Archer grunted as my phone beeped with a text.
Darling Mia, you left without a word. You expect me to accept that?
Yes. We both know we need time apart.
Give me one good reason why I’d allow that.
Your wife who is very alive is the perfect reason. You should have told me.
He called again and I ignored it again, scoffing at him for trying.
“He’s going to keep calling.”
“And I’m going to keep not answering,” I informed him, clinging to the anger in me so I didn’t break down.
Jesus, baby. Answer.
She’s not a reason. I told her we’re getting a divorce immediately. No reasons are going to keep me from you. I walked into your room and knew it immediately. You belong here. So, I don’t want a reason. I want you back.
I need time … to myself. I thought I had your trust.
You do. I’m sorry, baby. I am. I was trying to protect you.
Fuck, Mia. Turn on your location. Where are you?
Don’t come looking for me. You won’t find me.
I’ll scour the world for you until I do.
I don’t want to be found.
Too bad. I’m not going to spend another second without you.
You can and you will, because I can’t be there with you and your wife.
Another call. Another ignore.
If you’d pick up your phone, I could tell you that she’s gone.
It doesn’t matter. Just make sure Franny is okay and that you feed my plants until I’m ready to come back and get them.
I won’t feed them. The dirt is going to dry. They’ll die.
How dare he? He knew how much I cared about them. Two seconds later, he followed up with:
Damn it. You know I’m going to feed them. But they’ll miss you. I don’t talk to them the way you do. And the dog and that bunny you let Franny get miss you already too. They’ll all be moping around the house tomorrow with Franny.
How is Franny?
She’s asleep, but tomorrow she’ll be confused, Mia. Our house isn’t a home without you, and we want you back here.
You’ll find a new nanny for her. She’ll be okay. I’m just the teacher she’ll miss for a little.
No.
You’re not just the teacher.
You’re just everything to us. You’re everything, and I’m not letting you go. Tell me where you are and we can talk in person.
