“There’s nothing you can do. You can’t save me this time, Holden.” I firmed up my voice. “Please…” I went to the door and opened it, feeling like I could collapse at any second.

He strode over to the door and faced me. Studied me intently. I wanted to squirm, but I lifted my chin.

Holden grabbed the edge of the door and I stepped back a bit so he could leave.

“This isn’t over, Chloe. We aren’t over. But I can only do so much. If you figure out you’re not that little girl anymore and want to move forward with me, I’ll be waiting.”

He walked out, and the door slammed shut behind him.

I leaned my back against it and withered to the floor, and though I’d thought I was all cried out, the tears ran down my face unchecked.

Chapter 24

Holden

By Saturday night, I was going out of my mind. I’d barely slept last night, worrying about Chloe. Missing Chloe.

I’d broken down and texted her a handful of times, asking her to please let me know she was okay. She hadn’t replied, so I’d been in contact with Presley, who lived upstairs from her. She assured me that she was keeping a close eye on Chloe, making sure she ate, letting her know she was there to listen when Chloe wanted to talk. She hadn’t so far, apparently, and that just made me hurt more for her.

I’d thought for sure I’d hear from my wife on Saturday. I understood she was in an ugly, dark place. Anyone would be after getting fired, but with Chloe it went so much deeper. There were layers and years of insecurity there, a semi-healed wound that that bitch-ass boss of hers had reopened and then poured acid on. If that woman wasn’t dying already, I’d gladly help her along.

Though we’d only been married a few weeks, her absence in the bed affected me like I’d never known was possible. What sleep I’d gotten was fitful, and every time I rolled toward her side, the emptiness kicked me in the gut. It made me wonder how I’d gone for so many years without seeing what she meant to me. I wanted to punch myself for all the time we’d missed out on.

By dawn on Sunday, I awoke from an hour or two of fitful sleep with the sudden fear that maybe Chloe wasn’t coming back. Call me dense as a rainforest, but until now, I’d assumed Chloe would take some time to wrestle with losing her job, time to grieve, and then she’d be ready to let me in. Not healed by any means but wanting me by her side.