A Life Beyond Us novel · Chapter 11 of 24

Chapter 11: Hannah

I woke up between them with the sun on the blanket and Hugh's arm heavy across my ribs.

Tom was already awake.

He was lying on his side with his head propped on his hand, watching me.

"You didn't go to the motel," I whispered.

"I wasn't going anywhere without you."

"What time is it?"

"Seven. I've been awake since four, thinking about what to do with Darcy's text."

"And?"

"And I'm not going. And she can send her audio to whoever she wants."

His voice was calm, but there was a tightness under it.

I slipped out from under Hugh's arm and pulled on Tom's flannel shirt.

Tom followed me into the kitchen and sat down while I started the coffee.

He watched my back for a long time.

"Can I ask you something?" he said.

"Ask."

"Why did you leave me? The first time."

I turned around.

I had spent six years waiting for that question and had never once written an answer.

"You never asked me," I said.

"I'm asking now."

"You said it like I walked out on a whim. Like I never fought for it."

"You didn't fight for it, Maura. You packed a bag on a Tuesday and told me you'd see me in court."

"Because you stopped talking to me."

He went quiet.

I poured two mugs and set one in front of him.

"I was eleven weeks along," I said. "You remember that."

"Yes."

"I started bleeding at the grocery store. I called you, and you were in a meeting at school.

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