When I’m outside, I look through the window and see the same family getting up to leave. The little girl hugs her dad, her arms tight around his neck. For a second, our eyes meet through the glass. She smiles at me.
I smile back.
It doesn’t hurt this time.
As I walk to the car, I pull out my phone and text Jamie.
Tiff:It’s done. I told him to never contact me again.
His response is immediate.
Jamie:How do you feel?
I smile, genuinely smile, as I type back.
Tiff:I get it now. When you said it felt like you could finally breathe.
Jamie:Good. You deserve that. I can’t wait to hear all about it when you meet me at my new
apartment.
I smile through the unshed tears, excited to see his apartment. He moved in last week, but this is the first time he’s letting Ellaand me actually see it. I don’t know what he’s been up to, but Zach and Reese have apparently been helping. Who knew they’d forge a friendship through all of this?
Tiff:Great. I’m just going to head home and drop some things off. Then I’ll meet you and Ella there.
Jamie:Just finishing up with the football. Will see you there.
Tiff:Love you.
Jamie:Love you, always.
By the time I get home, I notice Zach’s car is in the driveway. Good. I can tell him how it went, and share the feeling of freedom with someone who’s been by my side through all of this.
I unlock the door, tuck my shoes into the shoe cabinet, drop my keys into the bowl next to it, and head down the hallway into the kitchen.
“Oh my—” I gasp, taking a step back into the hallway. “I’m so sorry for interrupting.”
Honey’s eyes flutter open mid-kiss, and she sees me over Zach’s shoulder.
I cover my eyes, but nothing, and I mean nothing, will erase the image of Honey with her legs wrapped around my cousin’s waist with his hands holding her against the granite countertop. When I peek back, they're still in the same position.
“Shit!” She shoves Zach backward so hard he stumbles, and she practically launches herself off the counter. “Tiff! We thought—you said—”
She tries to comb down her hair, but her face is flushed and her shirt is unbuttoned.
Zach spins around, his own face bright red, his hair everywhere. “Shit, Tiff. I’m so sorry. Is Ella—”
I hold up both hands, fighting back a grin. “No need to explain. We’re all adults here. Ella’s with Jamie. Sorry for interrupting.”
They’re both silent. Honey can barely look up.
“Next time, though, you might want to avoid the counter…we prep food on there.” I try to joke, but neither one finds it funny.
Honey's already moving, grabbing her bag from the counter, muttering to herself. “I should go. I need to—I have to—”
“Honey, wait—” She backs away when Zach reaches out for her, already heading to the door.
“No, this was—we shouldn't have—” Her eyes are wide, and she won't look at either of us. “I'm sorry. I have to go.”