But she shrugs and says, “He was going to leave before Christmas, and now he’s staying. Why do you think that is?”
“Because Archer’s asked for his help with PAWS.”
Nix smiles. “I don’t think that’s the reason.”
I blink. “You mean he’s staying for me?”
“Let’s just say I think the thought of spending time with you sweetened the deal.”
“Oh…”
“Well, I am sorry for approaching you during the party,” she says. “I hope I didn’t upset you too much. I just wanted you to know that if you need help or advice at any point, we’re here for you. I’ll give you my phone number, and you can call me at any time. Although I suspect you’ll have someone else to call on over Christmas.” She smiles again.
Fighting against another blush, I program her number into my phone. “Thank you, I do appreciate it.”
“I’ll let you know when I book you an appointment with Gavin. What are you doing for Christmas, anyway?”
“Honestly, I’m not sure. My parents were horrified at the thought of me and Max spending it alone, but I just had to get away.”
“I understand. Don’t tell Noah, though. He drags all the waifs and strays to his house on Christmas Day.” She grins. “Come on, let’s get back to the party.”
“I’ll just nip to the Ladies’.”
“Okay.”
“Nix… thanks.”
She hesitates, and then we exchange a hug. “You can always talk to me,” she says huskily.
“Thank you.”
She smiles and goes out to rejoin the others.
I walk through to the bathroom. After I’ve washed my hands, I lean on the basin and look at my reflection in the mirror. Then I look down at my hands.
Slowly, I tug off my wedding ring. I study it for a moment, watching it glint in the overhead light. Then I slide it into the pocket of my shorts.
My hand feels lighter without it, and it sounds corny to say it, but so does my soul.
I don’t have to go back. I owe it to Max not to. It’s not weak to leave my marriage—it’s weak to stay. Leaving Rob, getting a divorce, starting again, and giving Max a new life up here is the right thing to do.
I head out of the office block into the warm evening feeling as if it’s the first day of the rest of my life.
*
I stay until about eight thirty. By that point, people are dancing, and everyone’s having a great time. I’m enjoying myself, but I’m tired, and Max is practically dead on his feet after running himself ragged with Ollie, the other kids, and all the dogs in the paddock. Also, the sun is close to setting, and I don’t want to walk home in the dark.
I find Max in the children’s playground, and after a brief protest that he’s not ready to leave, he comes happily enough. I go to thank Noah for a lovely evening, and promise Stefan I’ll be back on Boxing Day, as I’m helping to cover for other nurses who are taking the Christmas week off.
Wishing everyone Merry Christmas, we head across the Quad, and somehow I’m not surprised to see Cullen there waiting with a smile.
“I’ll walk you home,” he says.
“Are you sure you don’t want to stay?”
“Nah.”
“Okay.”
