Chapter 6 #2
Penelope sighed, looking deflated. “I should have, I’m sorry.
I thought about it. And honestly, I didn’t really mean to tell Harper either, but she caught me crying one time and it all just kind of spilled out.
And I didn’t want to distract you while you’re busy starting your business.
I know you already have a lot on your mind. ”
“That doesn’t mean I’m too busy to be there for you.
” Audrey squeezed Penelope’s hand. “I know my track record with marriage isn’t the best—so I’m no expert in making things work out even when they’re tough, but I believe it’s possible.
My husband cheated and lied, so we got divorced, but if things hadn’t gotten that bad I would have wanted to make them work between us.
And even if I can’t give advice, I want to be here for you for anything you need.
Do you want to try to make things work with Robert? ”
Penelope grew misty-eyed. “I want to, but I don’t think it’s possible. It takes two to tango, obviously. I’ve tried to carve out quality time for us both, but he seems more disinterested than ever.”
Audrey bit her lip, her heart going out to her friend. “How has he been acting disinterested?”
“The other night when we were all having dinner together at Crossroads, I’d texted Robert to let me know when he was heading home, because I had a surprise for him.
In the past, when we’d first gotten married, he would have loved something like that and gotten all excited.
I kept checking my phone during dinner, wanting to see if he would reply to me.
I could see that he’d read the message, but there was no response.
It got to the point where I wanted to keep checking to see if he was typing, and I could see those little ellipses moving, you know?
But he never started typing that I could see.
I finally decided to text him again, and I did.
He read it right away and then didn’t respond.
” Penelope shook her head. “I finally decided to just go home and see if he was there, but he was still at the office when I got home.”
Audrey inhaled sympathetically. “I’m sorry. But at least it was work that was keeping him distracted—and I know he cares a lot about doing well at his job. Maybe it’s not so much that he isn’t interested in you, maybe it’s more that he’s so absorbed in his work he can’t think about anything else.”
Penelope wrinkled her nose. “He’s absorbed in his work all right, but a man can care about more than one thing at once.
I mean, how hard would it have been for him to text me back?
It would have taken two seconds. I literally sent a text that said, ‘Let me know if you saw this.’ And he read it and then didn’t respond. ”
Audrey’s heart sank. “I’m sorry. But feelings change—don’t give up yet. Maybe he’ll come around and realize what a fool he’s being to not treasure you.”
Penelope’s eyes filled with tears. “I’ve been trying to be hopeful, but—” She offered Audrey a small smile. “I have a feeling that my marriage is on the verge of falling apart completely.”
“Don’t say that. You don’t know what’s going to happen.”
Penelope chuckled. “I appreciate your optimism, Audrey. It’s like the counterbalance to Harper’s pessimism. And it makes sense that you’re feeling optimistic about men right now, considering you’re in a happy place with Evan.”
“Hey, that’s not really fair.” Audrey felt a little defensive.
“I’m still recovering from heartbreak, remember?
My husband left with another woman and let me think he was dead for days.
He didn’t bother to call or even leave a note.
Trust me, something like that could make anyone cynical about men.
I’m just choosing to believe that all men are capable of change.
I believe all people are capable of becoming better. ”
“Just because they’re capable of becoming better doesn’t mean they will.
” Penelope looked up at the sky, frowning at the seagull that was still circling listlessly overhead.
“I appreciate you trying to be optimistic, but I feel like the way your own marriage fell apart should show you that mine is headed in the same direction. You can’t save a ship that’s got too many holes. ”
Audrey’s mouth popped open, and she wanted to assure Penelope that ships could in fact be repaired with the right resources, effort, and strategy, but she could sense that her friend wasn’t open to hearing a statement that hopeful at the moment.
“I should go.” Penelope stood up. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier, Audrey. Thanks for talking.” She picked up her bag and hurried away.
Audrey watched Penelope go, her heart aching. She wished she’d known what to say, but she reminded herself that there might not have been anything she could have said to make Penelope feel better.
She glanced down at the bench and saw that Penelope had left the caramel popcorn container behind. Sighing, she popped a few kernels into her mouth and closed the lid of the jar. She munched the popcorn, feeling comforted by the taste and hoping things turned out okay for her friend.
I know staying optimistic feels impossible sometimes, but there’s never a good reason to despair, she thought. I think there’s hope for Penelope and her marriage yet—but whatever happens, she’s going to need me and Harper at her side.
Audrey smiled, feeling her heart twist as she thought about how much she’d needed Michelle when her marriage was falling apart.
Life got tough, but friends and family made everything bearable.
She hoped that Penelope would continue to confide in her and Harper, and that they’d be able to help her through her difficult time.