what she felt for Claire was real or understand that what Claire
could feel was anything real either. Claire knew this. It was
why she’d been practical enough to send Haley back here.
Back before too much damage was done. Before their hearts
were irrevocably tied up with each other.
Haley’s was almost too far gone anyway. Almost, because it
felt like she was dying, but maybe she could still go on with
her life as more than a walking zombie. Claire would never
admit it to anyone, but Haley was sure she felt the same way
too. Were they supposed to be zombies forever? Could Claire
tuck the hurt away, parcel it into a neat box and get on with her
life? Could Haley? She’d never been heartbroken or heartsick
before, so she honestly didn’t know.
She needed to talk to the woman who had raised her. Her
grandma. Would she know? She’d only ever loved one man
her whole life and that was Haley’s grandpa. They were still
together. Still very much in love. They hadn’t experienced loss
yet. Her grandma was the wisest person Haley knew. She
needed her. She needed her so badly.
Things were the worst in silence. At least when there was
noise or shouting or even harsh words, she knew where
someone stood. She didn’t like her silently fuming dad. She
didn’t like that she didn’t know what he was thinking. She
didn’t like the way he was looking at her, like she was a
stranger.
“I think we both need some time to think things through.”
She took a deep breath. “I know what happened and where I’m
at and none of it is Claire’s fault. I pursued her. She didn’t
seduce me. You will not go after her for anything, and you will
not treat her badly on my account because there is no ‘on my