Page 110 of Creeping Beautiful

Yup.

What did he say?

He said… “I hope you’re happy.” But it wasn’t sarcasm. It was real. He hoped I was happy.

Is that it?

No. That’s not it. He also said… he said he was sorry.

Sorry for what?

For cheating on me. And before you let that smug smile creep up your whole face, that’s not why he left, either. He didn’t leave me and Maggie for another girl. Or college. Or anything like that.

Then why did he leave?

Because he said he made a mistake. And once that was pointed out to him, he knew he could never be there for me the way you guys could. That’s how I know one of you said something to him.

Why didn’t you say anything? Why didn’t you come tell us he called and told you those things?

Because I didn’t want to believe it. I didn’t want to admit that…

Admit what, Indie?

That you guys didn’t really love me. That you were all just… afraid of me. That’s all. That’s the only reason you come, right, Donovan? To keep me sane? I have heard Adam say that so many times, I lost count. “You need to come right now, Donovan. She’s done something.” “You need to set her straight, Donovan. She said something.” What did I do? Huh? What did I do that was so bad, Donovan? What did I say that scared you guys? Three grown-ass men? Two of whom kill people for a fuckin’ living? How did I scare you? Can you tell me that, at least? Because I don’t understand what is so wrong with me. What do I do that scares you so bad? Do I stalk into your rooms in the middle of the night with a knife? Tell me.

There are a lot of question marks in that statement.

Only one counts. Why do I scare you?

First of all, McKay doesn’t really kill people for a living, so he’d probably appreciate it if you didn’t go around spreading that particular rumor.

Oh. Excuse me. He only trains killers. Got it. Big difference.

And you’re wrong, you know. We’re not afraid of you, Indie. We’re afraid for you.

What does that even mean?

It means that you disappear for two weeks with no word and then come back refusing to talk about it.

So? It’s my life, right?

You have a child. You can’t just—

Exactly. My. Child. Not yours. Not Adam’s. Not McKay’s. She’s mine.

Who did you think was taking care of her while you were gone on this trip, Indie?

You know who.

Adam and McKay?

Of course.

And what if they weren’t home when you decided to walk out? Then who?

That didn’t happen. They were home. I knew they were home.

OK. Let’s go back to that night. Walk me through your decision to leave. Can you do that?