Heath’s eyes slammed closed as he battled for control of his temper. “Do. You. Realize. What. You’ve. Done?” He enunciated each word between clenched teeth, with barely controlled anger.
“Dad, calm down. If you want to blame me that she’s missing now, then fine. All I did was tell Julia the truth. Look how upset you are right now, thinking I have somehow offended her. Can’t you accept that the anger you feel is happening because of her? You’re upset with me and Adam because of her. If you continue in this relationship it will only build a wall between us. With each argument it will grow taller and thicker. I was honest with Julia and she was honest with me. Maybe she’s taking time to assess what it means for the two of you to stay together. Adam and I feel it would be better if she moved on to greener pastures.”
Heath didn’t dare speak for fear his next words would likely damage his relationship with his son. Heath’s stomach roiled, and for half a second he thought he was going to be sick. When he was able to speak, he managed to tightly control his voice. “Did you ever consider what your mother did to Julia?”
“I don’t think it is a good idea for you to defend—”
“Did you?” he asked, louder this time. “Lee tore apart Julia’s world. When she made a single request to wait six months to try to save her marriage, your mother made her life a living hell. Did you know anything about those ugly text messages Lee sent to taunt her?”
“No, but I read the ones she sent to Mom. How would you know about any of this anyway?” Before he could answer, Michael sarcastically said, “I suppose Julia told you, and naturally you believed her.”
“No, she didn’t. Julia never mentioned a word of this, not even when I confronted her about the texts she sent your mother. The only thing she mentioned was the regret she suffered for lowering herself to Lee’s level.”
“If she didn’t tell you, then who did?”
“Hillary.”
“And you believe that witch?”
“Yes, because she showed me a picture of the texts Lee sent Julia. Trust me in this, Michael, what I read, it was shameful.”
“Dad, I hope you’re hearing yourself. What did I just say? Already Julia is coming between us. It will be like this as long as you insist on being with her. You need to ask yourself who’s more important to you? Julia, or Adam and me?”
Heath had heard enough. “I refuse to answer that…not when I’m this emotional. I’m hanging up now, because I need to find Julia.”
He disconnected before Michael had a chance to respond. As soon as Heath was able to breathe again, he sent a text to Hillary and another to Marie, knowing both of Julia’s girls were likely at work and probably wouldn’t see his message until they were on break. Having to wait to hear back was killing him.
Carrie returned and must have overheard his conversation with his son. She placed her hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry, we’ll find her.”
Not knowing who else to turn to, all Heath could do was wait. His condo felt bleak and empty, and his heart was heavy, especially after speaking to his son. Pacing his condo, he feared he was about to wear out an entire section of carpet. He saw Julia everywhere he looked. In the paintings that hung on his walls that reminded him of their time together in Gas Works Park. The colorful decorative pillows on his sofa that she handpicked for him, along with the lamps on the end tables. She’d even added a pitcher he used as a utensil holder next to his gas stove. It wasn’t only in his home, either—Julia had left an indelible mark on his heart. He didn’t know what he would do with himself until he could hold her and reassure her.
Just before noon, Hillary called. When his phone buzzed, he jerked it so fast and hard, it nearly flew out of his hand.
“I got your message,” she said. “Don’t worry, Mom is fine.”
“Where is she?”
“She asked me not to tell you if you called, only I don’t want you to worry. She went to the ocean. She finds peace there.”
“Where, exactly?”
“Sorry, Heath, I think you should give Mom time to sort all this out by herself. She needs to clear her head and think through everything.”
“But…”
“I know it’s hard. Heath, trust me, it’s best to leave her be. Mom will return when she’s ready. It’s best if she doesn’t see you right now.”
They spoke for a few minutes longer, and eventually Hillary was able to talk him off the proverbial cliff. She managed to convince him, despite his persistence, that seeking out Julia now wasn’t the right thing to do.