Page 103 of The Challenge

“I didn’t mean to startle you. I’m sorry.” Slipping my hands into my pockets, I said, “I went by the house, but Millie told me you were here.”

“Yeah, well, I’ve been getting lazy about finishing up here, but lately it’s felt like more of a priority.”

Because she’s leaving.

Because I’ve all but driven her out of town.

“Come here.” I charged toward her, taking her into my arms.

Her entire body stiffened. “What are you doing?”

I squeezed her tighter. “I’m so fucking sorry, Chloe.”

“You were just protecting Effie. It’s okay.” She tried to pull away, but I only tightened my grip.

“No, it’s really not,” I said, burying my face in her neck. “You did a good thing for my daughter, and I shit all over it. I should’ve thanked you and left it at that. But I let fear get in the way, convinced myself I needed to protect her from falling too hard and fast for you, when in fact, I’m the one who’s been falling fast.”

“I’ve been sad,” Chloe finally admitted.

I moved back to look her in the eyes. “Will you forgive me?”

“Yeah,” she murmured.

“I’ve missed you so much.” I caressed her cheek. “Millie said your mom had a rough day.”

She started to cry. “It’s not working.”

“What’s not working, baby?” I didn’t know if she was talking about Millie or us.

Chloe shook her head. “I thought if I brought her to the old house, it might spark something, or maybe she’d be more at peace. But it’s been just the opposite. If anything, she’s more irritable. She’s eating even less. And keeping Millie around is not financially sustainable. I hate to say it, but I think my mother would be better off in the facility again. I feel like a failure having to put her back there, though.” She closed her eyes tightly.

I took her into my arms again. “You’re not a failure. You tried. You’ve done more for her than anyone.” Squeezing her close, I spoke softly in her ear. “Judy wouldn’t want you to be sad. She loves you so much, and she’d be so proud of how you’ve handled everything.”

She sniffled. “The weird thing is, so many times I’ve wanted to call my mom to vent since I’ve been here. Can you imagine? Call my mom to vent about my mom? It’s like for a split second I forget.”

“You can always vent to me, even if it’s about me.”

She wiped her eyes and laughed. “Well, you would’ve gotten an earful a few days ago.”

“I’m sure.” I sighed, looking around. “Are you done here?”

Chloe looked around. “Not quite…”

“Come back to my house with me. Effie is with Drew and Maura. Let me take care of you for a few hours. Then I’ll drive you back to your car here on the way to pick her up.”

She lifted her brow. “Define take care.”

“Literally anything you want or need. It doesn’t have to be sex.”

“Okay…” She wiped her eyes one last time and conceded. “Let’s go.”

Chloe was quiet on the ride to the house. I decided to take a little detour, stopping at a mountainous overlook that had meant something to us at one time.

I parked my truck. “Let’s get out for a bit.”

Chloe didn’t have to ask why I’d brought her to this spot. She and I each leaned against a wooden rail as we looked out at the vast open space. The wind was particularly powerful out here. Despite the breathtaking view, making her feel better was going to be a tall order, especially when I suspected I was still partly to blame for her mood.

“Do you remember when you first took me here?” I asked.