17. Chapter 17
Lydia
The rest of my shift flies by, and I’m grateful. The less time I have to sit and spiral about this appointment, the better.
When the clock hits two-thirty, I head out to run home and change. I double-check the address with Coco before leaving, and thankfully it’s within walking distance. One more thing about this town that feels almost too good to be true.
Coco’s reassurance lingers as I walk home. I don’t feel quite as alone as I did this morning. I make a mental note to do something kind for her soon, whether it’s bringing her coffee, or maybe baking her something as a thank-you.
For now, though, I focus on what’s in front of me. This meeting is the first step toward getting my life back, and while it’s scary, it’s also thrilling.
I rummage through my closet, scolding myself for the millionth time for not packing more thoughtfully. I grabbed what I could in a rush, and now I’m paying for it.
There’s a slight chill in the air, so I pull on a cream sweater and a long floral skirt.
It’ll have to do. I slide into my Birks and glance at myself in the mirror.
It’s cuter than I expected, and I feel confident.
Except for my shoes. They’re still a bit damp from my run in the rain with Nick, but luckily they aren’t as soggy as they were.
I’d love to buy a few new clothes for fall soon. Autumn has always been my favorite season, and I’m ridiculously excited to live somewhere that actually has seasons, not just heat all year with a brief, half-hearted attempt at cold.
The leaves are already starting to change, and I love it. It makes this already adorable town feel like a Hallmark movie.
I debate making a cup of coffee to take with me, but decide against it. The last thing I need is to spill it down the front of my sweater on the way to meet a divorce attorney.
I pause at the door and glance back into the house, which is slowly becoming my home. I remember exactly why I’m walking out of it. Why I need this divorce.
I want this life. I want it fully. I want it without fear trailing behind me. But first, I have to cut the ties to my past.
And that starts with divorcing my husband.