He Thought I’d Never Leave Chapter 08
Ethan reached Carmel-by-the-Sea at dusk the next day.
He walked down the street from the photo. He got to the small gallery, stopped at the door, and looked in, breath still coming fast.
There were no customers inside.
Just a figure behind the counter.
I was flipping through an art book, head bowed.
The setting sun poured through the glass and landed against the side of my face. A few strands of hair, tossed by the wind, clung to my cheek.
He stood there as though nailed to the spot.
Something made me look up.
The moment I saw him, I froze.
Then I lowered my head and went on flipping the book, as if I’d seen nothing.
Ethan walked over, his voice dry.
“Emily.”
I didn’t look up. “How did you find this place?”
“A photo from your former colleague. I saw you in it.”
I closed the book and finally looked at him.
“What do you want?”
“Come back with me.”
He rushed toward the counter.
“I’ve told Claire it’s over. I’ll never see her again.”
“Come home with me, please?”
“I’ll throw you another wedding. Better than the first—”
I looked at him.
He’d lost weight. Dark hollows under his eyes.
I felt nothing.
“Ethan. You say you’ve ended things with her. Then tell me—what about your son?”
He stopped.
“You can’t just walk away from him, can you?”
I said.
“He’s your blood. You’ll never really be free of him.”
“As long as that child exists, you and Claire will never be done.”
“So what do you think you’re starting over with?”
“Eight years, Ethan. I waited for you. I forgave you again and again. But there are things that don’t disappear just because you say you’re sorry.”
I stood up and pulled the gallery door open. Cold air rushed in.
“Go. Don’t come find me again.”