I stop, struggling to find the right words. Our relationship is merely cordial these days.
“Lost?” Kat says.
I nod.
“I hope he can mend his spirit now Darra is out of his life. Release his burden of guilt. I have to be honest, her departure has made me very happy.”
Never a truer word spoken.
Despite what I said by the pool, everyone has spent years knowing that he was trapped in a toxic and loveless marriage, but the more anyone tried to help, the more he withdrew.
“I’ll never understand why he didn’t divorce her years ago. The woman is toxic,” Kat says.
“I know,” I say, knowing exactly how toxic she could be.
In the early years, my frustrations stemmed from my inability to help him, but I had no right to speak out. I’d failed him too, so who was I to judge?
“All we can do is support him, show the stubborn fool he’s not alone,” Kat says.
I hear the sadness in her voice, and it pulls at something in my chest. Something I suppressed a long time ago.
Kat looks up, her face brightening.
“Anyway, I didn’t bring you here to discuss my brother.”
She grabs her glass and holds it up. I follow suit as we clink them together.
“To celebrate or commiserate. You leaving for fresher pastures. May this move and your marriage bring you every happiness. If anyone deserves it, it’s you, Penelope Dawson.”
My breath catches, and I choke back the tears that threaten.
“Shit, I told myself I wouldn’t get emotional,” Kat says, getting up and pulling me in for a hug and squeezing me tight. “Don’t be a stranger.”
“Never.”
CHAPTER 6
ELIJAH
“Are you eating properly?”
Lottie stares over the video conference.
“Of course, I’m eating,” I say, forcing a smile.
“Just checking. You look stressed.”
Shit, that’s because I am.
Not that I can tell Lottie that. The last thing I need is my soon-to-be fifteen-year-old worrying about me.
“I’m fine. I promise I’m eating,” I say, trying to crack a smile. “Who’s the parent here? You look decidedly relaxed. You must be enjoying your course.”
“I am,” she says, grinning from ear to ear. “I have so much to tell you and show you when I get back. You’re going to love some of the techniques my teacher is showing me.”
“I can’t wait,” I tell her honestly.
She looks over her shoulder and then back at the screen.
