Chapter 40

I’d stared at him, hurt and numb. “Maddy, do have any idea what you’ve done?”

“Sure, I do. You’ll always think this was your fault, and that’s all I wanted.”

* * * *

DeeDee’s voice brought me back to the present. “You’re letting him turn you into a bitter, skinny shell of a man. You can’t keep living like this, Zach. You’re wasting away to nothing, and I’m worried about you.”

She was right, but it was still hard to admit that I could have been so wrong about a man I’d loved desperately for fifteen years, despite his faults. His last words to me echoed to this day.

I rubbed my forehead. “I appreciate your concern, but honestly, I’m not up for a party. I’d rather sit at home, watch scary movies on TV, and get completely plastered.”

“Zach…”

“Just drop it, okay?” I opened the cash drawer and sorted bills. “Did the order of superhero costumes get delivered today?”

DeeDee sighed. “Yes, an hour ago.”