I sat there, stunned, watching him take Edith's hand with an intimacy that made my stomach drop. And then it clicked — the rumors before our marriage, about Patrick having a first love he could never get over. It was her. It had always been her.
No wonder he'd leaned over my shoulder that time I was scrolling through gossip about Edith online. The next day, the account that posted it was permanently banned.
A bitter smile tugged at my lips. All the signs had been there all along.
I didn't know how much time passed before the garage fell quiet again.
Patrick and Edith let go of each other's hands at the same moment, then exchanged a smile — the kind that said all was forgiven, water under the bridge.
Edith spoke first, her cheeks flushed pink.
"Patrick, I never expected you'd be the one to come to my rescue."
Patrick looked away, his Adam's apple bobbing.
Just moments ago, his eyes had been full of barely concealed longing when he looked at her. Now he put on an air of casual indifference.
"It's nothing. I would've done the same for a stranger."
"Is anyone coming to pick you up?"
Edith shook her head, her expression dimming.
"What a hassle. Come with me."