He chuckled softly. “I’d love to be your pill, but I think it wouldn’t be the wisest decision with Logan and Katie in the house. I assume they’re with you?”

“Yes. Logan is so angry at Phil. In an instant, he went from my smiling boy to an angry teenager. I don’t know what to do for him.”

“Be there. Encourage him to talk. Communication is critical for him right now. How is Katie?”

“Fine—she took it in stride. I’m not even sure she cares.”

“She cares. Don’t let her fool you.”

“Would you stay on the phone with me until I fall asleep?” She knew she sounded needy, but she couldn’t bear the thought of being alone with her thoughts. “I’m taking one of my pills, so it shouldn’t be too long.”

“I’ll stay on the phone with you as long as you like. And if you have a dream and you need to talk, you can call me. I’ll turn my ringer up and have my phone right next to my bed.”

She felt herself relaxing in response to the timbre of his voice. “What would I do without you?”

“That’s something you don’t have to ponder. I’m here.”

Chapter 32

32

Lina awoke with her cell phone pressed into the side of her cheek. As her eyes traveled around her room, she felt a dull ache in her chest and briefly closed her eyes. Phil was gone, and he wasn’t coming back.

The house was quiet when she went downstairs; both Katie and Logan were still asleep. She looked at the clock, debating whether or not to wake them for church. For Logan’s sake, she decided it was a good idea, not wanting to completely turn his life upside down, and an hour and a half later she found herself standing between her children, listening to the priest talk about the importance of forgiveness.

Katie was looking down at her cell phone, and Logan was staring straight ahead at the priest. Without his usual smile, he looked older than fourteen, more like a man than a boy. Lina slipped her arm around his waist and leaned her head against his shoulder in an attempt to assure him everything was going to be okay and was surprised when, instead of pushing her away as she feared, he put his arm around her. As he hugged her to his side she felt choked up for a moment realizing he was trying to comfort her.

Katie read and then reread the text she’d received from Emma. Matt had broken up with his girlfriend. Are you sure? she texted back. I mean how do you know it isn’t just a rumor?

It’s not a rumor. He told me himself.

Katie immediately called Emma. “You saw him? Why didn’t you tell me you were going to see him?”