He lifts an eyebrow. “Are you sure?—”
I hold up a hand. “Please. You can’t have it both ways. You can’t tell me to relax and then tell me not to. The drive will be fine. I know it like the back of my hand.”
“Will you?—”
I suppress an eye roll. “Yes, God, I’ll text you when I arrive safely.”
He nods. “Okay. And Henry?”
“Hmm?”
“Love you, man.”
“Love you too.”
After the short drive back to my parents’ place, I head to my room and pack a small bag.
My laptop glows on the desk where I left it this morning. The Francine folder is still open.
There’s the number.
There’s the photo of a showgirl in feathers with a smile that looks pasted on.
Maybe I’ll call her this weekend.
Maybe I won’t.
Like she said, she owes me nothing. And I owe her the same.
I pick up my phone.
Scroll through my contacts to another number.
Tabitha. I got the number from Sage during a weak moment while I was in the hospital.
I sit on the edge of the bed and let my head fall into my hands.
She didn’t come.
How can I blame her?
I haven’t called her. I chose to give her space. To respect her decision.
The door is open a crack. Zach nudges his way into my room and jumps up beside me.
“Feel like a weekend trip, buddy?” I ask.
He pants and licks my hand.
I rise, head to the kitchen, and pack a zippered bag full of kibble. “I know I promised you only Steel beef from now on, but this travels well.”
Anya walks in. “Do you need anything, Mr. Henry?”
“No, I’m good. Where’s my mom?”
“She went into town for a hair appointment.”
“Okay.” Good. I don’t have to tell her I’m leaving for the weekend. “Would you mind telling her that I’m going to our cabin in Dillon for the weekend? I’m taking Zach, and I’ll be back Sunday or Monday.”
