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Iscrubbed my scalp as if it deserved a beating. Why had I opened my big mouth? I’d scared her away. Who proposes marriage after two weeks together?
It wouldn’t surprise me if she were packing to go home. She’d been skittish from the start, and I pushed her over the edge.
Scout waited by the bed when I came out of the shower. Wagging her tail in a way I could only describe as sad, she came to me, licking my bare calf. I sank into a chair, towel wrapped around my waist.
“I blew it, girl.”
Scout lay next to my feet, giving my leg another lick.
“I know, it’s just you and me. I’ll be okay, right?”
She whined and rested her chin on my feet.
I wanted to cry the way I had when Annie moved away the first time. It had felt as if my heart had broken. Now, whatever cracks had healed were torn apart once again.
Instead, I got up and dressed, then went out to see what damage control I could do. She was no longer in the kitchen. Her plate had been cleared and set in the sink.
My stomach hollowed. She was leaving. I could sense it.
I walked down the hallway, feeling as if I might be sick, and knocked on the guest bedroom door. Silence greeted me for a second before she called out for me to come in.
Her suitcase lay open on the bed. She was in the process of folding a sweater as I stepped into the room.
“You’re leaving.” Not a question.
“I was just thinking maybe it would be easier for both of us if I went now. You know?”
“Sure, yeah. You’re good at leaving. I can take you to the airport if you want.”
She let out a long sigh, as if I’d irritated her by my suggestion. “No, it’s all right. I’ll hire a car.”
“Right. Okay.” I stuffed my hands in my pockets. “I have a lot to do today anyway. So that’s probably best.” My voice sounded wooden, but it was either that or I’d start weeping in front of her. “I’m going to head out now, actually. You can let yourself out.”
She held a crumpled blue sweater against her chest. All color had drained from her face. “I’m sorry it has to end this way. Thanks for everything. I’ll cherish these memories. And Rafferty’s discovery was…life-changing. Thank him for me. And say goodbye to your mama for me too.”
This is what she did. She left places. She left me. What had I expected?
“Will do.” Scout hovered near my legs. Loyal when the chips fell.Good dog.
Annie dropped to the floor and held out her arms for Scout. “Come give me a hug, old girl.”
Like me, Scout couldn’t resist her. She left my side and allowed Annie give her a few last strokes and scratches. “You’re the very best dog. You know that? Keep Atticus company.”
This enraged me. How dare she tell my dog what to do, as if I were a charity case. I snapped my fingers, and Scout cameback to my side. “Good luck, Annie. I hope your career makes you very happy.”
“Thanks.” She remained on the floor and wouldn’t look at me.
Could people die from heartbreak? Every part of me hurt. I wanted to get down on my knees and beg her to stay. That would only make it worse.
So I turned and walked out of the room. I needed to get out of here. Watching her go might kill me.
I’d go to Mama’s. She and Pop would let me cry at their kitchen table and love me through this, as they had everything else. Right now, that’s all I could think to do.
I didn’t bother with a goodbye. The back door slamming behind me said it all. I headed to my truck with my dog.
As I pulled out of the garage and headed down the driveway, Scout stood and looked out the back window, a soft whine her goodbye.
I foundMama in the office wrapping presents. She took one look at me and dropped the pair of scissors in her hand onto the desk. “Baby, what’s wrong?”
