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“Okay, give me the phone,” I said, nervous the next words out of Hallie’s mouth would beher bum “You can tell her about all this another time”

Putting the phone to my ear, I walked back to my room “Satisfied?”

“I guess But please call me next time, okay?” Her voice had softened “That’s all I ask It’s hard enough to be away from them for days at a time, and II just need to know they’re okay And it’s so hard when you won’t talk to me”

Great Now she was crying I didn’t want the sound of her sobs to affect e off ic reaction, I’ll call you”

“Or any ”

My jaw clenched “Or any ”

“Thank you, Dex I appreciate it I don’t mean to intrude on your time with them”

“I have to go,” I said “They’re waiting for me”

“Okay I’ll see you at church”

“Fine” Ending the call, I tossed my phone onto the bed and rubbed my face with both hands

Marriage was a fuck ton of work, and I hadn’t been good at it, but damn—divorce was a bitch too

I didn’t plan on doing either of theain

Fifteen arage, I didn’t even glance in the direction of Winnie’s house

But Hallie spoke up “Hey, o to church with us”

“We’re not doing that,” I said

“Do you think she’s awake?” Luna asked

“No idea”

“I wonder if her car is in the garage,” Hallie said “She’s old enough to drive, right Daddy?”

“She’s twenty-two,” I told theh to drive” And vote and drink, I thought—but barely

Shoving the thought of that kiss from my head, I concentrated on the road

“I wonder what she does for a job,” Luna said