I reached for the door handle, then stopped.
“But being heartbroken explains why you wanted proof.”
Kayla watched me.
“I wasn’t trying to take Andrew from you.”
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“It doesn’t explain why my ‘no’ stopped mattering to you.”
Her hand went still around the phone.
And this time, she didn’t argue.
Inside, Kayla put the ugly robe back on the chair.
“I am sorry,” she said.
I waited.
She didn’t argue.
“Not for being heartbroken. I’m still pretty committed to that.”
She looked at the robe.
“I’m sorry I decided you had to prove your boundary made sense before I’d respect it.”
“Thank you,” I said.
“I’m not ready to move tomorrow.”
“I’m not asking you to.”
“I’m still pretty committed to that.”
We sat at the kitchen table and gave “temporary” an actual shape.
Kayla would keep applying for jobs. Once she had income, she’d contribute something small. We’d revisit the room listings together and choose a realistic move-out date.
“And no more tests,” I warned.
Andrew walked in carrying groceries.
“And no more tests.”
“That should probably be a universal rule.”
Kayla pointed at him.
“Nobody asked you.”
“He’s allowed to speak in his own kitchen.”
Andrew set the bags down.
