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I nodded."But it had to happen.And in a way, Uncle Ray gave me the courage to confront Andrew.He basically told me to make it right and that life's too short."
"He was right."
I looked away so I wouldn't start crying again.
"So, what now?"Nicole asked."I'm assuming you've talked about divorce."
I nodded.
"What did Leo say?"
"Not much," I said and it was true.When I'd called him the morning after Uncle Ray died, I started the conversation by asking him to please not ask about us, and he'd respected that.Just hearing his voice made me feel better—it soothed me—but I couldn't make any decisions about the future.Not yet.
"But you told him about Andrew, right?"
I nodded."I told him everything."
"So when is he going to be here?"
"It's not that easy, Nic," I said and grabbed another bag from the pile."Leo has a life there.A successful career.He can't just pick up and leave."
"Are you seriously telling me that he's not coming?"
I didn't answer her because I didn't know.Leo told me he'd be on the next plane to be here for me.He wanted to come, and I knew he would.But I wouldn't ask that of him.I knew how important his career was to him.After all, hadn't he chosen it over me once before?I wouldn't ask him to make that choice again.
"It doesn't matter," I said and busied myself putting socks in a bag.
"It absolutely does matter, Lexi," Nicole said."You know it does."
I didn't look up.
"Lex?"
I put more socks in the bag.
"Lexi, why isn't he coming?"
When the socks were gone, I tied up the bag and moved to the closet.
"Lexi."Nicole's voice rose an octave."Cut it out, right now."
"What do you want me to say?"I slammed the closet door and turned to face her."Are you waiting for me to say that I called Leo and he can't wait to drop everything and be with me?That we're going to live happily ever after and everything will be okay?"I looked at her hurt expression and felt a stab of remorse but I couldn't stop."Because if that's what you're waiting for, don't hold your breath.It's not going to happen.This isn't a fairy tale where everything turns out the way you want it."
"Lexi..."
"Nicole, don't."I held up my hand.
"Have you even discussed it?"
I whirled around."No," I said."We haven't discussed it.I can't ask him to give up everything for me.He's worked so hard for what he has there.Besides, what would I say, Nic?I mean, come on.It's not like this is your regular everyday relationship."
"It doesn't have to be hard."
"Pardon me if I don't share your optimism.Not everyone's life is so easy."
Nicole reeled as if I'd slapped her."I didn't deserve that."
"No."I softened."You didn't.I'm sorry."
