I gave Emily a nod, and we headed to the coffee shop.
She got me a cup of milk and said with a warm smile, "Here, drink up the hot milk. It'll warm you right up."
I accepted the cup with a soft, "Thanks."
She peered at me with concern. "Look, Grandma just got the news and kind of lost it for a moment. That's why she said what she did. Don't let it get to you, okay?"
I shook my head, pressing my lips together. "I'm okay."
After a decade of yearning for news about her son, there was still no word. Finally, when she learned about her son, it was the heartbreaking news of his tragic death, leaving no remains. It was a piece of information that would sadden anyone who heard it.
I did not hold it against Grandma. If anyone was to blame, it was me. If I had not been so stubborn, maybe Kobe would still be alive.
The truth was, I could not shake the feeling that I was tied to Kobe's death.
Emily saw the pain in my eyes and let out a gentle sigh, giving my hand a reassuring pat. "It's going to be okay. Idris's out of the woods. The doc says once he's up from the anesthesia and gets some rest, he'll be as good as new. Don't stress too much. And about Grandma, give her a few days to calm down. I'll chat with her, then you can come see Iddy."
I knew she was just trying to help. "Thanks," I murmured.
She gave a small shake of her head, her gaze steady on mine. "You don't need to keep thanking me. You were there for me when I needed it, right? I'm not about to sit on the sidelines when you're in trouble. But Yvette, what's plan for Iddy now? You've been gone for a while, so you might not have heard, but Alice is pregnant. She’s two months along. Grandma's pushing for her and Iddy to tie the knot ASAP and move into the old manor. Has Iddy talked to you about this?"
I had seen that coming a mile away, but it still felt like a punch to the gut to hear it out loud. I shook my head, my voice coming out scratchy and strained. "He and I are done. We’re divorced. He doesn't owe me any explanations. Alice is great. She’s pretty and kind. They'll have a beautiful kid."
"Yvette!" Emily's voice broke through as she caught my gaze. "Please, don't say things you don't believe. It's obvious to anyone that you and Iddy are head over heels for each other. Why pretend otherwise? I can't fathom Alice ended up pregnant, but I know for sure he cares about you. Now that you're back, you've got to clear the air. If it's all just a big mix-up, there's still time to make things right and just be happy together. Don't make the same mistakes I did."
Her eyes held a story of their own, one filled with loss and what-ifs. I hesitated, her past with Liam flashing through my mind, and my heart ached for her. I had been away for a while and had no clue how things were between them then.
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