Marina Gilbert posted nine photos, captioned: "Finally got to meet the Miss Pruitt that Felix is always mentioning. So gracious and well-bred, no wonder everyone adores her."
The photos were from a private Gilbert family brunch. Kate Pruitt sat beside Marina, and Felix leaned in to place a shrimp dumpling on her plate.
Marina messaged me privately soon after: "Stacy, Miss Pruitt came all this way to visit, so we entertained her a little. Don't read too much into it. A Gilbert daughter-in-law should have a big heart."
I replied: "Ma'am, Felix and I have broken up. The wedding is canceled too."
Marina called at once, her tone turning sharp: "What kind of child are you? Felix is willing to settle down and marry you. He's already given you plenty of face."
I set the phone down on the table and went on sealing the cardboard box.
She kept her anger clamped down on her end. "Kate is the one who got away from Felix's younger years. It's perfectly normal for a man to carry a bit of his past. Hold on too tight and you'll only push him further away."
I said, "Then let him be pushed away."
The line went quiet for a moment, then Marina let out a cold laugh. "Don't come crying later. The Fox family took plenty of our gifts. If this really blows up, it won't be the Gilberts who look bad."
I hung up and swept the plush toy, the couple's mugs, and the photo album Felix had given me into a trash bag.
At the very bottom of the closet was a gray sweater, only half finished.
I'd been knitting it for Felix. His stomach was weak, and his hands always went cold in winter.
I pulled the yarn apart, the wool spilling loop by loop around my feet, like all the lines I'd surrendered over and over across three years.
The pickup guy from the local recycling service came fast. He hefted the bags and asked, "You don't want any of this, miss?"
I nodded. "No. Please just clear it all out."
The apartment emptied out little by little, until all that was left was the ring of keys still hanging by the entryway.
The door rattled twice.
It was pushed open from outside a moment later, and Felix stood in the doorway, wheeling two pink suitcases.
Felix swept his eyes over the living room and frowned at me. "Why'd you strip the place bare like this?"
Kate peeked out from behind him, the cat still cradled in her arms, her voice timid. "Stacy, is this a bad time for me to come by?"
Felix rolled the suitcases in as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "A pipe burst in her rental. It's not safe for a single girl to stay at a hotel, so she'll stay here with us for a few days."
I asked, "Which room?"
Felix pushed the cases toward the master bedroom. "Kate's picky about beds. She'll take the master for now. You tidy up the spare room."
Kate hurriedly caught his sleeve. "Felix, don't be like that. Stacy will be upset. I can sleep on the couch, really."
Felix bent his head to soothe her. "You're not well. Don't put yourself through that."
He lifted his eyes to me, his voice cool. "You're going to be the lady of this house anyway. Can't you show a little grace?"
"This isn't my house."
Felix's brow relaxed. "Good, as long as you know it. I paid for the newlywed apartment. You arranged a few pieces of furniture. That doesn't mean you get to put on airs."
I reached over and lifted the keys off the entryway hook. The metal was cold against my palm.
Kate said softly, "Stacy, don't misunderstand. Felix just worries something will happen to me. In his heart he still cares about you most."
I looked at her. "That movie ticket you posted last night. Was it a good film?"
Something flickered in Kate's eyes. Felix stepped in front of her. "Are you done? What does Kate owe you?"
I said, "She doesn't owe me anything. You do."
Felix stared at me, a thin smile tugging at his mouth. "Here we go again. Stacy, every time you're unhappy you threaten me with a breakup. Is it fun for you?"
I pulled out the black suitcase I'd packed long before. The wheels ground across the floor with a faint sound.
The smile faded from Felix's face. "Where are you going?"
I changed my shoes at the entryway, my voice calm. "No need to tidy the spare room. The apartment is all yours now, take your time settling in. Felix, we're done."
