“But they won’t be here,” he continues. “They were coming. They had already booked their flights. But Dempsey called and asked them to stay away. Fielding’s not… he’s just not in a good place. Hasn’t been for a while. Add in Gloria’s death and the fact that he was the one who found her—”

My heart lurches with that confession—I didn’t know Fielding was the one who found her.

“—and he’s fucked in the head right now. Being around Tori would have been a gamble with his sanity, and Dempsey decided it wasn’t worth the risk. It was his call to make. Rhett respected his wishes.”

I nod somberly, then sit up straighter when organ music begins to play. Jake releases his grip on my shoulder and settles in beside me while my mind drifts to who’s actually here, who’s not, and why.

45. Dempsey

Chapter 45

Dempsey

The service ends, and we’re escorted to a family waiting area as people file out of the church. That’s fine by me—for the last twenty-four hours, Fielding and I have gone through all the motions of smiling and nodding and thanking people for coming.

I’m ready to be done. I’m ready to get to her.

Dempsey: Are you still here?

I spotted her before the ceremony, sitting toward the back and being comforted by Jake. I had secretly hoped she would sit next to me during the service. But I might not have been able to focus with her back in my orbit.

Fielding claps me on the shoulder as I pace. “You good, bro?” he questions, side-eyeing me because he knows damn well I’m anything but.

I’ve spent the last ten days stuck at home, focusing on him. I fulfilled all our mother’s wishes, just like she wanted. Now, it’s over. There’s nothing left to do. I want so badly to focus on the one person I’ve missed like crazy this whole damn time.

“Dad wants to take us out to dinner tonight, and he mentioned inviting Brooke. I’m assuming that’s not your priority right now?”

I blow out a long, frustrated breath. We both know damn well our dad has little interest in spending time with us. He’s just doing what he thinks he’s supposed to do. I respect the effort, but it’s about ten years too late in my mind.

He wasn’t here. Just like she didn’t stick around. My dad and Brooke are the last two people on earth I want to spend time with.

“Tell ya what, bro. I’ll handle dad and Brookie Cookie tonight.”

I smirk at his dig—she hates that nickname, and he knows it.