He scoffs, moving away, rubbing at his head that is no doubt still pounding after a weekend of boozing with his mates.

‘So, you’re just going to move out?’ He eyes her bags by the door.

Penelope nods, not trusting herself to speak, remembering how excited they’d been when they first got this place together. They’d only known each other for ten weeks when they signed the lease.

‘I won’t be able to afford it without you.’

She knows that, but she didn’t think she could very well pack up his things and kick him out. ‘I’ll help with the rent until you find someone to move into the spare room.’

‘Your office?’

She tries to ignore his dig, but it had been at her insistence that they got a two-bedroom place. She had wanted a workspace that wasn’t going to take over their kitchen table as it had in every other place she’d ever lived.

‘Where will you go?’ He turns around abruptly, knowing she doesn’t have close friends or family to run to.

‘I’ve booked a room for a couple of nights.’

‘You’re going to stay in a hotel?’ Ty’s exasperated. He turns away, running his hands through his hair.

She longs to go to him and wrap her arms around him. She longs to ease his pain, but knows she’ll only make it worse.

He turns back to her. ‘This is crazy. I don’t understand why you’re doing this. Please, don’t leave.’

She swallows a lump that continues to grow in her throat. ‘I’m moving. I head off in a few days.’

‘Where are you going?’ he’s quick to ask.

She looks down, realising she shouldn’t have offered that information.

He studies her. ‘You’re not going to tell me?’

‘I’m not exactly sure yet.’

‘Is that what this is all about? You want to travel? We can do that! Let’s just take off.’ His eyes are bright again and suddenly dancing, as though he’s just figured it all out.

She’s crying now, tears making their way down her cheeks. ‘I’m so sorry, Ty.’ And without another word, she picks up her bags. She looks back to see his whole face shattered with grief. ‘I’m sorry,’ she whispers and slips out the door.

Chapter 37

37

Bonnie’s feet are cemented to the spot, her eyes locked on Ty. Her heart is beating so hard that she can feel the vibrations in her head.

‘Okay, guys, we might move you over to the lounge,’ Darcy suggests to them a little breathlessly. ‘Bonnie, if you could tell Ty a bit about your sister and who else he’s going to meet tonight.’