Page 24 of Embers in Our Souls
“You will?” Noah asks.
“Of course. It’s the first one someone has ever made me,” he tells my son.
“Really?”
“Yep. Thank you,” Tyler says, extending his hand out for a fist bump that Noah returns.
Kalli and Noah begin the walk to the car and I fall in step behind them. I nod and wave goodbye to the crew, thanking them for showing Noah around.
I think Tyler is going to stay back, but I realize he’s walking out with us. He’s walking at my pace, however, I don’t initiate conversation.
“Indy, honestly, I’d really like to grab a coffee with you. Please.”
“Why?” I finally ask.
“I think we have a lot to discuss,” he answers.
“Really?” I abruptly stop walking and look at him.
“Well, yes,” he says.
“Okay, fine. We can meet up.” I pull out my phone and hand it over for him to input his number. Once he’s done so, I pocket it and look up at him. “But I only have one thing I want to discuss.” I tell him, arms crossed.
“Okay, great. What doyouwant to discuss?” he asks.
“Our divorce.”
CHAPTER 11
Hunt’s Prowlers
CHAPTER 12
Indiana
10 YEARS AGO
July 12, 2015
Dearest Secret Softie,
You’re receiving this from an official Chicagoan. I just moved from California a few days ago and I’m living in a tiny apartment on my own. I won’t pretend it’s fun just yet because it’s pretty lonely. I’ve never had a place all to myself.
Maybe I need a pet or something. Too bad the rental agreement said no animals allowed or I’d get a cat. I hear they’re easy to have around, especially if I’m gone all day. Although, that seems unfair.
I saw the cutest one the other day. It was white and had the prettiest green and yellow eyes. I imagined her name was Snowflake. Maybe one day. Manifesting it into existence.
How about you? Do you want a pet one day? My parents never let us have an animal. Bryce is allergic to a lot of things, dogs and cats being in the mix of those. Add to the fact my mom isn’t really an animal lover.
Other than that, my first year in California was stressful, but definitely eye-opening. My brother is a messy roommate and I learned a lot about having him living with me. He’s moving to Oregon in the next three weeks. I moved to Chicago sooner than I planned because my internship started a few days ago and I needed to get settled.
So far, Chicago suits me. The weather is more humid than the west coast, that’s for sure. It’s going to take some time to get used to. My co-workers have been nice so far. The publishing world is different from what I imagined. As soon as I started work this morning, I hit the ground running. I thought being in an office setting would feel stuffy, but it’s been welcoming and fun so far.
Where are you now? Can you tell me? Is it top secret? Can you divulge such information to your wife?
The care package this time around includes some Sour Patch Kids, which I know you love, along with Laffy Taffies. I removed the banana ones because you always said those tasted artificial to you.
I know I usually include a thriller as a book, but I’ve decided to spice things up this month. You’re getting a dirty book too. I’ve highlighted some of the spots I think are extra juicy for you—wink wink. Enjoy!
