My heart squeezes.
Because there’s no drama in her expression.
No whining. No tantrum.
Just simple truth.
And sadness.
I set the dish towel aside and move over to her, closing the computer.
Damn.
I should have known it was a mistake to show her the plans I put together.
But when she asked about my trip, she seemed truly interested, so I’d opened my itinerary and told her all about the places I planned to visit, showed the slideshow of pictures I’ve put together.
She was excited…
And now her eyes are damp with tears.
Stupid.
Just as stupid as it was for me to text Rhodes last night…and then for continuing the conversation with him.
I keep reminding myself that I need to keep some distance between Chloe, Rhodes, and me, that I’m only going to make it harder on all of us when I leave by getting so attached.
But…
It’s not friendship I want with Rhodes.
And there’s no hope of guarding my heart against Chloe.
I meant it when I said I love her.
She’ll always have a place in my heart, there’s no doubt about it.
I just…
Need to remember I’m leaving, that I’m not giving up on my plans, on myself. That I won’t stay long enough for them to?—
Realize I’m not good enough.
But all of that seems like bullshit when Chloe sniffs. I shift closer so I can slip my arm around her shoulders and draw her against me. “I’m just going to be gone for a few months, and then I’ll come back and visit. I promise.”
She frowns. “But you won’t behere.”
“No. But I’ll still know where the house is.” I try for a joke. “And I’ll bring you back areallycool present.”
That doesn’t work.
If anything, it backfires.
Her lower lip wobbles.
“But you won’t be livinghere,” she says, her voice getting smaller. “You’re going to leave. Just like my mom did.”
The air leaves my lungs.
