Page 270 of The Grand Duel

I’ve had my feet on the ground this entire time. My heart ironclad. I was willing to stand by him, eyes wide open, and he’s given up.

He doesn’t think I can handle it, and that’s okay because I probably can’t, but I have more self-respect for myself than to sit here and wait for the world to be okay again before he wants me.

After I’ve fed the dogs, I sit out on the porch with them for hours as they dash around in the rain. Nina, Scarlet, and Lucy all message me throughout the course of the morning, but I don’t read any of their messages, exhaustion taking over.

When Nina starts calling me just after lunch, I know if I continue to ignore her, she’ll drive out here, and that’s the last thing I want.

I wait for the call to ring out and then pick up my phone, swiping open their texts.

Nina

Please call me if you need me. We’re here for you, Lissie.

Lucy

Can I please come and cuddle you?

Scarlet

We’ll be having roast dinner at two-ish today. Charlie can’t make it, and we don’t want you to be alone. I know you’ve got the Jag, but I can come and get you if you’d rather.

Better yet, there’s plenty of spare rooms here—the dogs are welcome too.

I wipe under my eyes, looking to the porch roof as they fill.

He left the car?

I just presumed he’d taken it.

I reply to Nina first.

Thank you. I just need some time.

I stare at Scarlet’s messages, wondering how a group of people can be so kind to me after knowing me for only a matter of months.

I can’t help thinking that Charlie has told them to reach out. That he can make dinner today but would rather see that I’m not on my own.

Where is Charlie?

I send the text and lock my phone, my toes rolling in my slippers.

I hate not knowing where he is. If he’s at a hotel. Staying with one of the guys, or at Mason’s place in the city.

Scarlet

I won’t lie to you, Lissie. He left for the airport early this morning. He never said where he was going. We weren’t sure if you’d know.

I place my hand on my chest, my heart feeling like a knife has been jabbed through the centre.

Is he visiting his parents?

Where is he going?

I close my eyes as my shoulders shake, my emotions slipping out from under me. I feel a wet muzzle nudge against my head, soft at first and then harder, until I lift my head and look down at Daisy. She turns and sits down between my legs.

After a while, I take both dogs inside and bath them, lighting the fire after so that they can dry off. With my eyes red and sore, my body drained, I lie down on the sofa with a blanket and close my eyes.

Three days later…