Chapter Twenty Six
For the first two weeks Ever slept in Stroud’s bed. She spent as much time in the house as she could, clinging to the vapors of Stroud’s presence. Eventually, though, she had to abandon the hope that he’d return within a few days. He was gone and, judging by the tone of his calls, the absence would extend for several more weeks.
The emptiness of the big house was starting to accentuate rather than soothe her loneliness. It was difficult to stay organized, running back and forth, and she finally decided it was time to go back to her own place full time.
She cleaned out the refrigerator and reluctantly put Stroud’s bed linens in the laundry, knowing the last traces of his scent would be washed away. She would lock up the big house, stopping by daily to check on things
