The house was quiet except for the hum of the heater kicking in and the distant clatter of Emma washing something in the sink. I lay back on the bed and stared at the ceiling.
Sleep stayed far, far away, like even it didn’t want to be near me.
And somewhere between memory and regret, I settled for an uneasy sleep.
Chapter 31
Claire
Brandon call came just as I was finishing the last of the dishes. I didn’t bother drying my hands; I just stared at the glowing screen and felt the smallest, dullest tug of apprehension.
Brandon - 9:42 PM
I answered anyway, tucking the phone between my ear and shoulder as I wiped the counter.
“Hey,” I said, lightly.
“Claire, babe, listen…” His voice was hurried. “I’m sorry but I’ve got to cancel tomorrow night.”
My grip on the towel loosened. Third time this week.
“Big account?” I asked, trying to keep the irritation out of my voice.
“Yeah. I promise, I’ll make it up to you.”
He rarely did.
“It’s fine,” I said, forcing a smile. “Really.”
“You’re the best. Okay, I’ve gotta run.”
The silence afterward felt heavier than the conversation had.
I exhaled, rubbing my forehead, then dropped onto the couch with a sigh just as a text came through.
Sophie.
He ditched again? I swear I’ll key his car.
I smiled despite myself and called her.
Sophie picked up on the first ring. “Tell me you dumped him. Tell me you finally came to your senses.”
I groaned. “Sophie.”
“What? Brandon’s a cardboard cutout of a boyfriend. You deserve an actual human.”
“He’s steady,” I argued.
“Steady?” Sophie scoffed. “So is my husband, but I’d trade him for a house plant that didn’t flirt with every woman he meets.”
She should, I hated her husband.
Sophie’s husband was… complicated.
Charming. Loud. A little too friendly.
And far too interested in women who weren’t his wife.
