Page 16 of In Every Lifetime
“But,” I challenged, pressing him.
“But… I watched you wilt at the end of your marriage. You gave him everything, leaving yourself with nothing. He took it for granted, and I don’t mean that cruelly—I think he would agree. He took and took and took from you, Sarah.” Will sighed and stood, standing in front of me, taking my face in both hands.“Promise me you won’t lose yourself in him again. Be his friend. Fuck it, be whatever you want to him, but put yourself first this time, especially if he can’t.”
Tears pricked at my eyes. Dropping my bags, I launched myself into his chest, arms wrapped tight around him, face buried in his shirt. "You're a really good friend. I know you don't want to ruin your whole grumpy persona, but you're so nice to me."
Will laughed and draped his arms around me. “I’m not grumpy. I just like a select few people. Wanna know a secret?”
I nodded and pulled away, using the sleeve of my sweatshirt to wipe at my eyes. “Always.”
“You were one of the first.”
I let out a watery laugh just as a honk sounded from my driveway. I had told Fai to wait by the truck, knowing Jackie and Will would be here. I figured it would be best to keep everyone separate for now.
“Ride’s here,” I mumbled.
Will picked up my suitcase and duffle bag without being asked and followed me out the front door.
“You have the keys, right? And the alarm code?” I asked.
"Yes, and we'll lock up when we leave." He managed the steps with his hands full and nodded toward the street. "I promise not to cause too much chaos."
I looked across to see Fai leaning against the side of his truck, one leg kicked up behind him. He was out of his comfort zone, wearing a t-shirt and thick canvas jacket instead of his usual hoodie. He nodded back to Will and kicked off the truck, closing the distance between us.
“Thank you for helping her,” Fai said to Will, taking the bags and throwing them in the truck bed and pulling the cover back in place. He turned to me. “You ready?”
I took a breath and looked back at the house, then at Fai. Something in me already knew this trip would change things, even if I couldn't yet see how. I met his steady gaze. "I think so."
