The glass rattles in the frame as Cassie slams the door. I wait, ears tense, for the sound of tires scrunching over the snow outside. My ex is from Wisconsin, originally, so I’m not worried about her ability to drive on snow. I just want to make sure she’s gone for real.
I pace up and down the hall, trying to calm down. My hands have gone clammy and my throat dry. I hate that she still has the power to upset me so much. True, I haven’t seen my wife in almost a year, but I thought I’d be indifferent to her by now.
Turns out I’m not.
My gaze travels up the stairs. Is Wendy awake? Did she hear us?
I walk up a few steps and find her sitting on the landing with a crushed expression. Guess that answers my question.
“Wendy.”
“Hi, roomie.” She waves sarcastically.
I wince. “How much did you
