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“Look, I killed the fucking thing. Can we drop this?”

“Sure. Why not? It’s only me over here fearing for my life.”

“You took on a bear,” he reiterated.

“And this is a spider. What’s your point?”

“It’s not even close to the same size!”

I opened my mouth to argue, but decided it wasn’t worth it. “Burn the sheets.”

“Excuse me?”

“That thing touched the sheets. I will not get back in that bed tonight. Not as long as those same sheets are on the bed.”

“So, fucking wash them!”

“Oh, sure. I’ll just wash them,” I laughed.

“That’s usually what people do,” he argued.

“Well, not me. They’re tainted.”

“Yeah? Well, I touched the spider. Do you want me to burn my hands, too?”

“Might as well! You won’t be touching me with them!”

“I won’t be touching you at all, you fucking lunatic!”

“Fine!”

“Fine!”

I turned and stormed out of the room and down the stairs. I didn’t stop in the living room, not even when Debra shot me a worried look. I headed right out the front door and kept walking until I was absolutely certain I could look at the prick without wanting to murder him.

It took a long fucking time.

I groaned as I rubbed the crick in my neck. It wasn’t the smartest idea to sleep on the couch last night, but Patrick had purposely not washed the sheets, and I refused to join him out of disgust and spite. Now I was regretting that decision just the slightest.

“Coffee?” Debra asked, holding a cup in front of my face.

“Oh, thank you,” I murmured, putting the cup to my lips. It was delicious and did the job, but the sinking in my gut remained. I needed to leave, and the sooner the better.

“That was pretty intense yesterday.”

I huffed out a laugh at that. “Things usually get pretty crazy when a spider is involved.”

“That’s not what I was referring to, but we can pretend that’s what we’re talking about.”

I refused to look at her, choosing instead to stare into my coffee and search for the answers of the universe.

“You know, I used to pick fights with him, too. For a while, it made me feel better.”

“I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t you?”

I hated the knowing look on her face, the way she seemed to read every thought in my head. And I loved it, too. “You know, I never had a mother. Not really.”

“What happened to her?”

I shrugged, not wanting to get into it. “It was really great spending this week with you.” I felt tears prick my eyes and tried to hold them back. I didn’t want to cry in front of her. “Thank you for spending time with me and teaching me…everything.”

“Oh, sweetie, it was my pleasure. I always hoped that if Patrick ever found someone, she would be like you. Feisty and fun, full of life. You’re perfect for him.”

“Am I?” I asked, smiling slightly. “I don’t know. I don’t think I’m cut out for this life.”

“Dealing with spiders?”

“Exactly. I’ve never been so scared in my life.”

She took another sip of her coffee, stalling for a moment.

“You know, it was the same when Patrick left home for the first time. I refused to believe what was going on. I hated thinking of him in danger, but that’s who he is.

So, like I said, I still make up these stories in my head to help me deal with what’s going on. ”

But that was different. She was his mother. She couldn’t help what her son chose for his life. But I wasn’t Patrick’s mother or even his wife. I could still get out now while I had the chance. Even if that meant leaving both of them behind, which I really didn’t want to do.

But the terror…God, the terror of knowing that he was out there, already injured, and I didn’t know what was going on…how was I supposed to deal with that on a daily basis?

I couldn’t.

I set the mug on the table and stood, walking over to his mother. “Thank you so much, Debra. I really did enjoy every second with you.”

“Piper…” Tears filled her eyes as she looked up at me. But she must have seen the resolve on my face and patted my arm. “You can call me anytime. I still have more recipes to share with you.”

I smiled, but I knew I would never do that. I wouldn’t be able to handle talking to her and knowing I would never see Patrick again. The connection would just be too painful.

“I think I’ll slip out before he wakes up.”

“Honey—”

“It’s better this way.”

I had already anticipated this last night, had pretty much made up my mind that I needed to leave, and I’d packed my bag.

I wasn’t at all ready for traveling, but I couldn’t handle seeing Patrick this morning and saying goodbye.

I wasn’t strong enough for it. I grabbed my clothes I’d laid out and quickly dressed in the downstairs bathroom, not even bothering with makeup or brushing my teeth before snatching up my bag. I just had to get out of here.

Debra walked me to the door and wrapped her arms around me one last time. I held her tight, my chest squeezing painfully as I thought of all I was losing. I stepped back, wiping the tears from my face as I picked up my bag and walked out the door.

I made it as far as the road to the OPS building before Chase pulled over and motioned for me to get in.

“Need a ride?”

“To the airport,” I answered, trying not to look at him. I might break.

He sighed heavily as I shut the door. “Are you sure about this?”

I swallowed hard and met his gaze. “Positive.”