Page 45 of Secrets on Ice

“Thanks,” I tell him.

“You know it’s a him problem, not a you problem.”

I nod. “I know. I still can’t wrap my head around it all. Maybe once we are all settled, I might start therapy because I hate that this has now put a scar on my heart.”

“It might be a good idea.” He reaches out, giving me a gentle pat on the leg.

“I’m going to concentrate on me this year, working out what I want out of life.”

“Good idea. And know that whatever you choose, I’m here for you,” Emmett tells me.

He really is a good brother. I’m lucky to have him by my side.

Emmett turns down Mom’s street and pulls into her driveway. He parks the car and looks at me. “Ready for all Mom’s questions?”

“No.” I know she is just worried.

“You want to sit here for a minute?”

“Yes.”

We sit in silence.

“What are you thinking?” he asks.

“That I told Kevin I never wanted to see him again. And there’s a chance that I won’t see him again.”

“Do you mean it?”

“Right now, I do.”

“It’s understandable. You spent half your life with that man, and he betrayed you in the most devastating way. You don’t have to see him ever again because you think it’s the right thing to do or because people think you should get over it. Only you can do what is right for you.”

“I don’t know how I’m supposed to switch off my feelings,” I confess to him.

“You don’t have to switch it off today.”

“I hate that I still care.”

Emmett looks at me. “You can care about someone and still know they’re not good for you.”

“When did you get so wise?” I ask him.

“Jo.” He smiles.

Mom opens the front door before we make it out of the SUV. One look at my face and she knows.

“It’s over?” she asks.

“Yes.”

She opens her arms, and I walk straight into them.

“Oh, sweetheart.”

“They weren’t really sorry about what they had done to us. So, I told him I wanted a divorce.”

“I’m proud of you.”