Torn [SHAWN MENDES]

~20~

Jules rinsed his coffee mug in the sink and put it in the dishwasher. "You're sure you don't want me to try to change my shift? A couple people owe me favors and could trade."

"You think you'll find someone willing to do that half an hour before your shift starts?" Taryn asked.

"I could go in and find someone to come in later. What time is he coming over? Nine? I could definitely swap with someone by then."

She took a few steps towards him and wrapped her arms around his waist. "Do you want me to text him and cancel? You seem rather out of sorts."

Julian let out a sigh. "No. That's not necessary. I'm only trying to look out for you, mon amour. After losing Earl, the last thing you need is your ex-husband causing you stress."

Taryn knew that having Jules there would only increase the tension, but it would upset him if she said that. "He's going to pop in, play with Hendrix for a bit, and then he'll leave. After he's gone, I'm going to go check in on my mom, and then I'll back to bed and sleep the day away. You might have to wake me when you get home tonight."

"I'll pick up dinner so that we don't have to worry about cooking. Text me later so that I know what you'd like."

After Jules left, Taryn started the dishwasher and ran the vacuum since there were always tufts of dog hair on the floor. Then she went upstairs and took a long hot shower. As she stood in front of her side of the closet, she couldn't decide what to wear. A tiny voice in her head said that she should look good, but what if he could tell she made an effort? That would come across as pathetic considering he was married to a very young, very gorgeous model. She grabbed a pair of faded jeans and a light blue cashmere wrap sweater Julian gave her on their six month meetaversary.

Next, she blew her hair dry and then put it up in a messy bun. A little mascara was all the make-up she wore these days, so she applied some and then appraised her reflection in the mirror. Yesterday she'd worn a simple black dress and her hair had been pulled back in a tight bun. Today's look was a vast improvement, though she scowled at the wrinkles on her forehead and around her eyes. Aging sucked.

Hendrix was sleeping on his bed in the living room, but he lifted his head when she came into the room.

"Okay, big guy, let's go for a walk so that you're not too full of energy when your surprise visitor arrives."

Hen stood up and stretched while she got his leash. It was such a beautiful fall day that they ended up going further than she'd intended. When she checked her phone, she saw that she only had ten minutes to get home, and even if she jogged the whole way, it would take fifteen. They walked quickly down the street and when they were within sight of the house, she saw an SUV parked in the driveway. Shawn must have seen them, because he opened the vehicle's door, stepped out, and waved.

Apparently Hendrix remembered his first dad after all, because he took off towards him with such force that he pulled Taryn onto the sidewalk before she let go of the leash.

"Fuck! Are you okay?" Shawn asked as he helped her get up.

She looked down at her knee. Her jeans were ripped and there was a little blood seeping through. "Just a scrape. I'll clean it up inside. I really wasn't expecting him to go nuts like that."

Hendrix was still excited, but Shawn had used the commands they'd learned in obedience class and had him in a "stay down" position by the car.

"He remembered you," she said wryly.

"I hate that you fell, but it was kinda nice to be greeted like that after several years."

"Let's go inside so I can change my jeans and put a band-aid on. Where's Piper?" she asked as they started walking.