Back at the house, Zach made a cozy fire in the living room. Ellie sat on the sofa, watching him crouch on the hearth, twisting pieces of newspaper to stuff between the logs. The wine at dinner had mellowed her, and her body relaxed. For the moment, at least, she enjoyed the fact that she felt far away from Darren, although the ache in her heart persisted.
“I drove him away,” she heard herself say before she realized it.
Zach glanced up, holding the match he’d just lit. “Do you mean Darren?” He held the tiny flame to the kindling.
“Yes.” Ellie found herself needing to talk. Her life had been lonely without her realizing it. Even though she and her brother were close, she’d remained “ruggedly independent” in her existence. Somehow, Zach’s company in this short time made her see that.
Sh
