#Chapter 72: Making Amends
Karl

I step out of Abby’s office, my heart still pounding. It’s like a battlefield in there with emotional shrapnel

all over the place.

But I’m not naive enough to think I’m a mere bystander, oh no. I’m pretty sure I’m the d amn cannon that

fired the first shot.

“Big moment, huh?” My wolf’s voice resonates through my mind. I’m so focused on the situation

between Chloe and Abby that it almost took me by surprise.

“You could say that,” I respond. “Chloe’s not exactly my biggest fan.”

“Well, maybe this is your chance,” he suggests. “Just like you did with John. Bury the hatchet, put aside

your differences for Abby’s sake. Start over.”

“I hope so,” I reply, running a hand through my hair. “But Chloe’s different. She’s never liked me, not

even at the beginning.”

I recall a camping trip years ago, back when Abby and I were still married. Chloe was there, along with

their other friend Leah. A mix-up with the tents meant we all had to share one. G od, that was a disaster.

The memory plays out like an old film reel in my mind. Leah, as always, was as chill as ever about the

situation while Abby was fairly indifferent. But for Chloe and I, it felt like the end of the world. To share a

tent with each other? I knew for a fact that Chloe would have rather died, because she said so herself.

That night, the tent was cramped, the tension palpable. Of course, Chloe and I ended up arguing about

something st upid—how to properly set up a sleeping bag or some such nonsense.

It eventually devolved into an all-out brawl. Chloe threw a folding chair. I chased her up the tree. You

know, the usual, until Leah and Abby had to step in. They were both in stitches over the ridiculous

situation, but it was real as hell for Chloe and I. We hated each other’s guts.

my wolf chimes

mean?” I

couldn’t have a private tent

a fight, and Chloe was an easy

as usual. “Dam n, you’re

alone time with Abby, and Chloe got in the

blameless in all this, and you never have been. But I think

that, maybe it’ll turn out better than you

a deep breath, letting his wisdom settle into my bones. I

“Let’s do

buzzing with activity—customers chatting, employees hustling.

patio tables, her

she’s furious. This is gonna be a

say as I approach her. She looks up, and if looks could

be six feet under.

out, narrowing

her daggers, I sit down opposite her, careful to keep a respectful distance. “We need

to talk to you,

and I both know that she’s our

work this out.”

still skeptical but maybe a notch less hostile than

know how you feel about me, Chloe. You think I’m toxic for Abby. Hell, maybe

be a better man. I’ve got a lot to make up for, not just

to everyone, including you.”

this level of self-awareness from

grown a conscience.”

say, locking eyes with her. She glances away, but there’s a

first layer of her icy fortress.

it out on

a glimmer of realization. “You think that’s what

don’t know. You tell

the table, and the weight of her anger seems to lift just a little. “Maybe

little harsh. But you need to understand, Karl. Abby just got out

another one right now, especially

her brutal honesty, but she’s not wrong. If this were a few days ago,

Abby was single. But I realize that would never work, not if I’m truly

being a better person.

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255