How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 92

The old woman's appetite had improved a lot; she even finished another half bowl

of soup.

The small pot of soup Elodie had simmered was nearly gone.

Even Jarrod had helped himself to more than a little.

Elodie wasn't surprised-he'd always appreciated her cooking.

After dinner, Jarrod stepped outside to take a call.

Elodie waited a few minutes, then followed him out.

She found him under the porch, smoking. Pulling her coat tighter around herself, she walked over. "Do you have a moment?"

She wanted to talk to him about attending her mother's memorial.

When he saw her coming, Jarrod shifted his cigarette away, then stubbed it out.

"How long have you been out here?" His gaze was sharp, scrutinizing.

Elodie realized what he meant he probably thought she'd overheard his conversation. Was it Sylvie on the line?

"Just now. Right after you hung up," she replied coolly, her chest rising and falling with the chill.

Finally, Jarrod glanced up at her, slipping one hand into his pocket. His tone was casual, almost detached. "I was drunk that night."

Elodie blinked, not following at first.

lazily. "I trust

was referring to that night their

crept down her spine; for a moment, she was stunned, almost

trouble between him and Sylvie, not to let that night

to worry," Elodie replied, meeting his eyes. Her tone

both

in the chilly night air, his expression seemed even more

beat, he looked away.

he turned

hurried to call after him, "On the 24th, do you have time? I was hoping

to do tonight," he interrupted, barely glancing back before disappearing down

even wait for her to finish her

felt nothing-no

this too many times over the past three

was always too busy with work or suddenly out of

needs are ignored enough times, your heart inevitably

family were taking this third anniversary seriously. Skipping an ordinary memorial was one thing, but if he missed this formal gathering, the truth about their broken marriage couldn't be hidden

Unless-

Jarrod was willing to meet her grandmother before the anniversary and explain, face to

always elsewhere. She doubted

returned to

more than a

advance. Whether he showed up depended

nothing like

Jarrod would remember. No matter how busy he

find a