The Way Home by Katherine Spencer

Author:Katherine Spencer
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Group US
Published: 2013-02-26T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

BEFORE Claire headed down to the kitchen to start breakfast on Thursday morning, she glanced up the hallway to Jamie’s room. The door stood open and the linen from his bed had been stuffed into a pillowcase and left in the hallway, the same way she had taught him when they cleaned out a guest room.

She took a few steps toward his door and looked inside. It seemed—empty. No clothes draped on chairs or doorknobs. No big shoes on the floor. She didn’t see his duffel bag either.

Had he left already? Without saying good-bye to anyone?

He must have been unable to face her. He knew how disappointed she would be when he gave his answer. No, I can’t commit to do the work it will take to change and move forward with my life.

Staring at the empty room, Claire felt stunned and sad. I thought he’d at least try. He sounded so sincere about wanting to keep this job.

She couldn’t believe that he hadn’t at least left a note.

She looked around the room, on the dresser and night table. But there was no note. She noticed the bit of beach glass near the lamp stand and put it in her pocket.

Downstairs, she checked the mail table in the hallway and then the kitchen. No notes there either. Claire felt another wave of loss wash over her but knew she had no say in this matter. If this was what he wanted, nothing she could do or say could keep him here. Or should keep him here, she reminded herself.

Liza would be relieved. That was some consolation.

Still, she wondered, How can I help him now? Even if I call his cell phone, he probably won’t stay in touch with me. He’ll be too angry—and ashamed.

Why did God bring us together? I thought it was so I could help him. Now there’s just sadness and disappointment. It’s almost worse than the first time, when he was a boy.

Claire sat at the table with a cup of coffee, thankful for a few minutes alone to gather her thoughts and get control of her emotions before Liza came down. They faced a busy day shorthanded, a full house of guests checking in, and lots to do. She couldn’t wallow in sad thoughts about Jamie. She had let Liza down enough lately.

Still, she couldn’t help a tear or two that squeezed out the corners of her eyes. She sighed and dabbed them with a paper napkin.

A noise out in the yard drew her attention. Metal clattering on metal. She stood up and looked out the back window, expecting to see Daniel there early to fix something.

But it was Jamie. His long, lean body staggered across the yard, paint cans dangling from both hands, and a few brushes and rags tucked under one arm.

Jamie? Jamie was still here?

She didn’t understand at first, though her heart filled with happiness. She opened the door and called out to him. “Jamie . . . what are you doing?”

He turned and set some of the cans down on the grass.

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