“Then why isn’t he coming over?”
Because I told him to leave. Because I pushed him away. Because I’m an idiot who doesn’t know how to accept help without feeling like a failure.
“He’s just busy,” I said. “Eat your cereal.”
“But he’s not busy. He told me himself he would take me to get new shoes.”
“Madison,” I said more sharply than I should. “Just eat your breakfast.”
She stared at me, clearly shocked by my tone. But she didn’t say anything further.
Robbie’s door opened. He emerged in sweatpants and a T-shirt, hair rumpled, eyes sharp despite the early hour. He looked at me, then at the laptop still open on the table, then back at me.
“Morning,” he said carefully.
“Morning. Want breakfast?”
“I can get it.” He walked to the kitchen, poured himself cereal and brought it back to the table, eating in silence for a few minutes.
My tea was ready, so I added a scoop of sweetener and then joined the kids at the table.
“Mother, what are you looking at?” Robbie gestured at the laptop with his spoon.
I glanced at the laptop screen. Seattle apartment listings were still open. I should have known better.
“Nothing. Just browsing.”
“Those are Seattle apartments.”
Madison looked up from her cereal. “Seattle? That’s where Grandma and Grandpa live.”
“Yes,” I said.
“Are we going to visit them?” Madison asked.
Robbie watched me with wary eyes.
“Maybe,” I said quietly.
“For how long?” Robbie asked.
I took a sip of tea. “I don’t know yet.”
“Mother.” His voice had an edge now. “How long are we visiting Seattle?”
I set down my tea cup and looked properly at my son. “We’re not visiting. We’re moving.”
The spoon slipped from Robbie’s hand, clattering against the bowl. “Moving to Seattle? But you don’t like it there, and your parents have not been supportive of your choices. Or us.”
“We’re moving to Seattle. I’m going to sell the shop and?—”
“No.” He stood abruptly, chair scraping against the floor. “Absolutely not.”
Madison’s eyes went wide. “We’re moving? To Seattle? Forever?”
“Honey—”
“But what about my friends?” Madison’s voice rose. “And my school? And Grady?”
