I nod once. Because that’s the smartest idea right now. I need time to think.
Miles grabs the leash from the hook and walks to the laundry room.
When he comes back to the kitchen, he’s retrieved Alexander from the yard, and he opens the front door.
“Come on,” he says softly.
Even Alexander seems subdued. He licks my hand as he walks by, leaving a string of drool hanging from my pinkie finger.
The front door slams shut behind us.
Miles hangs on to Alexander’s leash as we walk down the sidewalk.
“So…nothing like a dramatic family get-together,” I finally say with a laugh.
Miles smiles down at me. “You okay? I’m sorry I couldn’t give you a bigger warning. He showed up five minutes before you did.”
I shake my head. “It wasn’t your fault.”
“We have a lot to talk about,” Miles finally says.
“I know.”
“But what do you need right now?”
He’s being so stinking sweet again, making it hard for me to remember that this isn’t going to last.
“I’m glad that my dad is putting effort in. It’s about time. But I also just feel so…tired. I should be relieved. Happy that he’sgoing to try and repair the emotional damage he’s wreaked. But instead, I just want to curl up into a ball.”
Miles nods and pats Alexander on his back.
“I think I need some space,” I manage to say, even though it feels like I’m ripping out my own heart. “There’s been so much…”
I want Miles to tell me to stay.
I want him to tell me he doesn’t want a divorce.
But he just nods slowly. Because this is the right thing to do. We need space. My family is a dramatic mess. But my dad did just offer to help me, and I need to get away from Miles while I sort it out.
“You’ll be okay?” Miles asks in a hoarse voice.
I force a smile. “Didn’t you hear him back there? My dad wants to pay for a house for me. And pay back the student loan. Of course I’ll be fine. Apparently I have a financial backer now.” I can’t keep the derision out of my laugh.
As if money will tape up my broken heart.
But this was inevitable. This marriage isn’t real, and now, my entire reason for being married is no longer necessary.
“What are you going to tell Goldie?” I ask.
Felix knows. He’ll be able to smooth things over. I’m glad for that.
“I’ll ease her into it. I might even blame your family,” he adds with a chuckle.
“It’s brilliant. You can tell her that you can’t stand your mother-in-law.”
“And that your dad kept interfering,” he adds with a wink.
The teasing helps lighten the mood and at least makes me feel like I can walk back to the house.
