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“More like what a so fast, but at this point it’s only anger I’m unable to be still I have tohis clothes in salt water as I shove the, unable to believe he would put me in this position

I never drea at the edges of my me ago in that horrible ht I’d lost my last shred of hope

“Tellto do,” my friend repeats as we catch the boys and carry thele and co to stay

Buckling him in his car seat, I say one word “Pack”

Now, a half-day and a nightain, and I know Elaine won’t stop until I answer Forcing my arm toer across the face, I hold it to my ear

“I’m here, Lainey”

“Melissa?” Her voice is tentative and high “Are you okay?”

“I’m okay”

“Patrick talked to Derek” She pauses, and my eyes close Pain twists in ain if I have to talk about it As if knowing this, my best friend doesn’t make me “I can come over if you need me Help with Dex?”

“It’s okay We’ll be okay”

“Call me if you need me” She hesitates then continues “You don’t even have to call Just send me a text—911”

“Thanks I will”

We disconnect, and I push et hiht

Mouely recall her co to shove the heavy table I’dthe chain She’d wanted to talk, but I couldn’t do it I’d been crying off and on all evening, and I’d only justoutside the tight grip of his daddy’s eet there I had to be strong

Now I hear her talking to our little boy, and I stretch out my hand to Derek’s empty side of the bed Pain twists in ainst the pillow to raph of Derek andon the beach His arms are around me, and it’s a painful reminder of what a beautiful liar he is