My eyes land on a meal and an unopened can of Diet Coke on the countertop. Was he about to eat dinner? If so, what’s he doing on the ground? And where’s Killian? Maybe he went to the store or something.
Not wanting to spend too much time on it, I take the envelope from my purse and set it on the table. I consider telling him about the papers, but can’t quite muster the courage. It might be the coward’s way out, but just being in the same space is painful enough. Holding a conversation about our divorce seems impossible.
Without another look back, I quickly head upstairs to the master bedroom and into the bathroom. I open the bottom vanity drawer and find my makeup bag the girls missed. I stuff it in my purse and then hurry out of the room. Too many memories. Despite only being here for such a short time.
I walk by the guest room, and out of maddening curiosity, I push open the door, only to find the space completely empty. Sheets are folded and resting on the mattress next to a folded comforter. The curtains are drawn shut, and there isn’t a suitcase in sight.
So . . . is Killian not staying here?
Feeling even more confused, I head down the stairs, and my eyes land on the couch, where there’s a pillow and blanket set up. On the coffee table, a myriad of prescription bottles are lined up next to a water bottle. I look back toward the kitchen but there isn’t any movement.
No movement anywhere.
Slowly, I move toward the kitchen and peek around the corner. I see Pike struggling to sit up. Out of habit, I bend down and attempt to assist him in sitting up.
“Don’t,” he says, shaking me off.
I move away, but stay crouched to the floor as I watch him finish sitting up.
“Pike . . . did you—did you fall?”
He groans and attempts to roll to his side to get up but struggles.
“Pike—”
“Cora, just leave,” he says in an exasperated tone.
“Where’s Killian?” I ask. When he doesn’t answer, I repeat, “Pike, where is Killian?”
His head falls back and he says, “England.”
“England?” I ask, my eyes widening. I glance around the place one more time. “So . . . does that mean you’re here by yourself?”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“It does matter,” I say. “You can’t be here by yourself.” It’s obvious that he fell while making his dinner and now he’s having a hard time getting up. “You can’t possibly believe that you can do this on your own.”
“I’m not. I have a nurse coming to help.” His eyes look away and I know he’s lying.
He’s planning on doing this all by himself.
And even though my heart feels like bursting out of my chest just from the sight of him, I can’t in good conscience leave him like this.
Even if he has too much pride to admit it, he needs help.
And I’m the only one who can help him.
I stand and dig into my purse, pulling out my phone. Before I can stop myself by overthinking, I dial Stella and bring the phone to my ear. She answers on the second ring.
“Hey, boo-boo, how’s it going?”
“Uh, can you do me a favor?”
A loud groan comes from the kitchen and then Pike appears over the counter, standing on one leg. His good palm falls to the counter as he winces and breathes heavily. He’s in pain. There’s no way in hell he can do this by himself.
I might not want anything to do with him right now, nor do I think my heart can possibly take staying in the same room as him, but I can’t possibly allow him to be by himself while he’s healing.
“Sure, what’s up?” Stella asks.
“Can you go to my place and pack a bag for me?”
Pike’s eyes flash to me.
“Ooo, going on a trip?”
“Not exactly,” I answer. “Pack me some comfortable clothes and the basic toiletries, as well as my computer and chargers. And then can you bring it to Pike’s place?”
“Uhh . . . what is going on?”
“Just bring it over, please. I’ll explain later.”
“Sure. If you think of anything else you might need, text me.”
“I will. Thanks, Stella.” I hang up and move toward the entryway to take off my shoes.
“What the hell are you doing?” Pike asks, hobbling over toward me on one crutch.
“Staying here,” I say, turning toward him.
“The hell you are.”
“I’m not going to let you do this alone.”
“Cora, I don’t need you here.”