His laugh was sharp. “That’s what you said last time. I’m not going to wake up tomorrow and have you disappear again, maybe this time with Aubrey. Not again, Avice. I’m not going through this again.”
"Why can't you trust me, huh? Do you really hate me enough to where you can't trust what I say? Much less understand that I had no choice but to leave. I'm sorry. I'm sorry I'm not enough for you anymore.
"I'm not trying to make you feel guilty! I just don't want you to feel sad all the time! I'm worried you're sad when I'm around and I don't know how to help!" She placed her hand on her head in frustration. "Everything I do just makes things worse and I don't know how to help!"
“I am. I am sad when you’re around,” he said bluntly. "We have lost something now that, no matter what, we will never be able to get back again."
He was quiet. “A couple things. First of all, she called me Jack. She had never heard that name before. Secret net, that thing about sad guys... she had tried that with me before.”
"You shouldn't have chosen me, then," she muttered. "You shouldn't have chosen anyone at that point."
He rolled his eyes and his voice dripped with sarcasm. "Right. I shouldn't have chosen you. Good point."
"No," she said fiercely. "You shouldn't have. If this is how it is then you definitely should not have picked me."
"That's not what I said," she replied angrily, tears springing into her eyes at the heavy emotions. "I wouldn't gave picked anyone at all if I were you."
"Jesus, Avice. You don't seem to realize that everything I am trying to do in this situation is for Aubrey. You know that Elise was trying to get her to call her mama? If I have a choice, I'm going to choose her mother, regardless of my feelings."
"Jack, growing up with parents who aren't fond of each other doesn't sound spectacular. I doubt she would like it."
"I want her mother involved in her life if possible. My personal feelings shouldn't get in the way." He waved a hand dismissively. "If you're so anxious to leave, then leave."
He sighed irritably, picking up the sleeping Aubrey and gently placing her back into the carrier. "We're going home. You can come or stay. I really don't care at this point."
