14. Chapter 14
Jake
Lottie’s been home from hospital for a few days now, and to say it’s been awkward is an understatement. I’ve never felt like this around her before. Like we’re nobody to each other, although I guess in her mind, we are.
I’ve attempted to make conversation, but it falls flat every time. It’s like I’ve lost my ability to speak.
Luckily, I’ve been saved by Wren and Kayla, who have been here helping Lottie with personal tasks like washing and doing her hair, but when they leave and it’s just us, it falls into an awkward silence again.
We were doing fine until my mom showed up the day Lottie came home from the hospital. Since then, she’s shut down on me, and I have no right to complain with everything she’s going through. I just wish I could help.
Our time has been mostly taken up with funeral planning and going through her parents’ estate with her family's lawyer. There wasn’t a lot they could do over the phone, which is how I find myself on Wren’s family's private jet flying to Portland. I don’t think Lottie could stomach the hustle and bustle of an airport and a plane full of people right now.
The flight is so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Wren is busy catching up on some work while Sawyer stares daggers at her.
I wonder what’s going on there—trouble in paradise?
Lottie’s head is resting against the window, watching the clouds and refusing to make conversation or maintain eye contact with anyone.
Then there’s me. The spare part, or that’s how it feels anyway.
Remember, you’re here for Lottie. She needs you even if she thinks she doesn’t right now.
We land a couple of hours later, and our driver takes us to our hotel for the night.
Lottie didn’t feel comfortable staying in her parents’ home being surrounded by memories.
It’s going to be hard enough later when we have the reception there.
After making sure she has eaten and had enough fluids, Wren helps her get ready for bed and I head for the next room.
I purposely rented a suite so I could be close to Lottie in case she needed me, not that she would ever tell me, but just being in her orbit at least makes me feel better.
I settle under the covers and bring up the group chat with my boys.
*Hockey Guy Chat*
Jake - Made it to the hotel
Louis - Told Charlie you love her yet?
Codey - Dickhead
Theo - Have you?
Codey - Seriously?
Jake - The atmosphere here is frostier than the polar ice caps
Jake - She won’t even talk to Wren
Theo - Fuck
Louis - That’s rough, she hasn’t spoken to Kayla either
Codey - All you can do is be there for her
Jake - I hear ya
Louis - How long are you away for?
Jake - Three days.
Jake - The funeral is the day after tomorrow
Theo - You got this
Codey - Tell Charlie we’re all thinking of her regardless of if she wants to listen
Louis - What Cap said
Jake - Thanks guys. I’ll see you in the gym once I’m back
Theo - Gotta get those gains
Louis - *Muscle emoji*
Codey - *thumbs up emoji*
After sending a quick text to my mom, I put my phone down and try to get some sleep before a busy and emotional few days ahead.