“Giving you some time to get it together.”
“We got a year?” he huffs.
I smile over at him. “Shit’s like poison, Logan.”
“Mom?”
“No, anger.”
“How’s that?”
“Who’s it hurting right now?”
“Yeah, I know.”
“If something happened to her tomorrow, Logan, you don’t want this weighing heavy on your heart.”
“She left, Dad. Not just the house, the fucking state.”
Okay, I was going to let that one fly.
“In her defense—”
“Really? You’re going to defend her after seeing that guy pull out of our driveway?”
“I guess I am, Logan. She didn’t grow up where I did, or where you two did. It was probably hard as hell for her being there. All the people around there were my friends from high school.”
“I can’t believe you are sticking up for her.”
I pull down his visor and flip open the mirror. “Look in that mirror, Logan. She gave me that. She gave you, life. She’s human. Forgiveness, bud, is the best gift you can give. Not just for her, but for you.”
He doesn’t respond. He sits and looks out the window, nervously chewing on his nails. “I’m just so angry at what she did to you. And I’m angry that you’re not.”
“Life is short and precious. I wasted half my life being pissed and placing blame. Not anymore.”
Ten minutes later, when I walk up to the house, Ashley opens the door and looks just as nervous as Logan. She has lost weight and looks like hell.
“Mind if I come in and grab a few things?”
She steps back and opens the door.
She has painted and hung new curtains.
“Looks good, Ashley.”
“Thanks.”
“I’m tired.” Logan gives Ash a quick hug then heads up the stairs to his room.
She hugs herself. “He hates me.”
“He misses you. He’s angry. He doesn’t hate you.”
“You hate me.”
“No.” I walk past her and toward the den. “Anything of mine packed up?”
“Yes. Everything’s in the garage.”