Page 128 of Every Move You Make

Robyn: How’d you know I was on the road?

Dell: Let’s not pretend Isaiah doesn’t track your location.

Isaiah: You are too!

Robyn: Sorry, I can’t talk right now. Mom is driving me home and Dad’s on his way too

Dell: Why? I really think we should all be together tonight.

Robyn: idk why. I’m so confused and scared right now… I have no idea what the right thing to do is. I didn’t want to let her down. I don’t want to let you guys down either.

Dell: It’sok darlin. Can we come over when you get home anyway?

Robyn: Idk if that’s a good idea. She doesn’t know about you yet. Should we just throw it in her face?

Robyn: God I want to. But at the same time, maybe we just need this time apart and regroup tomorrow.

Isaiah: I hate that idea.

Dell: Me too.

Robyn: Me three. But maybe I can take this time to butter her up (and my dad) before any plans are made. She was so mad when she found out.

Dell: Are you sure you don’t want us there to help?

Robyn: I think it’s best if I do this myself. I know how they operate.

Isaiah: Will you call us when you go to bed? I’d like to fall asleep with you in one way or another.

Robyn: Of course

Dell: We’re going to figure this out guys. Love always wins.

I hope with everything that I have that he’s right—but hope is not always enough to quell the dread.

Chapter 47

Aftermath

Dell

Isaiah and I left Robyn’s place after our text conversation last night. We were waiting for her to come home, but with her parents unexpectedly coming in with her, we left and went to my place. Without a second thought, I canceled all my appointments for the next day because there was no way in hell I was leaving either of their sides during this.

We decided we weren’t going to talk about the blowup or look at any more social media for the night. We weren’t going to answer any calls or texts unless they were from their team or her. What we needed was one more night, just a few more hours of ignorance.

Isaiah and I held each other all night in near silence, Chester and BooBoo laying atop our heads, trying to soothe our racing minds with their heated purrs. With Robyn sleeping on the phone next to us, we held each other hoping and praying that this wasn’t the end, this wasn’t goodbye. But how could I think it wasn’t? A lot more was bound to be discovered, and with that, our chances of making it work seemed less likely.

I thought we had more time.

I didn’t sleep a wink, and I don’t think they did either. Somewhere in the night, the call disconnected.

When the sun breaks through, I leave Isaiah curled on his side with my pillow cradled into his chest and my sons snuggled behind his knees. I head downstairs to make a meal I’m sure will be tasteless.

But when I step on the main floor and enter my kitchen in nothing but a pair of Robyn’s rugby shorts I stole from her, I’m struck by something. It’s a crystal vase gleaming from its spot in my glass cupboard. It’s a different vase than the one Robyn had the night I gave her the calla lilies, but my mind transports me to that fateful evening regardless.

“They look so elegant and strong,” I had told her when she asked me why I bought them—why they reminded me of her.“They demand you take notice.”

With my hand stuck on the refrigerator handle and my gaze locked on the vase, fresh determination takes a comfortable seat within me. “We’re going to make it out of this,” I tell myself. “And we’re going to be stronger for it.”

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