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The thought of losing him makes me sick to my stomach. I’m not adding any stress to our lives until he shows signs of improvement. Only I feel like I’m not doing enough to help him. The contentment of him being by my side is now lost to constant nausea worrying about his well-being. His mindset has switched to survival mode. Slowly, his patience and strength are being stripped away.
It’s time to step up and take control because I’m not losing him again.
The doorbell chimes and I check the camera at the front gate. “Hi, Tiffany.” I press the button to release the gate. “Come in. I’ll meet you at the door.” Scooping Rose from the floor, I carry her on my hip down the stairs and then open our oversized, Italian wood front door. “Hey. This is Rose.”
“Hi, Rose.” She smiles at my daughter who plays coy and lays her head on my shoulder.
I stroke Rose’s back. “She just needs a minute. Come upstairs, and I’ll show you around.”
“Wow,” Tiffany exclaims as we ascend the staircase. “Your house is fabulous.”
“It is, although I can’t take any credit. We’ve only been here a few months, and I had no input on the architecture or interior design.” We enter the kitchen, where Rose’s dinner is on the stovetop. “She needs dinner, a bath, and then she might play awhile before bed. She goes down at seven. Just put her in the cot and walk out. I’m blessed she loves her sleep.”
“Do you want me to do any cleaning?”
“Gosh, no. There’s a spare bedroom for you in case we’re late, and you’re more than welcome to spend the night if you’re too tired to drive home.”
“Thanks, Eden. I’ll see how the night pans out.” She pushes long blonde strands of hair behind her ears, so many of her features and mannerisms remind me of Amy.
“I’ll give you the tour of the house, and then I’ll leave you so I can change. I expect Samuel to be home soon.”
* * *
An hour later, I walk into Dana’s party alone. A server strolls past with a tray of champagne flutes, and I take one before mingling with the crowd.
Seeing my family, I join the circle.
“Hi, everyone.” I step between Faith and Mum.
Mum places a hand on my arm. “Darling, jade green has always looked good on you.” She glances over my shoulder. “Where’s Samuel?”
Faith’s forehead wrinkles, and I know what she’s thinking.
“He’s working late,” I explain. “He wants to meet me here, but I told him to go home. Since he’s on call this weekend, he should rest.” I scan the room. “I haven’t found Dana yet.”
My phone dings with a message so I hand Faith my glass and open my clutch.
Finally a message from Samuel.
Leaving now. I’ll go home and shower and come immediately. I’m sorry xx
It’s fine. Just stay home. Tell Tiffany to stay so you can get some rest. I was hoping you weren’t on call this weekend as I wanted to take you to Berri for an overnight stay and see where Amy is living. Love you xx
…
Then the dots disappear.
…
Is he writing then deleting his comments?
I’ll see you soon x
Does it mean he’s coming, or he’ll see me at home? Ugh. I drop my phone in my clutch.
Faith nudges my shoulder. “Everything okay?”
“For now.” I force a smile then clink my glass with hers. “Bottoms up.”
