“Here you go,” I handed Jillian her glass and set mine down on the bathroom counter.
Kneeling down on the floor in front of the tub, I took the loofah sponge sitting on the edge and began softly rubbing it across her shoulders.
“I forgot to ask you. Did you and Kristen find a wedding dress today?”
“Yes, and the lady at the bridal shop called a friend of hers that is a seamstress and she’s going to do the alterations.”
“Good. I’m happy it’s all working out for her.”
“Yeah. Me too.” She brought her hand up to her face and wiped her eye.
“What’s wrong?”
“Everything.” A tear fell down her cheek.
“Talk to me, Jillian.”
“God, I feel like such an idiot right now for crying in front of you like this.”
“Don’t feel that way. You’re not an idiot and I think you’re beautiful when you cry.”
She let out a light laugh. “Thanks.”
I stood up, kicked off my shoes, and climbed in the tub with her.
“What are you doing?” She grinned.
“Comforting you the proper way.” I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her in to me. “We’ll sit in here for as long as you need.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Jillian
I couldn’t believe he climbed into the bathtub in his clothes. My arms were wrapped tightly around his neck as my head lay on his shoulder.
“Everything is happening so fast and before you know it, she’ll be gone. To be honest, I don’t know how I’m ever going to get over that.”
“You’ll never get over it. But as each day passes, you’ll heal and you’ll accept it and you’ll move on with your life holding on to the memories that the two of you shared.”
Lifting my head from his shoulder, I stared into his eyes.
“It sounds like you’ve lost someone before.”
“I have. My best friend, Scott, was killed in a car accident when he was sixteen years old. It really hit me hard because we were like brothers. He was an only child like me. We went to school together and had planned to go to MIT together. We hung out every day working on projects, playing basketball, working out, and just talking about life and our future. We had this plan to backpack through Europe the summer we graduated high school.”
“I’m sorry.” I hugged him tight. “He’d be so proud of you and what you’ve accomplished at such a young age.”
“I know. You’ll survive, Jillian. I know it’s unfair that this shit is happening to Kristen at such a young age, but you’ll be okay, and after you’ve grieved, you’ll be able to smile at the things that remind you of her.”
“I’m worried about Noah. He loves her so much and I don’t know how he’s going to get through it.”
“You’ll help each other get through it and I’ll be here to pick you up when you fall and I’ll be here when you smile again.”
I pressed my lips into the side of his neck. I had never felt so supported as I did at that moment.
“We should get out of the tub now.”
“Good idea.” He smiled as he kissed my lips.
Drew climbed out first, grabbed a towel, held it open for me, and wrapped it around my body when I got out of the tub.
“You better get out of those wet clothes. Did you bring extra, by any chance?” I smirked as I unbuttoned his shirt.
“I may have.”
“Did you bring food?”
“No. We’ll order in. We can do that now that you have plates and silverware.”
“Good. I don’t feel like going out.”
“I don’t either.”
“So a casual night in it is.” I smiled as I walked out of the bathroom.
After changing into my cotton cami and matching short pajamas, I walked to the kitchen and took in the scent of the beautiful lilies Drew gave me.
“These smell so pretty.” I smiled as he walked in wearing a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt. He was just as sexy and hot dressed down as he was in his suits.
“I’m happy you like them. Now, what’s for dinner?” He placed his hands firmly on my hips from behind.
“Whatever you’re in the mood for. I really don’t care. I like just about anything.”
“How about Mediterranean?”
“Mhmm. Sounds good to me.”