Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 46152 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 231(@200wpm)___ 185(@250wpm)___ 154(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46152 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 231(@200wpm)___ 185(@250wpm)___ 154(@300wpm)
She sighs into the phone, and I know she doesn’t completely understand why I’m doing what I’m doing. Since I met Jilly, she’s been a fan of Beau’s, and she’s always tried to be my voice of reason. But right now, I don’t need a voice of reason. I need my friend.
“Jilly, listen to what I’m saying. It’s done. I’ve told him I want a divorce, and he didn’t even try to talk me out of it. If anything, I think he’s relieved. I get to keep my car and the gym. He moved into the pool house, and I need to find a place to live because as soon as the divorce is final, I’ll be moving out.”
“Fine, you’re right, fine. I’ll start collecting boxes. I’ll keep my ears peeled for anything about apartments opening up. And we’ll do a girls’ night. You want to go tonight?”
I should go because the thought of sitting here all night by myself is a little overwhelming, but I don’t want to go out. I don’t want to act like my life isn’t falling apart, and I know my friends wouldn’t expect me to, but I would feel like I should. “No, I think I’ll stay in.”
“Well, that’s okay. The girls and I can come there. I’ll bring pizza and ice cream… or do you feel more like having wine…. Ooh, or is it a tequila night?”
I take another sip of tea. “I’m sorry, Jilly. But tonight, I just want to be alone. I’m going to take a hot bath, maybe read a little bit and go to sleep. I’m giving myself tonight, and then tomorrow, I’ll get back to it all.”
“Are you sure, Nat? I hate to leave you…”
“I promise, I’m fine. I’ll call you if I need anything. You know I will.”
She sighs loudly into the phone. “Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow in class, and if you’re not there, I’m coming over.”
I can’t hold back my laugh. “I know you will. I love you, Jilly. Thanks for everything.”
“Love you, Nat. I’ll see you in the morning.”
I hang up the phone and close the blind that leads to the backyard. I can’t just sit here all day looking for a sight of my soon-to-be ex-husband.
I take my teacup to the kitchen and am washing it out when the doorbell rings. I freeze for just a second, trying to figure out who it could be. I know I’m being ridiculous. I set the cup down and make my way to the front door. Looking through the peephole, I see that it’s Huddy, one of Beau’s brothers.
I look in the mirror next to the door and instantly realize it’s no use. My eyes are puffy, my hair standing up all over my head. There’s no time to fix it. I pull open the door and force a smile to my face. “Hey, Huddy!”
He smiles broadly at me. “Natalie, hey there. How’s it going?”
I lean against the half-opened door instead of opening it further. “It’s good. I’m glad you’re home, and I know Beau is too.”
He looks at the door and then at me. “Is Beau here? When I heard he skipped out on work today, I thought I’d come by and see what he was up to.”
I clench my hand on the door. Obviously, Beau hasn’t told his brothers anything about us. “Well, he’s here… but he’s not here.” I roll my eyes and suck in a breath, trying not to cry again. “He moved into the pool house.”
“What? He moved into the pool house?”
I nod and suck in a deep breath. “Yeah, he’s out at the pool house.”
He’s looking at me with curiosity, but I don’t give him time to put voice to the question I know he wants to ask. I’m a fool, and the tears I’ve worked so hard to hold back start to flow. “I’m sorry,” I tell him as I wipe at my cheeks. “Shoot, you don’t need to see me fall apart. I’m fine. But yeah, if you want to go out back, I’m sure Beau would love to see you. I’ll talk to you soon, Huddy. I’m glad you’re home.”
I close the door before I completely fall apart. It’s only when I’m by myself again that I let myself give in to the tears. I told Jilly I was going to give myself tonight, and that’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to cry until I can’t cry anymore, and then tomorrow, I'm going to get my life together.
Chapter 5
Beau
There’s a knock at the door, and for an instant, I wonder if it’s Natalie. I close my laptop and take the three steps from the couch to open it.
When I swing open the door, I lean against it. I don’t even try to hide my disappointment. “Oh, it’s you.”