Chapter 4

We were waiting for a ride outside our building when Ethan came down with Claire and Zack.

My request still hadn't been matched with a driver. Seeing us waiting, he pulled over.

“Get in. I'll take you to preschool.”

I looked at the app, still searching. I didn't want Sophie to be late.

I swallowed my reluctance and opened the back door.

Claire smiled as we got in.

“I get carsick, Sarah. I'll stay up front, okay?”

I didn't answer her.

We'd barely settled in beside Zack when he started screaming.

“Get out! Get out!”

“This is my daddy's car!”

Sophie had been hurt enough that morning. Now she broke down, too.

“He's my daddy! You get out!”

Zack sobbed and kicked furiously against his car seat, working himself into a full tantrum.

Up front, Claire started wiping away tears.

“Ethan, am I really that unwelcome…?”

He hit the brakes and pulled to the curb, his face grim.

Then he looked back at me.

“Sarah. Get out.”

I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

He avoided my eyes. His voice grew awkward.

“I'll take Zack first. If you still can't get a ride, let me know. I'll come back…”

I didn't say a word. I opened the door, unbuckled Sophie, and got out with her.

As the car pulled away, Zack leaned toward the window and made a smug face at us.

By the time I finally found a ride and got Sophie to preschool, she was late.

She was still crying when her teacher led her inside.

Ethan's car was parked near the entrance. He hadn't left.

When he saw me, he started toward me, apparently ready to talk. I got straight back into my waiting ride and shut the door.

His messages came while I was on the way to work.

“Please don't be angry. I know Sophie and Zack can't keep fighting like this.”

“I'll rent Claire a place. They'll move out.”

“I've already turned your card back on.”

“Sarah, you haven't smiled at me in so long. Can we stop fighting?”

I read the messages with a bitter little laugh.

I didn't reply.