Page 11 of A Simple Regret

I will not let myself feel.

I will not let her back in.

The only thing I can do is reach for the anger I’ve clung to for the last seven years and let it carry me.

It’s how I’ve coped with her leaving and how I’ll continue to move forward.

It’s the only way.

She will not break me.

CHAPTER

FOUR

Maren

This was a mistake.

I should have insisted my dad call someone else—anyone else.

Having Camden in my space is exactly what I didn’t want to happen. This is my fresh start, a blank canvas, but now I’ve watched Camden walk around like he’s comfortable here. His hands are on my things.

He’s probably seen my underwear drawer, considering they removed the drawers from the dresser to bring it in.

I’ve kept my focus elsewhere. Yes, on opening the door and making sure Theo wasn’t bothering them—though, he’s been begging to help—but mostly just trying to stay out of their way. Wherever they put stuff is fine. I can move it when I figure out its permanent location.

When I saw him bringing in the hope chest, the one he saved up to purchase me for Christmas, I about lost it, and by the look in his eyes, the irony of the moment wasn’t lost on him either. However, any tenderness I saw reflecting in those ocean blue orbs was quickly dashed away and replaced with irritation.

Not that I blame him.

I don’t follow them into my bedroom. I can’t. I hang back in the kitchen, wishing they’d hurry up so Camden will leave. Something tells me he’ll be out of here the moment he’s told his help isn’t needed any longer, and that’s what I need. I need my space back.

“I’m Theo!”

I turn to where my son was once standing in the living room and see him run straight up to Camden and take his hand like they’re old friends.

“Hi, Theo. I’m Camden.”

Dad chuckles when my son drags Camden toward his chair, which was pushed off to the side when they brought in the couch and chair. I have some side tables to bring in, but I’m not in a rush for those. Now, Theo is pointing to the chair, expecting Camden to return it to its original position in the middle of the room.

“Theo, I can move it,” I start, taking a few steps forward, but the chair is already being moved.

“Here?” Camden asks, placing it where Theo points.

My son nods and smiles, making my heart happy, as it does every time I see happiness on his face.

“He doesn’t know a stranger,” Dad states, shaking his head.

I don’t reply. My eyes are glued to my ex and my son.

“Tank you!” Theo blurts out, taking a seat in his chair and grinning from ear to ear.

“You’re welcome, Theo.” The hardness around Camden’s eyes seems to fade immediately as a small grin turns his lips upward.

“You watch Bwuey wiff me?”

Camden opens his mouth, but I’m the one who responds first. “I’m sure Camden has things to do this afternoon, Theo. Plus, I’m going to need your help organizing your new room.”