CHAPTER 23
REMI
When I see Sebastian close his eyes and slip into a deep sleep, I finally allow myself to relax.
Keeping my anger in check, this white-hot rage that surged the moment I realized what his parents had done to him, took every ounce of self-control I had.
I wanted to scream at them, to tear into them for all the pain they’d caused. But it wasn’t the right moment. All that would’ve done was make things worse for him. So I stayed focused on what truly mattered: Sebastian.
The fact that he wasn’t upset when I showed up uninvited, that he came with me willingly, didn’t question it, and even agreed to go to Sennen Cove, says everything.
The quiet certainty with which he said yes to Sennen Cove tells me just how much he trusts me.
And I will never, ever betray that trust.
I’ll do everything in my power to help him find peace again, to remind him of his worth, of how deeply he’s loved and cherished. Not just by me, but by all our friends. And no matter how long it takes, if he’ll let me, I’ll be there for him. Always.
I drive for about an hour, James Arthur playing softly through the speakers. Sebastian sleeps beside me, snoring gently, his mouth slightly open, and the sight tugs at something deep in my chest. He looks so vulnerable. So young.
He’s probably starving, but I can’t bring myself to wake him. Right now, more than anything, he needs rest. And I’ll give him that, too.
Deciding it’s time to call home and give my mum a heads-up, I turn the volume down a little more and dial her number. She picks up instantly, her voice warm and cheerful.
“Remi! What a surprise, how are you, sweetheart?”
“I’m good, Mum. You sound in a great mood. What are you up to?”
“I’m very happy, actually,” she says brightly. “Ben and I came to the Royal Cornwall Show in Whitecross on Friday. The weather’s been beautiful, so we decided to stay for the weekend. And Maude’s with us, for once, she loves horses, you know.”
I smile. Of course she does. Hearing Mum talk so affectionately, so proudly, gives me a little boost I didn’t realize I needed. And, if I’m honest, I’m relieved they’re not home just yet. It’ll give Sebastian a bit of time to settle in before meeting the whole family.
Including Ben. Good old Dr Freemantle. He’s been kind and steady all these years, and he’s shown a lot of grace in how he’s handled being part of our family, especially with Maude.
“You still there, love?” Mum asks after a moment. “You went quiet.”
“Yeah, sorry, I was just listening,” I say, shaking myself out of the daze. “I’m fine, just a bit tired.”
“You always are, Remi. You work too hard. I was going to ask how you’ve been since Maddie left. We haven’t talked much lately… it must be a bit lonely in that flat. I hope Francis is keeping you company at least.”
A guilty wince pulls at my face. I hate lying to her, but this isn’t a conversation I can have over the phone. So I steer things back on track.
“Actually, Mum, I’m on my way to Sennen Cove.”
There’s a delighted squeal on the other end of the line. I glance over, Seb’s still fast asleep, breathing deeply. Poor thing’s completely knackered.
“That’s wonderful news! How long are you staying? Do you want to meet us in Whitecross? It’s not far.”
“Mum! Let me talk,” I cut in, laughing under my breath.
“Sorry! I’m just excited. I’ve missed you, sweetheart. I feel awful not being home when you’re arriving.”
“It’s not your fault,” I say gently. “You couldn’t have known. Honestly, I didn’t even know until this morning. It was sort of a spur-of-the-moment thing. One of my friends needed a change of scene after… well, something rough with his family. I thought a few days in Cornwall might help.”
“A friend?” she echoes, clearly intrigued. “He must be very special if you’re taking time off. You never take time off, not even when you’re sick!”
My voice catches for a second. “Yeah. Sebastian is… very special. You’ll understand when you meet him.”
There’s a pause, then, “Sebastian? Isn’t he the one who used to date Maddie? The one who was just staying with you for a while?”
“Uh, yeah. That’s him.”
“I thought you weren’t exactly thrilled about that?”
I can feel the heat rising in my face, even though she can’t see me.
“I wasn’t. Not at first. But… well, I hadn’t met him yet. I think I was just… prejudiced, I guess.”
“You? Prejudiced? I’m shocked,” she teases.
“Okay, okay, I know I can be a bit grumpy. But with him… I couldn’t be. He’s funny, and kind, and… he’s been through a lot lately. I just want to help.”
She goes quiet, letting me finish.
“He just needs a few days to breathe. And it gave me the perfect excuse to come home. You’re okay with him staying, right?”
“Remi, of course! I can’t wait to hug you and to meet this Sebastian. You’ve never brought many people to the house, so I know this means something.”
“He is something,” I say before I can stop myself.
Her voice softens. “The spare key’s still in the umbrella stand. You remember where everything is. We’ll be back tomorrow evening.”
“Thanks, Mum.”
“You’re welcome, love. Just let me be a mum every once in a while, okay? I know you’re strong and capable, you always have been. But you’re still my son. You can lean on me, too, you know.”
“I know. And I do. Enjoy your weekend, and say hi to Maude and Ben, too.”
I hang up feeling lighter. She’s always been a soft place to land.
I glance at Sebastian again. His mouth is still slightly open, a tiny smear of drool glistening on his cheek. He looks so peaceful. So heartbreakingly young.
A wave of protectiveness rises in me so strongly it nearly knocks the breath from my lungs. I ache to touch him, to smooth the hair off his forehead or press a kiss to his temple, but I don’t want to wake him.
Instead, I reach for my phone and record a quick voice message for the group chat, letting everyone know I’ll be in Cornwall for a few days.
Then I switch over to a Sam Smith playlist on Spotify and let the music, the road, and the steady rhythm of the car wrap around us, carrying us home.