“What’s going on?” he asked, tilting his head.
I grabbed Jasper’s hand and found the courage I needed. “We’re leaving Vermont. We’re moving to Washington State.”
“We are?” Rory asked, still looking at all the blood.
“Not you,” I replied, maybe too harshly.
Rory was obviously blindsided. I knew the look. I’d been there before.
“I’m sorry,” I said, “but Jasper, Philippe, and I are going without you.” I approached him with my head held high. “Rory, I want a divorce.”
Wrinkles matted his forehead. “But…what about last night? About what you said?”
“I was wrong. I was trying. I don’t want to continue ‘trying.’ I wish nothing but the best for you. I know Jasper does too. But you and I can’t be together anymore. It was over long before this week. I’ve just been holding on for dear life. It’s time to move on. Jasper and I need to get out of here.”
Rory dropped his head. “Please, Margot. Let’s work this out.”
“This is not a topic up for debate.”
He stood in silence for what seemed like forever. He finally said, “Let’s talk again in a few days. We can’t rush to conclusions.” He scratched his head and left the kitchen. I could hear him break into a sob as he crossed into the living room.
I squeezed my son with everything I had, knowing that I was taking with me what mattered most. Our bond strengthened as I cried into his shoulder.
“We’ll be all right,” he whispered.
“Yes, we will, my dear. We have a long road ahead, but it will definitely be all right. We’re moving to Washington State.”
“Shouldn’t we visit first? What if it sucks?”
I locked eyes with him, ready to finally connect to that younger me who used to believe in the magic of the universe. “Do you trust me, honey?”
“Of course.”
“We don’t need to visit. I’m putting an offer on a house today. As soon as the deal’s made, I’ll hire movers to transport everything, and we’ll drive out there with Philippe and a couple of bags.”
He couldn’t believe my words. “Right on, Mom. Right on.”
Erica phoned as I mopped away my tears. I told Jasper we’d talk more in a little while and then took the call upstairs. Rory was hiding in his office with the door closed.
“I see your husband just quit,” Erica said, clearly waiting for an explanation.
“Word travels fast,” I replied, sitting back on my bed. Philippe jumped up to join me. “In other news, I just told Rory I’m getting a divorce.”
Silence.
“Did you hear me?”
Silence.
Louder, I said, “I told Rory I want a divorce. Do you hear me?”
“I hear you,” she said. “I’m just…I’m crying.”
I smiled. How nice to have a friend who cares so much for you. “You were right all along.”
“Uh, yes, of course I was! You finally see the light. Does this mean my Margot is back?”
“Iamthe light,” I said. “And you’re damn right I’m back.”
