Lance laughed softly under his breath, shaking his head.
"Yeah, yeah… get the divorce first. Then we'll talk about the rest."
Lexi smiled, exhausted but steadier, and they both headed for the door.
Lance carried her bags down the hallway even though she told him she could handle it. She always said that but she never meant it.
They walked down the apartment steps together, neither of them really talking, just breathing the same quiet air.
He was on the fifth floor.
When they reached her car, Lexi placed her hand on his cheek and gave him a look that said everything she didn't want to repeat out loud.
"Call me if anything happens," she said. "Even if it's something small."
"I will," Lance promised.
She got in, started the engine, rolled down the window, then pointed at him with her 'mom finger.'
"And EAT. Actual food."
"I will," he repeated, smiling despite himself.
Lexi nodded, satisfied enough, and finally drove off.
