Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 68524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 343(@200wpm)___ 274(@250wpm)___ 228(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 343(@200wpm)___ 274(@250wpm)___ 228(@300wpm)
I pulled the car into the empty garage and climbed the stairs. He was waiting for me in the kitchen, and his expression was so serious that I blurted, “What’s wrong? Are Jeannie and the baby okay?”
“They’re fine. She’s still in labor. She asked Dwight to text me a few minutes ago with an update.”
“Okay, good. I was worried.”
His expression was still grave. “I confirmed that her husband is having an affair.”
“How did you do that?”
“I called Brad’s boss and tricked him into telling me the truth. Jeannie doesn’t know yet. I have no idea if Brad is going to come clean or try to deny it when he gets home, but I’m obviously going to tell her what I found out.”
“Do you think she’ll leave him?”
“I know she will. That’s why I have to go help her.”
“Today?” He nodded, and I said, “Okay. Give me a few minutes to pack a bag and make arrangements for the cat.”
Collie looked startled. “Are you saying you’re coming with me?”
“Of course. Jeannie’s your family, so I know you need to be there for her at a time like this. But you haven’t been cleared to drive yet, Collie.”
“Technically, no. But I was supposed to see my doctor next week, and I’m sure she would have signed off on it. It’s been four weeks since my surgery, and that’s how long you’re supposed to wait before driving.”
“It’s generally four to six weeks on average, and I doubt she’d clear you yet, especially for an eleven-hour road trip. You’re not fully healed, and you know how easily you get tired.”
“I guess you’re right, and it’s really sweet that you’re willing to drive me. But how are you going to get back?”
“We’ll drive back together. I know you’ll want to stay longer than just the weekend, and that’s fine. I’ll pack my drawing tablet and laptop and work from there next week. Then we can come back next weekend.”
“Miller… I’m not coming back.”
“What?” I’d heard what he said. I just couldn’t quite process it.
“I’m moving back to Idaho, so I can help Jeannie.”
“She literally just told you not to keep putting your life on hold for other people.”
“Of course she’s going to say that, and she’d never admit she needs help. But she has four kids under eight to take care of, including a newborn! It’s too much for one person. And right now, her main support system is Brad’s family. What if they side with him in the divorce? If that happens, she’ll be totally on her own.”
“I get it, but she doesn’t want you to give up on your dream of living in San Francisco. Neither do I. You just got here, Collie.”
“I know,” he said softly, “but this isn’t about me. It’s about Jeannie, and like you said, she’s my family.” He looked up at me and tried to smile, but there was heartbreak in his eyes. “Besides, I got to have my adventure. I made it to San Francisco, and I met you. And just so you know, this definitely isn’t goodbye. You’re going to be a part of my life forever, Miller.”
My mind was reeling. I wanted to beg him to stay. I wanted to tell him I needed him, but that was selfish, given what Jeannie was going through.
Instead, I said, “I can probably stay in Idaho for two weeks, before my boss tells me I have to come into the studio. At that point I’ll figure out how to get myself to Boise, and I’ll fly home from there.”
Even though I said that, I held on to the hope that something would happen—that things would work out in a way we hadn’t expected, and we’d get to come back to San Francisco together. I couldn’t stand the idea of Collie walking away from his dream of living here, from the life he wanted for himself… from me.
But right now, he needed to be by his best friend’s side, and I was going to make sure he got there safely.
It turned out that none of my friends were available to watch the cat on short notice, so we wrestled her into a carrier and brought her with us. She had much more stuff than I did, since I’d packed her food, treats, bowls, toys, litter box, and three pet beds, all of which she’d probably shun.
The van was stuffed full, between all of Collie’s things, and the cat’s, and my two relatively small bags. I asked him, “How did you get everything into the van, when you’re not supposed to lift anything over ten pounds?” He’d been totally ready to go by the time I got home.
“I called JoJo to say goodbye, and she came over with Vee and Ro and helped me pack. I’m really going to miss them.” His voice broke as he whispered, “I’m going to miss everything.”