gratitude.

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