Page 85 of Crazy Imperfect Hearts

“What finally did it? Why now?”

He pinches the bridge of his nose like he’s getting a migraine. “She’s been cheating on me with one of my co-workers.”

My mouth opens wide. “Seriously?”

He nods. “I’m pretty sure it’s been going on for a while. She became less interested in sex—another thing she always controlled about our relationship. I should have known what was happening. The guy was just too fucking nice to me at work.”

“How’d you find out?”

“Caught them in bed.Ourbed.”

My hand flies to my mouth. “I’m so sorry.”

“No, it’s good. I needed the wake-up call. I threw all my shit in my car and just drove. I wasn’t even sure where I was going at first. All my friends are her friends. It was either Sarasota or here. And well… recreational pot isn’t legal in Florida, and we both know how Mom and Dad can be.” He motions to the couch. “So, what do you say? Can I crash on your couch until I can figure something else out?”

“You smoke pot? Since when?”

“For years, Regan. Mostly because of anxiety, which I now realize was directly related to my soon-to-be ex-wife.”

My head spins. He smokes weed. He’s getting divorced. He wants to live here. I can’t deny my little brother in his time of need, but… my morning sickness. How am I going to hide it from him?

“I’m not sure how comfortable you’ll be on the couch. It’s old and lumpy. And no smoking up here. Do it in the alley.”

“Fine.” He shrugs. “I can pick up an air mattress or something and put it in your… closet.”

“Okay.”

“Thank you. I just don’t know what’s going to happen, you know, with the money and all. Amy was the one who paid all the bills and handled our accounts and investments. We have savings, but I’m not exactly sure just how much.”

“Butyou’rethe one with the business degree.”

“I know, Regan. You don’t have to remind me what a fucking doormat I’ve been.” He scrubs a hand across his stubbled jaw. “Guess I need to hire a lawyer.”

I check the time. “Ryder, I’d like to stay and talk, but I’m supposed to meet someone downstairs in a half hour. I have to go get ready. I’ll clear a drawer for you in the bathroom. And later, we can clear a space for an air mattress.”

He nods sadly.

“You can always come down to the shop. We can talk more there.”

“I think I’ll probably sleep all day. It was a long drive.”

“You drove straight through?”

“Thirty hours straight, including stopping for food and gas.”

I get up and hug him from behind. “Thank goodness you’re even alive. How did you not fall asleep at the wheel?”

He grabs my hands and squeezes. “Pure rage I suppose.”

“I’ll get you a pillow. Or… I guess you could use my bed, but the sheets haven’t been changed in a while.”

“The couch will be fine for today. I’m so tired I could sleep on concrete.”

“Okay.” I back away and head for my room. “Ryder?” I say, turning.

“Hmm?”

“I’m glad you’re here. Despite the circumstances, it’s nice to see you again. And I hope you stay in town. I’ve reallymissed you. I know we were never that close because of our age difference, but maybe things can change now.”

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