They heard footsteps hurrying across the floor above them and rose at the same time.
“I’ve got her. You eat.”
Devon couldn't be sure if it was the right move, but he listened. It was what he wanted when he called her, after all. It was just that he ended up sitting there alone again.
He knew he’d had blinders on. Clearly, the world had turned while he remained frozen. What he didn't know was how to get back on the carousel of life.
Chapter Twenty-One
When he’d finishedeating, Devon found Chloe upstairs sitting in a chair she’d dragged next to Hailey’s bed. His daughter was asleep, thankfully. Chloe had a book open in her lap; he had no idea where she’d gotten it from. Maybe her magic bag.
“Chloe?” he murmured.
She put one finger in her book and looked up at him. He gestured for her to follow him and then went down the stairs. When they were both in the living room, he spoke again.
“Thanks for dinner,” he joked.
“I promise I’m usually a better cook.”
Devon chuckled and sat on the couch. She sat at the far end and angled to face him.
“She didn't throw up that time, but she thought she was going to.”
“That’s a relief.” He ran his hands over his eyes. “I’m just so tired. We were up almost all night.”
“Do you want to get some sleep?”
“Yes, but I thought I’d stay here with you for a little while. That's why I called you, after all.”
“To entertain me when you can’t keep your eyes open?” She stretched her legs out and rested her head on the back of the couch.
“Actually, yes.” He continued when Chloe raised her eyebrows. “I realized I don't want to be alone. I guess it’s a neurosis, technically, to not be comfortable alone. I haven't had an issue with it in about five years, but now it makes me very anxious.”
“You know whatever you’re feeling is okay, right? No matter how you feel, as long as it’s not suicidal, it’s okay to take a minute and be okay with it.”
“Tell me honestly, how do you know so much about this?” He observed the reluctance when she looked away from him, started to say she didn't have to tell him.
