A Cruel Summer

Chapter 13

Karlie: I'm looking forward to Friday :)

Taylor: Me too! But I still don't know what we're doing. Any hints?

Karlie: No way T, it's a surprise! I think you'll love it though

Taylor: You're so annoying :( at least tell me what kind of attire I should be planning for

Karlie: Just wear something comfortable. You look great in everything ;)

Karlie: And bring a jacket!

Taylor: Hmmm, a jacket? So we're going to be outside?

Karlie: Maybe... or maybe not

Taylor: I can't stand you Karlie Kloss

Karlie chuckles at Taylor's text before turning her attention back to Eli. With Levi already in bed, and Eli currently on his last feeding before she takes him to the nursery for the night, Karlie takes the time to prepare herself for what is sure to be an emotionally draining evening.

Josh had returned from Toronto that morning, coming home to simply drop off his suitcases before leaving, once more, to head into the office. Karlie had sent him a text in the afternoon, requesting that they have a conversation that evening after the boys are tucked away for bed. To her surprise, he agreed, stating he would be home by 6:00 pm. He didn't actually arrive home until 7, but she is happy that he at least kept his promise to speak. She doesn't want to put off this conversation any longer, wanting all of the steps to be in motion before she meets Taylor later in the week.

Placing a full and sleepy Eli in his crib, Karlie slowly makes her way downstairs, making a pitstop in the kitchen to pour herself a tall glass of wine. She's going to need it for this. She reaches to the top of the fridge, pulling down a large orange envelope she had hidden there earlier in the day. The day prior, Karlie met with her lawyers, divorce papers prepared and ready to be filed.

She finds Josh in the living room, sitting on the couch, reading The New York Times. She takes a seat in the armchair across from the couch. When Josh does not look up from the newspaper at her entrance, she clears her throat, finally capturing his attention. His expression is a mixture of curiosity and slight apprehension as he notices the envelope in Karlie's hand.

"Hey," he says, placing the newspaper down on the coffee table, "what's that you've got there?"

Karlie takes a deep breath, her fingers tightening around the envelope. "They're divorce papers," she says, her voice steady though undeniably tingling with sadness, "they're all set and ready to go."

Josh's features tighten, his eyes flitting between Karlie and the envelope. His mind is clouded with confusion as he struggles to process her words. "Divorce papers?" he repeats, the words sounding foreign on her tongue.

Karlie nods, her gaze unwavering, and she can see the realization dawn on his face. "I've been thinking a lot, Josh. And I just don't think we're right for each other anymore. I mean, I was 19 when I met you. A lot has changed since then, I've changed. And this," she says motioning between them, "isn't what I want anymore."

"I, uh, I don't understand, Karlie. I know we've had a couple of rough patches lately. But divorce? Doesn't that seem a little extreme?"

"It's not just about the rough patches, Josh," her voice gentle but resolute, "it's a part of it, yeah. But there's other things, too."

"Oh," Josh says quietly, running his hands through his messy hair, "What other things?"

Karlie sighs, "I never see you, Josh. You're always working, always leaving for days at a time. We barely spend any time together, and when we do it's like we're two strangers, trying to make small talk."