Like some kind of masochist, she took one more peek and pulled back instantly.
Max was hugging her.
Where was Caleb? Already at day care?
Why wasn’t Max at work?
And how was she going to gather the strength to get herself out of there?
She didn’t blame Max. She’d left him.
But maybe she hadn’t known him as well as she’d thought she did. Maybe he hadn’t loved her as much as she thought.
Yes, he’d known Chantel a long time, before Meri even, so something could form between them quickly.
But this quickly?
And what about Caleb? Was Chantel even interested in a package deal?
Jenna slid down to the floor of the shed, falling apart in the most inappropriate space. She couldn’t afford to do this. Had to get out of there and back to the safety and privacy of her room at the Stand.
She couldn’t let Max see her. One look at him, one touch, and she’d be done. She needed him more than she needed air.
She needed to rest her head against his chest, feel his comforting heartbeat and believe, once more, that life really could be good. But this wasn’t about what she wanted or needed. Not anymore. It was about the love she felt for Max and Caleb.
She’d thought that if she took the cash they’d put away for their thirtieth wedding anniversary, he would finally get the message that he had to move on with his life. Turned out he already had.
She should be happy. She was doing this for him. Honestly and truly wanted him happy.
But her heart was going to need a few minutes to catch up with the plan.
She heard the slam of a car door. The car started, and pulled down the drive.
She held her breath. Would Max come out to the shed? She’d closed the door behind her. There’d be no way for him to know that it was unlocked.
But maybe he’d need something. Ant killer. Or...
The French doors off the kitchen opened. She heard the squeak as the latch stuck, just as it did every time the door was opened or closed. Max had offered to fix it more than once.
She’d asked him not to. She liked knowing any time a door opened or shut. The alarm in the house told her when a door opened to the outside, but it didn’t distinguish between doors.
The garage door had its own slightly echoing sound. The front door was solid. And the French door to the backyard squeaked.
It squeaked a second time as Max shut it. And she knew it was time for her to go.
No need to leave the tin for him to see. He no longer needed her message.
Sliding it into the front pocket of her pants, she took one more glance outside, and as stealthily as she’d arrived, she slipped out of the shed. Out of Max’s life, taking a small piece of him, of their dream.
She’d cherish that five hundred dollars. It had his kiss on it, and hers. A promise to each other to stay together, no matter what.
She’d made the promise even knowing, deep inside, that Steve was out there, able to prevent her from keeping any promise she made.
And now she had to pay the price.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
AS SOON AS Chantel left on Thursday, Max turned off the TV, packed his son into the van, and drove.