UNINVITED

Chapter 17

     I chose yoga with Dr. Steve over going for a jog in the park. The reasons were obvious. I didn’t want to get lost again, and two, the weather was unpredictable. When our session ended, I rolled up the mat, folded it, and placed it on the couch. My ponytail swinging behind my back, I went into the kitchen and brought out a gallon of milk from the fridge.

     Clara strutted around me, moving through my legs and occasionally bumping into me. I poured a glass of milk, sipped and carried it with me to the window. Opening it, I stared out into the Bergers’ porch. Bright light poured into the kitchen through the slats of the window blinds. I squinted. No sign of their Mazda. They must be on a trail in the park by now.

     Turning away, I closed the blinds and downed the milk, setting the glass on the counter. Yesterday’s moment with the Bergers rang in my mind. I was convinced Amy was being abused now, although she was trying hard to conceal it. Alec didn’t strike me as an abusive man, but I might have made a mistake with that judgment.

     Something about Amy quitting her job because it was hectic didn’t sit right with me. Every job turned out to be hectic at some point. I had had tough moments at the boutique on multiple occasions, especially during festivities, but would I quit because of that? Of course not. Amy’s reason was moot, which made me more convinced she didn’t quit because she wanted to. Maybe Alec forced her to, threatening her like how Tom had threatened to burn down my boutique.

     Was Amy helpless? Was she stuck in the marriage? The questions ricocheted in my mind, and I found myself trying to come up with answers but none popped up. In vain standing in the kitchen, I decided to leave well enough alone. If Amy was ready, she’d reach out for help. I didn’t want to meddle in their affairs when she hadn’t invited me.

     The telephone rang, jarring me out of my thoughts. My fingers trembled when the ringing continued and echoed in the house. My mind raced to Tom, but it was unlikely he’d call the farmhouse for so many reasons. Probably Grace. When she couldn’t reach my cell, she called the house. It must be urgent.

     I crossed the kitchen to the table by the rear counter, snatched the handset, and answered the call. My heartbeat slowed at the sound of Grace.

     “Hey, I’ve been trying to call your cell. What’s up?”

     “I turned it off. I didn’t want Tom tracking my location.”

     “Figured. Hope you’re having a great time.”

     “Not really, but I love the place.”

     She giggled. “I knew you would. I spoke with the lawyer handling the divorce.”

     “I didn’t think you’d get one so soon.”

     “The sooner, the better. I told her about your situation. She wants to have a word with you. I’ll send you her number. You’d have to turn on your phone.”

     I still couldn’t believe I wanted to go through with the divorce. Everything seemed to be happening in a whirlwind, but I knew this was the best decision I could’ve ever made. “Sure. Thanks, Grace.”

     “Don’t mention. See you later. Love.”

     “Love,” I murmured, then hung up.