Page 60 of Falling for You Again

“You’re right. It could be better.”

I stare into my tea, shaking my head. She couldn’t possibly understand. Her parents raised her. She grew up in a loving home, and she sees her family at least twice a month. They celebrate her career wins. And here I am, missing a family I never see outside of work, one that doesn’t care about me or my worth. Artisant Designs could never be the same at a different location. I already know they wouldn’t come with me if I moved the shop.

“Tell me what’s going on with Aaron, then.”

“He’s known about the building sale this whole time and never said anything.”

Emi’s eyes widen. “That seems a tad passive-aggressive.”

“If anything, it proves I don’t know my husband.” Not as well as I thought.

And he wants a wife whogetshim. I almost roll my eyes, recalling our list, because that surely isn’t me.

“Have you asked why?” Emi asks. I shake my head. “Did it ever come up in conversation?”

“No. It never crossed my mind Uncle Bear would sell the property.” And that’s on me.

No wonder Uncle Bear never gave my ideas to expand Artisant’s offerings merit. I’d been oblivious to what was going on beyond my workbench. I should have insisted Mom keep me updated on the shop’s income and expenses. I should have considered the property was part of the deal, or rather,thedeal. The Savant House has been purchasing surrounding parcels for years. I, sadly, pretended it wouldn’t affect me, falsely believing Uncle Bear would never sell. So instead, I chose to live in ignorant bliss. What sort of business owner does that? Not a successful one.

I etch my initial on my paper cup with my fingernail. “I wish Aaron had mentioned it.”

“You need to ask him why he didn’t.”

“What’s the point? We don’t need to stay married.” I don’t. And after today, I’m not sure I want to see him again. He tricked me.

“Are you sure about that? I get the sense you both feel more for each other than you’re letting on. You seemed really happy with him.”

“Our marriage is fake. The idea of us? We’re a lie.” Everything about our relationship from the day we met has been pretend.

No longer in the mood for tea, I get up from the table and pour what’s left in the trash.

“Where are you going?” Emi asks in a worried tone.

“Aaron’s town house to get my cat and a divorce.” The only good decision I’ve made these past weeks was to keep my apartment lease.

Emi slides off her stool. “Promise me something. Don’t make any decisions until you talk with him first. Aaron seems like a really good guy, and I like him for you. You’re good together. I’m sure he has an explanation.”

“I don’t see how he could possibly explain this.” I hug Emi. “Thanks for talking.”

“Anytime.”

I turn to leave and stop when I remember. “I forgot to ask. How’s the new job going?”

“Really well. I’m loving it. We’ll talk more later. Go see Aaron. Text me.”

“I will.”

I’m upstairs packing when the front door slams and Aaron yells my name. I hear him calling for me from the kitchen. Then he’s running up the stairs. He stops in the doorway to his bedroom.

“You’re here.” He’s breathless and he looks relieved to find me. His hair is askew, face ruddy and sweaty, and he’s still wearing the jeans and shirt I saw him in earlier. His clothes are dusty, and he’s wearing work boots, something I didn’t notice this morning when he rushed over to Artisant after his mom’s unexpected visit.

“I’ve been looking for you. I went back to the shop, and when I found it closed, I drove to your apartment.”

“I’ve been here.”

“I know. Emi told me.”

“You called her?”

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