“They were a great couple though,” Callie says, which makes me remember that I haven’t told her about the counselor or the bag I found in the closet.
For some reason, I’m not sure I want to share the fact that they might have been having some issues when they died. Let them live on in everyone’s eyes as having had a wonderful marriage.
When we’re done, we sit on the floor and stare at all the bags and boxes.
“I know you don’t want to talk about it, but this is where my brother would be good to have around.”
“True. He’s good at carrying the heavy stuff.” I mean it in more ways than one. Callie opens her mouth to say more, but I shake my head. “Not yet.”
“Okay.” She nods.
She hasn’t pushed me or tried to convince me to call Hayes. I miss him so much. I’ve almost caved so many times. But after I rehashed everything he said that night, I realized that I won’t be a good partner to him until I do what he said—deal with my issues. I just hope I can get through it before I lose him completely. The thought of him being with another woman makes me feel physically ill.
He came into my life exactly when I needed someone like him the most, but I’m still letting those lingering doubts keep us from really moving forward. And when I call him and ask for another chance, I want to do it knowing I won’t be waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Callie comes to my side and puts her arm around my waist. “I’m really proud of you. This is some adult-level shit. You really put your big-girl panties on.”
I chuckle and lay my head on her shoulder, and she kisses the top of my head.
Then I scan the room, seeing Sky and Patrick’s backpacks just by the door. “We still have to deal with those.”
“We can donate them as is if you want.”
I’m already getting up. “I want to see what’s in here. It was with them when they…”
“Okay.” She follows.
I pick up both backpacks and place them on the bed. She takes Sky’s, and I have Patrick’s.
Sky’s doesn’t have anything out of the ordinary. Clothes, a poncho, and other essentials to go hiking for a day.
Patrick’s holds all the navigation essentials. The compass, a physical map of the trails, snacks like trail mix and beef jerky. A water bottle. At the very bottom of the bag, wrapped in a T-shirt, is another phone.
“Did he have a separate work phone?” Callie asks.
We already took out the phone that the police put in the side pockets of each of their bags.
I frown. “I don’t think so, but I guess it’s possible.”
“I feel like they would’ve told you or asked you when they came for his computer.”
She’s right. Patrick’s work came by shortly after he passed and took his laptop and all the other work-related security equipment.
“Well, let’s charge it up.” Callie holds out her hand and grabs the charger that was next to Sky’s bed, plugging it in.
“And now let’s get everything out before the kids return after dinner.” I pick up one of the bags.
Callie was right, having Hayes here would’ve made it a lot easier to get the bags into the garage, but we manage.
We order dinner to be delivered, and when it arrives and we sit down to eat, I catch her checking the score of the Colts game when she thinks I’m not looking. They’ve been gone for a week, and they’ll be gone for another one.
“How are they doing?” I ask.
“What?” She slides her phone into her back pocket.
I tilt my head. “Come on.”
“He’s playing like complete shit. Can’t focus or concentrate without you.” She smiles a little too wide and too fake.
