I wait for Ivy to explain more, because I don’t fucking understand how this is better. Of course, she doesn’t say anything.
“Her s-stuff is in the guest r-room.”
I give way to Ivy before walking into the kitchen and grabbing two Advil from the medicine cabinet.
After gulping them down with some cold water, I go to Mystery and Tassels sleeping on their dog beds next to the cold fireplace.
“Why d-didn’t you w-wake me up?” I lower myself on the ground and run my fingers through their fur. While Mystery closes his eyes, enjoying my touch, Tassels’ ears perk up, turning left and right as I move my hand.
“It w-was nice knowing you, buddy. Mys-stery and I are going t-to miss you a lot. D-don’t give your mommy too much tr-rouble. She’s r-recovering and needs lots of r-rest. She—”
My next words stop in my mouth when I feel someone’s presence behind me.
“I packed her stuff.” Ivy waves to the red luggage, not meeting my eye. “Can you please put Tassels in his carrier? He’s not so good with me.”
The dogs start to wail as soon as Ivy and I take Vienna’s luggage outside. It’s as if they know this is the end.
The end of their friendship and our happiness.
My heart fucking breaks when Mystery tries to push his mouth through the bars of Tassels’ carrier.
“Mys-stery, boy, let him go.” His barks and groans are all too much for me. I understand his pain and his anxiety.
Ivy’s eyes water as she watches them. “I’m really sorry it didn’t work out.” She then hugs me, squeezing me tight. “I’ll really miss you, Zane. There isn’t a better guy for Vi than you.”
A few seconds later, she walks away from my home, holding the luggage in one hand and Tassels’ carrier in the other.
Leaving me alone. Once again.
35
VIENNA
Thirty minutes before
“He’s home,” I whisper as Ivy parks outside Zane’s cabin. My surprised gaze lands on his Bugatti.
Even though he’s the boss, Zane is one of those people who hate being late to work and wouldn’t mind being the first person to show up.
“What do you want to do?” Ivy turns to face me as I stare out at the house that has felt more like home than any other place ever has.
I’ve laughed, cried, dreamed, and fallen in love in this place. How many sunsets and sunrises have I watched while sitting on the porch with Zane, our kids around us?
“Vi.” Ivy lightly shakes me. “Do you want to go in and…maybe talk to him?”
I shake my head.
I don’t want to talk. I want to hear.
I don’t want to go. I want him to come.
“I can’t face him, Ivy.” It’s his turn now. “Can you please get my things and Tassels?”
Ivy nods and steps out of the car.
* * *
Now