Emily shrugged. “People never know what to say. It used to frustrate me in the beginning because I wanted someone to understand. I really wanted someone who got what it felt like to have your whole world turned upside down.”
Amy’s chest tightened at the pain in Emily’s voice. “What did you do?”
Emily blinked, and a shadow settled over her face. “I joined a support group. I don’t always want to go, but it’s been…really helpful.”
Amy looked away and down at her plate. “Maybe I should join a support group. Do they have any around for women who are separated from their husbands?”
Emily nodded a little too eagerly. “Our support group is for everyone who’s lost someone they loved. Whether it’s because of a breakup, divorce, death.”
Amy sat up straighter. “That’s…a lot.”
Emily’s expression shifted and grew softer. “I know it sounds like a lot, and I’ll admit the first few times were hard, but you get used to it. And once you find a rhythm, you’ll even look forward to it.”
“Yeah?”
“Absolutely.”
“I don’t know… I’m not even sure what’s going to happen between Eric and me.”
Emily’s gaze didn’t waver. “Are you going to go back?”
Amy shoved the rest of the croissant into her mouth while she thought of an answer. On the one hand, she relished being a woman who was in control of her own destiny and her own life. On the other hand, she had no idea if she was strong enough to stay away, especially when it was the only life she’d ever known.
The comfort of the familiar beckoned to her.
And there were times when Eric seemed to know exactly where to dig the knife in to get her to reconsider. Thankfully, between spending time with Lily, taking long walks to invigorate herself, and looking up classes online, Amy tried to keep herself busy. But every night, when she got into bed, there were dozens of emails from Eric, all of them with a wide array of insults and a few of them offering glimpses of the man who’d gotten her to fall in love with him.
To turn her entire world upside down for him.
He knew exactly what he was doing, and she was ashamed to find her defenses weakening.
The longer she went without Eric, the easier she knew it would be.
But without even her children to help her feel tethered, it was a struggle.
“I didn’t mean to intrude,” Emily added hastily and after a brief pause. “I’m sorry. Please feel free to ignore my question, obviously.”
Amy finished chewing and swallowed, the rich flavors still dancing on the tip of her tongue. “Oh, I don’t mind. I honestly don’t know if I’m going to go back or not. I know I shouldn’t, and a lot of people are telling me I shouldn’t, but…”
“It’s your decision anyway,” Emily offered with another gentle smile. “I’m sure you’ll make the best decision for yourself, regardless.”
Amy blew out a breath, suddenly feeling tired. “I really hope so.”
Emily glanced at something over Amy’s head and stood. “I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you, Amy, and I really hope you stop by the support group.”
Amy drew her bottom lip between her teeth and began to chew. “Where’s it going to be?”
“Basement of the old church. It’s a few blocks from here. You can’t miss it. We meet once a week on Thursdays at eight.”
Amy stopped chewing on her bottom lip and sat up straighter. “I’ll definitely think about it.”
Emily gave her shoulder a quick squeeze on the way past. “Please do. I’ll see you later.”
With that, she hurried off. Amy saw her step back behind the counter, pausing to tie the apron back around her neck. For a while, she glanced between her half-eaten treats and the register, turning the matter over and over in her head. While a part of her wasn’t ready to admit defeat after years of pouring her blood, sweat, and tears into her marriage, the other part of her knew she couldn’t hold on anymore.
Not when there wasnothingworth holding on to.
Eric wasn’t going to change, and her children weren’t children anymore.
