42. Go To Him

**Bianca**

I apologized to him numerous times as I lay in his arms. He kept telling me that I should stop saying sorry, but not in a way that showed he was getting tired of it.

“I’ll be a better partner to you,” I muttered.

Avery kissed the top of my head. “You already are. Let’s continue to grow and be the best people we can be, alright?”

I nodded vigorously. “Alright.”

“And for the love of the heavens, stop apologizing.”

“I’m sorry.”

Avery sighed, causing me to laugh. He started chuckling too. “You’re a piece of work, you know that?”

“Would you rather it any other way?”

“No.” He lifted my head. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

His soft warm lips touched mine. I melted into the kiss. For once in my life, I was experiencing something that felt right.

_______

**A few weeks later**

“Will you be burying your sister in the same place where her old grave was?” The reporter asked.

Conroy stared at them directly. He kept the emotions displayed on his face at a minimum. His dark blue suit showed his attempt at keeping things professional, highlighting the serious topic that created the need for a press conference in the first place.

He placed his hands on either side of the podium. “No. I don’t want my parents to know that she killed herself. While they rest, I want them to believe that Jasmine is still here, living her best life. She will be buried closer to the family home, at a location that won’t be known to the public.”

Another reporter asked, “Why did you wait so long to let everyone know what happened?”

Conroy inhaled deeply. He grabbed a hold of the microphone and brought it closer to his lips.

“Jasmine meant… everything to me. She was my last living direct relative. In her existence, I found hope. But I guess she didn’t see things the same way. She saw the world as hopeless. I hated to say it, but I wasn’t enough. If I had found her earlier, then maybe this wouldn’t have happened. I needed time to come to terms with what happened. Now, I can only hope that she found peace.”

“Will you be livestreaming the funeral?”

Conroy stared into the reporter’s face with so much venom in his eyes that the reporter took a step back. He answered plainly.

“No.”

Avery turned the TV off and put the remote to the side. I snuggled against his chest, enjoying his warmth. “It feels like it was just yesterday,” Avery said.

I looked up at him. “Has he contacted you yet?”

He checked his phone. Frowning, he shook his head. “Nothing yet. If I send him a text, he would either like it or give me a short reply.”

“Do you want to text him now?”

He thought it over for a minute. Avery removed his arm from around me so that he could text faster.

While we waited for his response, Avery drew me closer to him. I pulled the sheets over us despite not minding the chilly atmosphere. My black, sleeveless two piece pajamas did their job. I marched my fingers across his bare chest while Avery played with my hair. I loved these little moments where neither of us had to say anything at all. The lack of light in the room helps set the mood. As I was just about to reach up to kiss him, the phone pinged.

“What did he say?” I asked. I watched as Avery’s mood dropped.

“He said that he just needs time by himself, away from the world. And away from me.”

“Oh.” I sighed. “You want to see him, don’t you? Go to him. I think he wants to see you too.”

Avery seemed unsure. “Are you sure you don’t mind?”

My brows furrowed. “Why would I? No matter what happened between us, you’re his best friend. I know you want to check on him. Don’t stop yourself.”

Avery sunk further into the mattress. “I don’t know if I’m what he needs right now.”

I smiled. “I think you’re exactly what he needs.”

________

**Avery**

I stood outside of the large home. The last time I was here was when Jasmine returned.

No one opened the door. I was about to ring the doorbell when it swung open unexpectedly.

Conroy was on the other side. I did a quick sweep with my eyes. He looked good so far. No bags under his eyes. His yellow sweater sat neatly on his torso. I felt myself getting nervous under his stare.

I lifted my hand. “Hey. Do you mind if I come in?”

He rolled his eyes but left the door as it was. “I told you that I was fine. I just needed some time alone.”

I stepped inside. “I heard what you said, but I wanted to see you for myself and confirm.”

The door closed behind me as I followed Conroy to the TV room. As I walked by a small table, I couldn’t help but notice that some dust had built up on the vase. Conroy liked keeping his things tidy. His housekeepers came by twice a week.

He quickly occupied one of the couches. I followed his lead. “So… have you been eating?”

Conroy leaned forward. “Do I look like I lost any weight?”

I took him in once again. “No, you don’t.”

“Then you have your answer.” He leaned back with his arms folded.

I inhaled deeply. Why did talking to him feel so difficult? I didn’t know the right words to say.

“Well, do you want to hang out later? I know that the club is gonna be lit tonight. We could head there. Or if you prefer something a little more quiet, it can just be you, me, and the boys.”

Conroy answered quickly, as if he already knew what I was going to say, and had his answer written down.

“Thank you for trying to help me, but as you can see, I’m doing quite fine. I’d rather not be out in the world right now. Things are going well as they were. I’m working from home and have everything I need. I just need some time on my own. As such, I wouldn’t mind if you left. It’s good to see you, but now isn’t the time.”

“Oh.” Maybe I overstepped. I stood up. “Sorry. Contact me if something comes up, ‘kay? I’ll always pick up, regardless of how late it is.”

I made my way out of the room with a heavy chest. Will things ever go back to normal? If I hadn't exposed Jasmine's actions, would he have been happier living in an illusion?

“Avery, wait!” He shouted.