“Yeah, maybe.”But I didn’t think that was what it was.There was something else going on.And I needed to figure out what.
After I took my kid to college.
I leanedagainst the doorframe of Evie’s room and smiled at her and her new roommate.Rachel was from an hour away, too, but into Vermont.They bonded instantly over everything from music to fashion to overall interests.They followed each other on social media and were laughing at posts the other had made about getting ready to go to college.
I knew Evie was going to have a good year.
A hand slid up my back, and I jerked away.
“Sorry,” Hannah said, not looking sorry at all.“I didn’t mean to startle you.How’s our girl?”
Hannah had been more affectionate than normal on the trip.She was usually not an overly touchy person, but it felt like she hadn’t kept her hands to herself all day.
She no longer had the right to touch me.
“She’s enjoying herself.I think they’re going to get along well.”
“College is such a fun time.I’m almost envious of her.A chance to go back to the beginning.Make different choices.”She stared up at me with longing in her gaze.
We met when she was in college.She was visiting Amethyst Bay for the summer, and we fell in love.She made the choice to move after she graduated, and I couldn’t help but wonder if she was regretting that choice or something else.
“Yeah, well, things worked out the way they were supposed to, I guess.”I moved away from her, focusing on Evie instead of Hannah and whatever the hell was wrong with her.
“I think you’re all set,” I said to Evie.“We’re going to head out if that’s okay.”
Evie jumped off the bed and flung herself into my arms.“I love you, Dad.”She held me tight.
I closed my eyes and enjoyed the feel of my little girl.She made me feel like a better person.Everything I’d ever done in my life brought me her, and that was enough to tell me I’d made some good choices.“I love you, kid.”
She chuckled and pulled back, her eyes misty.“Thank you for getting everything set up for us.”
“Of course.I can be here in an hour if you ever need anything.And I’ll be back for parents’ weekend.”
“We both will,” Hannah said, inserting herself into our hug.She rubbed her hand down my back, settling on my waist.
I stepped away so Hannah could hug Evie, and get her damn hand off me.
“I love you, Eves,” Hannah said.
“I love you, Mom.”
I smiled at Rachel and waved.“It was nice to meet you, Rachel.I hope you enjoy the year.If you ever need anything, let me know.”
“Thanks, Mr.Morris.”
Evie walked us to the door.She didn’t go into the hall, staying in her room as we walked away from our little girl.
In my truck, Hannah asked, “Dinner?”
I shook my head.“I was going to head home.I figured you’d want to get back to Brian.”
She shrugged.“I’m not in a rush.”
“Well, I am.”I put the truck in gear and headed toward home.I turned on the radio and didn’t try for conversation.
Hannah stewed in her seat, arms crossed and an angry look on her face, but I was done catering to her moods.We’d just dropped our kid off at college.Hannah and I hadn’t been together in years.I carried guilt over the way our relationship went, and always would, but that didn’t mean I was going to let her control me forever.
I pulled into her driveway fifty minutes later.Her house was dark.
