#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.

wolf chimes in, snapping me back to the

mean?”

annoyed that you and Abby couldn’t have a

and Chloe was

on the head as

time with Abby, and Chloe got in the

this, and you never have been. But I think that if you go into

that, maybe it’ll turn out

wisdom settle into my bones. I

“Let’s

with activity—customers chatting, employees hustling. A quick scan and

patio tables, her arms

could tell she’s furious. This is gonna be

know I can’t just walk away now,” I say as I

be six feet under.

out, narrowing her eyes at

daggers, I sit down opposite her, careful to keep a respectful

would I want to

it concerns Abby. And you and I both know that she’s our

work this out.”

a notch less hostile than she was before.

I 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 Abby,

to everyone, including you.”

didn’t expect this level of self-awareness

grown a conscience.”

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

icy

it out on

flash back to mine, and I see a glimmer

don’t know.

arms on the table, and the weight of her anger seems to lift just a

understand, Karl. Abby just got out

one right

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

was single. But I realize that

being a better person.

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