“I think it’s human nature to feel that way,” I finally responded. “To want someone to blame for your pain.” I thought back to what Constantine had told me before coming up here. “It’s not his fault, but Constantine still feels like it is. He’s so sorry for missing out on your life. More than I think he knows how to express. And I’m sorry I ever put you in this position.”

“Yeah, well, I wouldn’t exist if you didn’t.” He smirked, and that smile gave me life again.

“Fair point.” I stood, and he closed his eyes when I reached for his cheek. “What is it?”

“What if, after he gets to know me, he decides he doesn’t want me? What if he decides I’m too difficult, and⁠—”

“Not possible.” I wasn’t about to let him finish that train of thought. “He’s already ready to lie on a grenade for you.” I believed that wholeheartedly. “I think he loves you even though he doesn’t know you. Just like I loved you the second the doctor put you in my arms when you were born.”

“I hope so.” He opened his eyes, mouth drawing tight as he shifted his jaw to the side, and I could tell he was on the verge of crying. “Because I think I already love him.”

24. Juliette

Chapter 24

Juliette

After spending a little more time with Colin, I went downstairs when he asked if he could call his childhood best friend back in Kentucky. A little privacy would be good for him. I could only imagine how that conversation would go, and I still had quite a few to have myself.

Constantine wasn’t in the living room or kitchen, which didn’t surprise me. I had a feeling he’d taken that minute he needed alone elsewhere.

Remembering leaving my phone and coffee in the living room, I went to get both. I shoved my phone in my back pocket and returned the now-cold latte to the kitchen.

Noticing the cup had a chip, I hand-washed it so it didn’t get further damaged, giving myself time to work up the nerve to find Constantine, hoping he was ready to see me.

Every door was shut except the last one, which I assumed was his bedroom. I called out his name and peeked in. All black and white, no color anywhere. No surprise. And also, no Constantine. Damn nice bathroom, though.

I went back into the hallway, knocking on every door, repeating the same phrase, “Hey, it’s me, are you in there?” until I lucked out.

“Yeah,” he answered on my fourth attempt. “Coming.” He opened a moment later but remained a blockade to my path inside. He parked one hand on the frame, holding a drink in the other. “Is Colin all right?”