He reached for a sandwich sitting on the counter that I hadn’t noticed before. I watched as he moved it toward his mouth and took a bite, as if he didn’t have a care in the world. He chewed the bread and meat like he hadn’t just kicked his sole daughter out of the only house she’d ever known. He sat there, chewing and swallowing his food, and I couldn’t imagine ever eating again. My stomach rolled with the thought.

“Not sure what you’re still standing here for.”

I stumbled out of the back door and toward the guesthouse. Once inside, I grabbed a large duffel bag from the same closet James had hidden in this morning. God, had it really only been a handful of hours ago? It seemed like days. All the feelings and emotions James had incited within me felt so far removed now.

Glancing around, I wasn’t sure where to start. How many clothes would I need? How long was I going to be gone, and was I ever going to be allowed to come back here? I had no idea, and I should have reached for a suitcase instead, but I was too overwhelmed and shocked to think clearly.

Throwing random clothes and toiletries into the bag as fast as I could, I dialed Jeanine’s number and pressed the phone against my shoulder with my head.

“What’s up, hot stuff?” she answered, her voice cheery.

The tears continued to spill as I struggled to find my voice. “Hey. Can I stay with you for a bit?” My breathing was erratic.

“Are you crying? Julia? What happened?” Her questions were frantic, but before I could respond, she continued, “But, of course, you can stay here. Do you need me to come get you?”

“No. I’ll be there soon.” My breath hitched and skipped audibly as I tried to sound as though my chest wasn’t shaking.

“Did James do something to you? I’ll hurt him. String him up by his balls in front of town hall.”

I wanted to laugh, but it died somewhere deep inside me. “I’ll tell you everything when I”—I paused to hiccup—“get there, okay?”

“Okay.” Her voice sounded so worried. “Drive safe. Park in my guest spot. Stay as long as you need.”

“Thank you,” I managed to get out before ending the call. I knew she’d forgive me for the abruptness of it all.