Alex took the book and began reading to Colt. I loved seeing the two of them snuggled together on the sofa. They were not fighting for once.
Grace took my arm and led me into the kitchen. “What’s wrong?”
I smiled. “Nothing. Colt just caught me off guard, that’s all.”
My cell phone went off, and I grabbed it from my purse.
Gunner: Baby, I’m so very sorry. I’m trying to get out of here. It’s probably gonna be another hour at least.
I felt my heart drop, and my hands started shaking.
Me: Forget about going out. It will be too late.
Gunner: We can still go out to eat in town.
Me: Where, Gunner? The local diner? No, thanks. Don’t worry about it. Take care of Karen and her needs. Clearly, she is more important.
Gunner: Ellie, don’t do this. Please. I’m really sorry.
Me: So am I, Gunner. More than you know.
Gunner: What does that mean?
Me: Go to dinner with Karen because I’m done.
I turned off my phone and looked at Grace. I didn’t even care that tears were now spilling from my eyes. “He’s not going to be home for at least another hour. Do you mind watching the kids until I can call my mother?”
Grace looked confused. “Why do you need to call your mother?”
I swallowed hard. “I have to get away, Grace. I feel like I’m losing my damn mind. I need a few days to clear my head.”
Grace began shaking her head. “Ellie, no. Don’t do this.”
I looked her in the eyes. “I remember a story you told me once. You left Jack. Do you remember telling me that story, Grace?”
She slowly nodded. “I do.”
“I’m not leaving my husband or my children, Grace. I just need to get out of here. I need time to think.”
“Don’t worry about calling your mother. Jack and I will stay with the kids, and I’ll call her in the morning to let her know what’s going on. I’m pretty sure she is working at the hospital tonight anyway.”
Shit. I forgot she picked up a shift tonight.
I smiled weakly. “I need this, Grace. I just need some time to understand things, like why I feel the way I do.”
“Honey, I think what you need is to talk to Gunner. You both need to talk this through.”
“I’ve tried, Grace. Something about him is off. He doesn’t want to listen. He just keeps blowing off my concerns.”
“Ellie, he loves you so much. You have to know that he would never do anything to hurt you.”
I nodded my head and wiped away my tears. “I’m going to change and head out.”
I walked past her and glanced at Alex and Colt. I began crying harder, so I picked up my pace and practically ran to my bedroom.
I packed a small overnight bag. I just needed one night to clear my head and be alone with my thoughts.
Just one night.