"No problem. Tell Tyler I'll call him after I meet her. Make sure he knows everything went smooth."
"I will."
After we hang up, I text Emily.
Chloe: Rampage just called to confirm tomorrow. He sounds nice despite the scary voice.
Emily: Scary voice?
Chloe: Deep. Gravelly. Very biker.
Emily: Now I'm nervous.
Chloe: Don't be. Tyler trusts him. That's good enough for me.
Emily: If you say so. I'm packing tonight. Leaving early tomorrow.
Chloe: Be safe. Text me when you get there.
Emily: I will. Love you.
The afternoon flies by, and by the time I close the shop, I'm ready for the weekend.
Tyler texts at 5:15.
Tyler: Kids secured. Heading home. They're excited and asking a million questions.
Chloe: Have fun, Daddy. I love you.
Tyler: Love you too, baby girl. Talk to you later.
I spend Friday evening at my own apartment for the first time in over a week. It feels weird. Empty. Lonely.
But also necessary.
I curl up with Mr. Snuggles and Mochi who has grown an incredible amount in such a short time, put on a movie, and try to remember who I am when I'm not with Tyler.
It's harder than I expected.
But I'm trying.
And that's what matters.
Saturday morning, Emily texts at eight a.m.
Emily: On the road. Should be there by 11.
Chloe: Drive safe. Text when you arrive.
Tyler: Good morning, sweetheart. Kids are up. Making pancakes. How'd you sleep?
Chloe: Good. How are things going?
Tyler: Great. Emma wants to know your favorite color. Jackson wants to know if you like dinosaurs.
Chloe: Pink. And yes, dinosaurs are awesome.
Tyler: Told you they'd like you. Gotta go. Pancakes are burning. Love you.
