Page 53 of The Secrets We Keep

What is wrong with my house?

“I don’t want to burden you,” she said, looking out into the empty parking lot.

“Then, help,” I suggested. “I’ll give you simple things you can do while I’m at work, and that will become our new deal.”

“Our new deal?”

“I don’t need to go to the gala,” I said. “I don’t need to make my ex jealous.”

I don’t need the temptation, was what I really wanted to say.

I already liked the idea of her turning this car around far too much.

“Are you sure?” she asked, her swollen eyes looking up at me.

“I’m sure,” I answered. “Besides, that is not why you came here. You need to stay focused.”

“You’re right. You’re absolutely right.”

I nodded my head in agreement.

I’d never wanted to be so wrong in my entire life.

CHAPTER NINE

Ispent the rest of the day unloading the car I had meticulously packed, repacked, and then packed again.

I had no idea how Elena had gotten all the crap in there.

When Macon had left me alone in his house that morning with a list of names I should call, I’d felt utterly helpless.

The thought of selling my house made my chest hurt.

But when Macon was around, I was able to put it off. It was something I’d deal with—later.

When he left, I felt utterly alone.

So, I packed up all my shit, and I decided to run back to the safety of home.

But the second I got to the ferry terminal, I couldn’t do it.

Where was home anyway?

Going back to Richmond meant having to face my family.

And Curtis.

I couldn’t bring myself to get on that boat. So, I pulled out of line with all my shit in the back of my car, and I parked.

I had no idea what I was going to do.

That was when Macon found me, slumped against the side of my car, cruising my way into a panic attack.

Thankfully, he’d arrived before it had a chance to go nuclear.

That would have been embarrassing.

What I told him was true. I could not afford those repairs without his free handywork, but I was also not sure I could go through it all by myself.

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