Chapter 13
She looked away.
For a moment, I considered telling her to leave him.
But she was a grown woman.
I had spent enough of my life managing other people's decisions.
So I simply said, “Whatever you decide, make sure it's based on who he actually is, not who he's promising to become.”
Then I walked away.
Outside, the air was cool and damp.
Michael held the door open.
“Everything okay?”
“I think so.”
He glanced through the glass.
“She's having a rough night.”
“Yes.”
He didn't ask for details.
We crossed the parking lot together.
When we reached my car, he stopped.
“Claire, I'm glad Sophie convinced you to meet me tonight.”
I smiled.
“Me too.”
He hesitated.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“Do you want to get breakfast tomorrow?”
I looked at him.
He raised both hands.
“Before you panic, I'm asking as the guy who once watched you eat six pancakes at a church fundraiser.”
“It was five.”
“Six. I counted.”
I laughed.
Then I said yes.
And it wasn't because I wanted to make Daniel jealous.
It wasn't because I needed a replacement husband.
It was because I liked Michael.
Because breakfast sounded nice.
Because I was allowed to enjoy something without first calculating how Daniel would feel about it.
When I got home, the house was quiet.
The front hallway light was still on.
I'd left it that way out of habit, even though no one was coming home after me anymore.
I stood there looking at it.
Then I switched it off.
Upstairs, I changed into my pajamas and sat on the edge of the bed.
My phone had three missed calls from Daniel.
And a new message.
“Claire, I think I've made a terrible mistake.”
I read it twice.
For months, I had imagined receiving exactly that message.
I had wondered whether I would feel vindicated.
Whether I would cry.
Whether I would finally hear the apology I'd been waiting for.
Instead, I felt tired.
I placed the phone on my nightstand.
Then I turned out the light.
The next morning, Daniel called at eight seventeen.
I was making coffee.
For a moment, I considered ignoring him.
Then I answered.
“Good morning.”
His voice sounded rough.
“Claire, can we talk?”
“About what?”
“Us.”
I closed my eyes.
“Daniel, we talked last night.”
“I know. But I've been thinking.”
I waited.
“I don't want to lose you.”