Chapter 68 Time to Cocoon
Everything worked out just like Byron’s lawyer had said. Nick got off on probation and was not allowed to touch any drugs with a ten foot pole. He would have to go for drug testing each month. It was a great relief, knowing he would be forced to stay on the straight and narrow by legal means.
“Are you not going to come out from under there?” Emily asked.
Her brother was lying on the floor wrapped up in a blanket.
“No, I’m good.”
Nick was just hanging out at home and vegging out most days, and Emily didn’t pressure him to do anything. She knew he had been through a lot, and she wasn’t mad at him anymore for what he had done. Deep down, she knew he had a good heart.
“Pam is coming over, just so you know,” Emily reminded him.
He made an indecipherable noise.
Emily shrugged. Pam was tough enough to deal with anything, much less someone acting a little weird.
Pam didn’t bat an eyelid when she saw Nick huddling away on the floor.
“Are you cocooning away from the world?” she asked.
He nodded.
Pam was so cool and understanding. “The world will always be there when you get back to it. Take your time.”
Emily felt a fresh burst of energy from seeing her best friend. Even though Pam was engaged now and Emily herself was busy with her relationship and with work, they would always find time to see each other.
They had dinner, rotisserie chicken and some salads and potatoes from the deli, just like they had in their university days.
“I hope this isn’t a bad time to talk about this,” Pam said, “I know you guys have had some struggles lately...”
“What is ‘this’ that you want to talk about?” Emily asked, “I’m sure it’s fine, whatever it is.”
“Well, my wedding date is creeping closer, and I hoped you would help me with arrangements.”
“Of course!” Emily said, “It’s going to be so much fun.”
After a while, Nick was able to join in the conversation, even though he was still wrapped up in his blanket.
The next day, he came into the kitchen where Emily was making breakfast.
“I’ve been thinking about my life a lot...” he began.
“I’ll bet.”
His hair was a mess, and his face was puffy with sleep.
“I know you think I’m callous and uncaring, but I do regret the things I did. I was lying to myself when I thought it was okay to sell drugs.”
“I’m really glad,” Emily said, “And the fact that you’re clean now, you have no idea how relieved I feel.”
“Okay, let’s not get so sentimental.”
“Yeah, I know,” she replied with an understanding smile, “but I had to say it.”
“So,” Nick continued, “I’ve decided to go back and stay with mom and dad for a while. Vancouver is an awesome city, but it can be kind of overwhelming.”
Emily had gotten so used to having him around, and she knew she would miss him. But she could see how a move back home would give him time to recover and think about his options.
“The old folks will be thrilled to have you back,” she said, “but I’ll miss you.” Their parents were way too clingy and involved in their lives. Sometimes Emily wondered how they coped with both their kids being on the other side of the country.
After Nick left, the apartment felt empty. Emily was doing well enough now to be able to afford rent and not have to get another roommate, but she hardly lived at her place anymore because most of her time away from work was spent with Byron.
They were walking the dog together when she told Byron how lonely she felt with her brother gone.
“You’re going to be fine,” Byron said as they turned off the busy streets and into a small park.
Byron unchained Rupert’s leash, allowing the dog to run free in the fenced area.
“And Nick will be fine too. He’s a smart kid.”
“I hope he’s going to be brave enough to venture out on his own again,” Emily said, watching the dogs run around.
“He will,” Byron said with that confidence that she loved about him, “But as for you... it sounds like you’re not too happy living on your own.”
“No, I’m a social creature,” she said, “just like Rupert.” She smiled, watching the Great Dane rolling around happily on the grass and chasing other dogs.
“I know you weren’t ready before, and maybe it’s too soon to ask you...” Byron looked a little nervous as his fingers played with the buttons on his jacket. “Would you think about moving in with me?”
“Yes,” she said right away.
Byron blinked rapidly in surprise, unintentionally showing off his gorgeous eyelashes. He put his hands lightly on her shoulders, studying her face at arm’s length as if he wasn’t sure if he was looking at a dream or reality. “Really?”
“Yeah, I’d love to.” She was finally ready, and this time the decision was easy to make, especially when she saw Byron’s reaction. He had rarely looked so happy, and he pulled her in for a sweet, warm kiss.
“We’re going to live together,” he said, trying to let the new reality sink in. “This is going to be amazing.”
