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“Who knew you had such a flair for the dramatic?”

“What did you think of that little encounter with Willow?” Mel asked.

“I’m not sure. It was awkward for both of you. That much was certain,” Brianna insisted.

“I just don’t know how I could have been so wrong about her,” Mel admitted.

“What do you mean?” Brianna asked.

“Last night Willow said she was in love with me. Today she’s going to the dog park with Amy. It paints a pretty clear picture.”

“It’s just a dog park, not dinner and the movies. Besides, you said you saw Amy leave last night, right?”

“Yeah,” Mel grumbled reluctantly.

“Have you considered that maybe she is just talking to Amy?”

“Maybe,” Mel said.

“I know you’re still mad and you have every right. Just try to take a breath and let things unfold.”

Mel pulled the paper towel away from her nose. She was relieved not to see any fresh blood. The clock above her stove said that it was eight-thirty. Mel felt a shock run through her.

“Shit. I’m running late.” Mel’s eyes fell on Mase.

“Relax. I’ll drop Mase off at doggy daycare. That way you won’t be late for work.”

Mel gave Brianna a kiss on the cheek.

“Thank you. You’re the best platonic wife and stepmother ever,” Mel shouted as she ran to her bedroom to change. She put on her work uniform and bolted through the door without a minute to spare. At least the rest of her day would be mundane and predictable.

Chapter 18

For Willow, seeing Amy standing in her kitchen brought about a complex set of emotions. It was somehow both familiar and strange. This had started out being their kitchen. Since Amy had left Willow had slowly begun the process of seeing the home as her own. Willow had demanded that Angela leave so she could have a private conversation with Amy. Her mother had protested, but eventually relented.

Willow still found Amy attractive, a cruel jest played by nature. Amy stood back, leaning against the refrigerator with her arms crossed. It was the way Amy had always stood when they were in the kitchen together. Now there was something off-putting about the familiarity. Amy was talking about her job and every other mundane topic. But it wouldn’t do.

Willow wished she could call Mel and talk to her. Or even just send her a text, but she refused to involve Mel in her personal dramas. Besides there was nothing to tell her until she and Amy talked.

“Why did you leave me with nothing but a note?” Willow finally asked. Any inhaled a deep breath.

“I was scared,” Amy admitted.

“Scared of what?”

“I was afraid of being settled.”

Willow took a moment to absorb that truth.

“We were together for two years. Weren’t we already settled?” Willow asked.

“Yes, of course. I think in my brain an engagement and wedding just cemented it. Sort of like, no going back now,” Amy answered. She punctuated her words with an airy chuckle. A sure sign that she was nervous.

“But you did go back. You full-on ran away, from us, from me.” Willow could hear the cracking of her own voice. It didn’t bother her, let Amy hear how upset she was.

“I’m back now,” Amy offered.

“But why? After all this time. All it took was my mom finding you to convince you to come back.” Willow threw her hands in the air, confusion washing over her. She would do anything to be wrapped up in Mel’s arms right now.