Page 34 of Just My Ex

He places another call as he flies down the rise and reaches the flat, sandy beach near the water’s edge. “Stella? Where are you and Navie?” He waits a moment, and then nods and lets out a breath. “Stay put. Don’t leave the suite, okay? We’ll be there soon.”

I catch up and grab his arm. “Henry! Stop. It’s just Marley.”

When he doesn’t listen, I yank on his arm. “I said, stop. What are you doing?”

He wheels around. “Why is she here? Did she tell you she’d be coming?”

My breath is heavy and erratic. “Well, no. But she’s completely harmless. It’s always been Marley and me against the world.”

“Why did you tell her you were here?”

“I didn’t.” A shiver goes up my spine. How does she know I’m here? Then it dawns on me. “But it’s okay. I’m sure my employer told her. Because, Henry, she works in the department right next to mine at the university, so—”

“Is she on the list? Why didn’t you add her to the list?” His voice is testy.

Oh. That. One of my assignments was to fill in all people in my circle, whether I trust them or not. And answer several questions about them. Weird questions like if they’ve ever asked me for money. I hadn’t had time to fill in much.

“We’ve been in Longdale for like, five seconds! I haven’t had a chance. You’ve been treating me like … what did you call it? A client? You forget I’m a mom, a single mom, and I had to give up my job to come here and—”

He chews on the inside of his cheek. His voice softens, his eyes contrite. “What can you tell me about her now? Any thoughts about why she’s come here?”

“I’m sure she’s been worried about me. I up and left without warning. I think I’ve missed some calls from her.”

He makes a strangled sound of protest. “She’s Raymond’sdaughter.”

“Estranged daughter.Estranged,okay? I don’t think they’ve seen each other in years.” I begin to walk again, and Henry moves to catch up to me.

“You have a complicated family.”

I shoot him a look. “So do you.”

We don’t speak the rest of the walk back, the only sounds are the seagulls’ caws and the squishy crunch of our sneakers on the sand.

Right before we reach the back patio sliding doors and just out of sight, Henry tugs at my arm. “What about a cover story … a reason why you quit your job and left town. We haven’t discussed one yet.”

I throw my hands in the air. “Well, what about … I’m going to help a sick friend.”

He’s grabbing at his lip with one hand, the other crossed over his middle, staring at me intently. “That’s good. Okay. Tell me about it. Practice what you’re going to say to Marley.”

“I don’t want to lie to Marley.”

“I’m sorry, but it’s for the best. Please, Quinn.”

I sigh and shake out my hands, readying myself. I say my little, made-up spiel, and he helps me refine it, asking questions that Marley might ask.

Then, he breaks our rules for a second because he squeezes my elbow. Then, he drops it, as if he’s just remembering. “Hey. Sorry. And sorry for going all James Bond crazy back there. When unexpected things happen? Like a cousin coming out of the blue? Those things are a real cause for concern.”

During the walk, I’d begun to come to the same conclusion. “You’re only trying to help. I get it.”

His gaze takes me in, fully. It pins me to the spot. And for the first time, I’m not taken back to some earlier, painful time. I’m in the here and now. It’s just me and him. Not old me and old him.

I can’t explain it. Don’t ask me to.

I give a quick nod and move towards the door.

“Wait. To reiterate, keep your answers vague. Uh. Your friend … you’re leaving tomorrow to go see her, okay? You’re taking Navie with you. Just be cautious. No one is above suspicion right now.”

“Marley is,” I shoot back.

---