back toward Vanessa.
“But I’m not going to pretend everything is fine anymore.”
For the first time that day, Vanessa looked genuinely uncertain.
“Are you leaving me?”
Grant took a long breath.
“I don’t know what happens next.”
That was probably the most honest answer he could have given.
“I know we need help,” he continued. “Real help. And I need to learn how to disagree with you without immediately giving in because I’m worried you’ll be upset.”
Vanessa wiped her cheek.
Her mother started moving toward her.
Vanessa raised
