Page 102 of If You Were Mine (After We Fall 3)
“Uncle Theo, Daddy says you build things. Will you build us a playscape in the backyard?” Ava asked, attempting to sit on my shoulders. “We don’t even have a swing.”
“I guess I could.” I set the book down and took her by the hands to help her balance. “But it depends on how long you guys are going to live here.” Recently Josie and Aaron had talked about moving to a bigger house as soon as they could afford it. “We don’t want to build something if you’re not staying.”
And just like that, I knew what to do.
* * *
Thankfully, the next day was Sunday and I didn’t have to work. I skipped the gym and bought the materials I’d need, then I brought them all over to Aaron and Josie’s. After I explained what I was doing, Aaron was more than happy to back his truck out of the garage to give me the work space required, and Josie said she wouldn’t mind the noise out there for a day. She even brought me a little heater so I wouldn’t be too cold, and a thermos full of hot coffee.
“You’re the best,” I told her, taking a sip and setting the thermos on the bench. “Thank you.”
“You sure you don’t want help?” my brother asked. “It would get done faster.”
“Nah.” I picked up his sander. “I want to do this myself. But is there any way you could work for me tomorrow? I know Monday is usually your day off, but I’d like to get this up while she’s at school.”
“No problem.” He clapped me on the back. “You’re doing the right thing.”
As soon as he was gone, I slipped on a dust mask and got to work.
Thirty-Nine
Claire
* * *
After work on Monday, I stopped in at one of the gift shops that had offered to sell my work and dropped off a few pieces—three altered books and two small paintings of birds. It felt a little like leaving my children unattended, but I managed to get out the door without tears, at least. On the way home, I called Jaime.
“I did it,” I said. “I now officially have art for sale.”
“Yay!” she crowed. “I’m so proud of you. Any sales on the Etsy site yet?”
“No, but it’s only been a few days. I’m going to put a few more photos up.”
“Good idea. How are you feeling?”
“Pretty good.” I turned onto my street. “At least about the art. And the sooner I—oh my God.”
“What?”
I slowed my car as I approached my house, whispering as if I might be overheard. “He’s here.”
“Who? Theo?”
“Yes. His car is parked on the street. He’s in the driver’s seat. Oh, God, he saw me. He’s getting out!” I pulled into the garage, my heart hammering. “Quick! What do I do?”
“I don’t know!”
“What if he’s sorry?” In my rearview mirror, I saw him walking up the driveway. “What if he wants another chance?”
“Fuck! I don’t know, Claire! Just—just hear him out. Be strong, but be understanding. Listen to your heart.”
“My heart is currently performing a twenty-one gun salute in my ears. It’s not helping.” Theo appeared at the driver’s side window. “Oh God. I have to go.”
Jaime let out a strangled cry. “OK, but call me as soon as you can! I’m dying!”
“I will.” I stuck my phone in my purse and took a breath. My stomach was jumping all over the place. Strong. Be strong. Put on your armor and don’t let him get past it without a good goddamn fight.
As I pulled on my gloves, he opened the door for me and offered his hand. I hesitated a moment, then I took it, letting him help me out. My legs felt like rubber.
