How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

"All right, take care on your way."

Elodie didn't bother to explain why she wasn't leaving with Jarrod.

She knew exactly where he was headed-straight to Sylvie.

There was no way he'd waste his precious time with Sylvie just to give her a ride home.

The next two days passed in silence.

Nothing from Sylvie, and Jarrod didn't reach out to Elodie, either.

She wasn't sure if this meant things were over, but with everything else demanding her attention, she found it impossible to feel at ease.

On Friday morning, Jarrod finally called. His tone was neutral, almost cold. "Octavia's had an allergic reaction again. She refuses to let the staff help and insists you were the only one who didn't make it hurt last time. Could you come take a look at her?"

Elodie pressed her lips together. "...Sure."

Octavia wasn't her responsibility. She could have said no.

But since Jarrod was asking, and this could be seen as a favor, she figured he'd have no reason to hold the gallery situation over her head anymore.

"That painting-"

"Jarrod, what do you think of this dress?" Sylvie's gentle voice floated through from his end of the line.

It was barely past nine in the morning the busiest time of day—and he was out shopping with Sylvie?

The call disconnected abruptly.

long used to

a day off and headed out

pampered and sensitive, prone to allergic flare-ups at the slightest provocation. Her

anyone who tried to treat her-doctor or

Elodie was careful, attentive. Over the past three years, she'd tended to Octavia more

come to expect

twinge of mixed emotion. She'd sworn to Jarrod she would never set foot here again, and yet, here she was, swallowing her pride because she had no

think

door, offering her a pair

warm Elodie's hands. "She's upstairs, making a fuss. Only you seem to know

heading straight upstairs

she walked in. "Were you crawling here on all fours? What took you so

walked over. "Lift your

"Do you have to

quick glance was all it took. Two dime-sized

Octavia seemed to think Elodie should be available on demand, as if her own life

you eat walnuts?" Elodie

annoyed by how quickly Elodie had figured

person-few women were as meticulous or reliable. For three years, Elodie had looked after her with unwavering

so what? Octavia still didn't think she was good

better candidates for her brother's wife, and she

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