Travis had to start from the bottom and work his way up, and he worked double the hours to make just enough so we could get by, and I loved him for that. But when Claire was about eight months old, I noticed the change. The paler skin, bloodshot eyes, random hot flashes and sweats, the way his eyes seemed frantic if he stayed at home for over two days without working.
Through all of that, I never gave up on him.
And then he hit me for the first time.
Looking into his eyes now, I see glimpses of the old Travis, the Travis that wasmine, and something else that I hadn’t seen in years:hope.
CHAPTER TWO
A FRIDAY IN OCTOBER
Istand in front of the bathroom mirror, smoothing down the front of my dress as I stare at my reflection. The girl staring back at me looks hopeful, unyielding, yet ready to get her heart broken. Her dark blue eyes are wide, yet slightly bloodshot from lack of sleep. Posture strong and poised, yet there is a defeated slump in her shoulders, her nails done up but the skin around them raw.
Bracing my hands on the porcelain countertop, I take a few controlled breaths before reaching for the small white card that lay beside my makeup bag. I pick it up and hold it delicately between my hands, tears pooling in my eyes as my lip trembles.
Tallgrass Treatment Center.
A knock on the bathroom door startles me, the card falling from my hands. I release a shaky breath as I quickly bend over to pick it up and shove it in my bag, taking one last look at myself in the mirror. My blonde hair is pinned up, a few loose pieces framing my face. The dress I am wearing is an all black, deep V-neck, tulle with a high leg slit and a cross back. I have paired it with some simple silver jewelry, big hoop earrings and a long necklace.
“Ready, Mar?” Travis calls out from the other side of the door.
Instead of responding, I pull the door open, and a smile threatens to pull at my lips as Travis’s eyes go wide, scanning my body. He bites the corner of his lip, taking in my appearance as I look him over.
Travis is wearing a black suit with a black shirt underneath, a red tie around his neck and a matching red handkerchief in the breast pocket. His hair has gel in it, slightly slicked back, but I am thankful that he had gone and gotten a haircut earlier this morning. As I take another step closer to him, the smell of my favorite cologne reaches my nose.
“You look absolutely breathtaking,” Travis whispers, his hands grabbing my waist as I instinctively rest my hands on his shoulders.
“You don’t look too bad yourself.” I tilt my head up towards him.
Travis bends down and presses his lips gently against mine, being careful not to mess up the bright red lipstick I had applied. He cups my face in his right palm, pulling back to gaze down at me and in this moment, I have forgotten that we are Marlowe and Travis: the practically single mom and the drug addict. No, at this moment, we are just Marlowe and Travis: two kids in love.
“We should get going.” He drops his hand, breaking the trance that has fallen between us and snapping me out of my thoughts. I nod, taking the outstretched hand he offers me and follow behind him into the living room.
Claire is sitting on the couch with a book in her hands, Blue leaning against the entryway in the kitchen, watching her. Her head snaps up in our direction as she hears my heels clicking against the hardwood floor, and a genuine smile appears on my best friend’s face.
“Wow, Mar,” she breathes in disbelief, walking over and grabbing my hands as she looks down at my dress. “Who knew you could still clean up nice? You have to let me borrow that.”
I roll my eyes and shake my head, but a soft laugh escapes me. “I may be a working mom, but I’m not dead.”
“You look like a princess.” Claire’s little voice reaches me and I turn around to see her standing behind me, a twinkle in her eye as she stares upwards.
“Thank you, baby.” I carefully kneel and rest a hand on her arm. “Now, you be good for your auntie, okay? We probably won’t be back before you go to bed, so I expect an excellent report when I get back.”
Claire rolls her eyes before leaning forward to press a quick kiss to my cheek. “I’m always good. I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
Travis holds his hand out to help me to my feet, using his other hand to ruffle our daughter’s hair, which earns him a swatted hand in response. Claire runs back into the living room, jumping onto the couch and resting her head against a pillow as she picks back up her book to continue reading.
“Go,” Blue scolds as she shoos us out the door, shoving my long coat into my arms. “She’ll be fine, we’ll be fine. Now go, have fun.” Travis walks out first, and before I can follow him, Blue puts a hand on my arm to stop me. “Please be careful. If you need me to come and get you?—”
“Don’t.” It comes out as a whisper as I shake my head subtly. “I’ll be fine. I’m taking him in after the event.”
Blue looks at me with a dubious expression, making it known that she doesn’t fully believe he is going to go through with his decision. “Just call me.”
I nod, knowing she won’t give it up, figuring that appeasing her is the best option. Blue squeezes my arm gently beforeletting go, heading into the apartment to spend time with my daughter.
“You ready?” Travis asks as I close the door behind me, standing in the hallway.
