Page 24 of Just My Ex

She turns back around. “I don’t feel comfortable having to tell my ex-husband where I’ll be and when.” She rotates at the waist and bends to stretch her back.

“I don’t feel comfortable asking you to do that, either. But trust me, following that list will keep you safe. It’s only a matter of time before Raymond comes here, I’m guessing. We have to be ready.”

“Did you give my mom the whole spiel, too?”

“I called her on a secure line and read it to her, yes. And there is protocol for her to follow, too.”

“So that explains why she called me this morning. On edge. Asking me if I brought any wigs here.”

“Wigs probably won’t be necessary.”

“Probably? Geez, Henry.” She sighs and scratches the top of her head. “Just so you know, I’m trying, okay? I don’t want to be difficult. It’s just hard.”

For the first time since seeing her yesterday—was it really only yesterday that I came here?—something in her expression softens just a little.

I’m trying, and failing, to hide a smile. Quinn’s just so … easy to love in her reactions to things, in her always making things harder on herself than they have to be. When we were together, even the predictable moments were somehow surprising. “I know it’s hard for you not to be difficult.”

She points a finger at me. “Henry! You always said you loved my stubbornness.”

“I did. I do.” I clear my throat and remind myself to fight for all it’s worth to regain some control over my thoughts and emotions here. “In my career, stubbornness can be a very good trait to have. But it can also get you killed. So you have to learn to manage it.”

Her nostrils flare, subduing some of the playfulness between us. “Duly noted.”

“So? Do you think you can have a general itinerary to me by the end of the day?”

“I’ll work on it after breakfast.”

“Okay. I sent you a form you can fill out.”

“I know.” Her voice is raised. “I saw it in my email.”

I bend my knee to show her my running shoes. “And I’m more prepared today.”

She sighs. “Running on the beach is my happy place. I’d rather you stayed back, please? At the risk of sounding totally creepy, I’d almost prefer you watch me with binoculars from a safe distance so I can run in peace.”

“Sorry to disturb your peace.” And it hurts that that’s what it would be. “But all it would take is for Raymond to board a motorboat on the far shore, zip right up, and grab you. I need to be closer.”

She pinches the bridge of her nose with her thumb and forefinger. “You’ve thought of everything, huh? Okay. Whatever.”

“I’ll run separately from you. I won’t bother you.” I reach an arm across my chest and pull on it with my other hand. “Can I see Navie this morning?”

“Yes. How about after breakfast? We could meet you in the lobby.”

For a few minutes, I can be with my daughter and former wife again.

I hope I can play it cool.

Chapter 10

Quinn

The way Navie squeals and runs into Henry’s arms will forever be on repeat in my mind.

It’s been a few weeks since she’s seen him in person because he’s been working. But he’s really stepped it up in making regular contact with her. And now she’s laughing like kids sometimes do when they get to feeling giddy, like everything’s funny. She chews on her finger and shakes her little head, her eyes crinkling at the edges, taking in his every movement.

I don’t blame her. I’ve looked at him the same way before.

It’s good, though. It’s all for the best. If I’d still been married to him, he would be almost as much of a stranger as he is now. Only now, I get to move on with my life instead of being frozen in place, waiting, wondering when he’s going to come home. If he’s going to come home.

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