“Let go.” My voice was shaking. “You want to keep her company? Then keep her company. I’m leaving.”
His hand stayed on the door, but his eyes went past me to Diane. She was standing at the edge of the driveway. Still smiling.
I turned the key.
Jake froze. He’d probably figured I’d stand there and argue with him, like the last two days. This time I actually started the engine.
He ran around the front of the car, opened the back door, pulled my suitcase out, and set it down on the driveway.
Diane’s smile finally cracked.
“Son — what are you—”
“Mom.” His voice shook a little, but it was clear. “She’s not leaving. I’m the one who hurt her. Nobody has to go — I’m the one who needs to finish what I should’ve said.”
Diane stood on the driveway with nothing to say. She stared at that suitcase like it was a victory that had already been in her hands — and then slipped out.
