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My reply is quick and clear. “No.”
The only reaction from her is a blink of her eyes.
“I went to Nashville to meet my daughter,” I go on, “I stayed because I had to.”
I pat the middle of my chest so she understands that love kept me in Nashville. The love I felt for my daughter the moment I met her only grew as time passed.
“So, Madison, Kristin, and you all live here now?” She gazes down the hallway. “Will they be back soon? I don’t want to be here when they come back.”
“I’ve never lived with Madison,” I stress each word. “I lived in the same apartment building as her and Kristin in Nashville, but we were never together, Katie.”
“Oh.” Her eyes widen. “I just assumed that you moved in with them.”
“No,” I shake my head. “We co-parented until…”
“Until what?” She takes a step closer, the blanket around her shoulders sliding down.
“Madison got married a year-and-a-half ago.” My hands fist at my sides. “Her husband landed a job in London. They made the move eight months ago.”
“London as in across the ocean?” She questions with narrowed eyes. “How does that work? Does Kristin come here for vacations or something?”
“Something,” I mutter.
It’s too fucked up to get into right now. The entire situation is a goddamn nightmare that I don’t think I’ll ever wake up from.
Her gaze drops to the floor. “This is a lot to take in.”
She doesn’t even know the half of it yet. My life since I left her has been out of control. I haven’t felt centered until this minute.
Katie always made me feel that everything would be all right.
“I’m going to go now.” She tugs her phone out of the pocket of her skirt.
Her fingers fly over the screen. She hesitates before she types again. It’s obvious that she’s exchanging messages with someone. I hope to hell it’s not Preston.
“Can we talk again soon?” I ask because I need to tell her more. I want to explain everything to her.
“Maybe.” She sighs. “My friend is sending a car for me so I should get downstairs.”
“Your friend?”
She nods but doesn’t offer anything else.
A mental image of her finding comfort in Preston’s arms and his bed flashes before me. I push it aside because my petty jealousy doesn’t compare to what she’s feeling.
“I’ll walk you down,” I offer.
“No.” Her hand darts in the air to stop me. “I can find my own way out.”
I take a step toward her, but it only results in a step backward for her.
“Thank you, Katie,” I say hoarsely. “Thank you for coming and for listening.”
The only response from her is a brisk nod before she’s out my apartment door.
Chapter 19
Kate
