Getting out of the car, I walk around to the back. I’m out of her view here, but she’s still within mine. Her head bows as she picks at the grass. The last time I saw her look this sad was when she lost him.
Fuck it. What the hell has this news story shit done to her? I have to make her realise we’re stronger together.
I can’t stand watching her wipe the tears from her beautiful face, but I have to respect her privacy. Knowing Andrew is keeping watch will have to be good enough for now. I should go. If Angie sees me here, she could feel smothered, and I want to give her time and space when she needs it. As hard as it is to do, I have to walk away.
To say I’m relieved when Angie finally comes home is an understatement, although I’m worried. She seems subdued.
Josh steams into the kitchen, shouting like a mad kid, “Ozzie, where are you? I’m back now.”
“Hey, little dude. He’s outside with Connie,” I call.
“Thanks, Uncle Tommy.” He beams and runs straight into the garden.
“Babe, you’re back,” I say. “I was worried.”
I’m sat at the kitchen island when she walks over to my side, sliding her hands around my shoulders and laying her head there too. “I’m sorry if I worried you. I wanted some time to myself. If I need to get away again, I’ll make sure I let you know first.”
“It’s okay. I was just worried, especially as we’ve got another batch of photographers outside.”
She looks up at me. “I noticed that on the way in. They haven’t been there long, don’t worry. There wasn’t a soul to be seen when I left this morning.” She takes my hand, leading me to the sofa. “Come and sit with me for a while.”
Fuck. She seems so weak and done with it all. It wouldn’t surprise me if she wants to call it a day, but it won’t stop me from fighting for her.
Our fingers stay locked together and her grip is tight, like she’s scared. I pull her body close to mine, and I take her in my arms. Her head falls to my chest while I comb my fingers through her hair.
“What was going through your mind when you saw me at the memorial garden?” she asks.
My mouth feels like I’ve eaten a cotton wool ball. “You knew I was there?”
“Kind of. I had a feeling you might seek me out eventually and Andrew confirmed my suspicions when I asked him.” Her tone is resigned.
I run my hand up and down her arm. “I wanted to make sure you were okay. That’s all.”
“But what was going through your mind?” She glances up and our eyes meet. “You haven’t said.”
I take a second, looking straight ahead. “I don’t know. It’s not as if I expect you not to visit Scott’s memorial. I thought you’d gone to a place you knew was safe and you wanted to clear your head.”
“But?” she asks and continues to focus on me.
“I suppose with everything that’s happening, I was worried the news this morning was the last straw and you wanted out.”
She reaches up and her hand cups my cheek. It’s warm and reassuring. “Never. I’m here to stay, Tommy.” She nuzzles back against my chest. “But you are right in one sense. It’s peaceful there and I could think clearly.” Again, she looks up at me. “Thank you for understanding.”
“It’s okay, babe.” If this is what she needs, then I’ll take it.
Her mouth twitches with a slight smile. “I made some decisions today and I hope you’re willing to support me. I can guarantee you won’t be happy, but please hear me out.”
“I’m listening,” I say, still holding her tight.
“Your divorce mediation is coming up soon.”
“Right.”
“And you need to be ready when that cow throws accusations around. We can’t give Chelsea any ammunition, so for now, we should cut down the time we spend together until the divorce is final.”
My chest tightens as my heart sinks. “Angie, that’s insane. It could take months or even a couple of years to settle this thing.”
“Then we work around it. Perhaps I could stay the oddnight, but we should be careful. Chelsea won’t break us up, but she couldn’t have chosen a better time to come out fighting. Let’s just beat her at her own game.”
