Chapter 38

He was humming as he opened the door. She watched him wondering if he was even aware he was doing it.

As he went about his evening routine, he never once looked around for her. The thought of appearing to him flitted through her mind but she worried about what expression would cross his face. Without trying, she could picture at least three of them.

Surprise was the first. Whether it was a good surprise or not, she was no longer sure. A small piece of her wondered if he was ready for her to leave.

The next was guilt. Guilt about having a good time with someone else. Guilt about moving on. Would it set him back?

Finally, relief. Relieved she was there so he didn't need to move on.

As each micro expression played on a loop through her mind, she was frozen. Which expression would be the worst?

"It's time to go, Val. You've stayed too long"

Without looking back, she shook her head, wiping a single tear from her cheek. "Not yet, just a bit longer."

"You're holding him back and hurting yourself. It's time to let go."

"I'm not ready."

He placed his hand on her shoulder, "But he is. It's time."

"Three more days. Just long enough to make sure he doesn't take a step back. Please."

Squeezing her shoulder, he nodded. "Three more days, but not a minute longer."

"Thank you."

"Val, he's ready. It's what you came for, don't linger and hold you both back."

She watched him dress. The whistling had returned, a small smile played at the edges of his lips.

Throughout the night, she'd watched him sleep. A raging debate fluttering through her mind. In the early morning hours, she'd finally decided.

"How's the case?"

He smiled at her in the mirror, "Lots of details, none that really make sense. But, I'll get there."

"You always do." She tapped her throat, "Your tie's crooked."

Taking a quick second to straighten the offending tie, he winked at her. "Thanks! I've got to go. Criminals to catch."

"Happy to help." She watched him walk away, whistling to himself.

He paused at the door; but didn't look back. His hand gripped the doorknob gently. "Thanks, Val."

"You already thanked me for the tie."

"Not the tie, the advice. You were right, I didn't need a special moment to ask her."

Before she could respond, he opened the door and left.