Page 107 of Faultlines

Brooke: Please, Ethan. The diner at seven. I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important.

I stare at the screen, tired of secrets, and the consequences of my choices. Eventually, I reply.

Okay.

Her response arrives immediately.

Brooke: Thank you.

The Hitching Post is mostly empty when I arrive. The bell jingles when I open the door. The familiar scent of bacon and pancakes fills the air. Brooke is already in our usual booth, her figure small against the red vinyl. This diner, once a sanctuary, is now tainted.

She offers a smile as I slide into the seat opposite her. A waitress appears and pours coffee into my mug.

“What’s so important?”

“I’m leaving.” Her words take a second to register.

“What?”

“I’m leaving Juniper Ridge.”

The statement should shock me more than it does, but I guess part of me knew this was coming.

“The school accepted my resignation yesterday.”

The thought that one part of this mess is ending is a relief. Then another realization dawns. “Wait, opening night for the play is at the end of next week.”

She lowers her eyes, her fingers tracing the rim of her mug. “I know.”

“What about the kids?”

“Ethan—”

“No. Seriously. What about the kids?” The rise in my voice surprises me. “What about Ellie?” No sooner do I ask the question than hurt flashes across her face.

“People will call me a home-wrecker. Rumors are already spreading.”

I nod. Small towns have a way of unearthing secrets. “Where are you going?”

“Home.”

My brow pinches as I study her. “Home? Is that what you want?”

“No, it’s not what I want, but I can’t stay here.”

The waitress glides over and tops off our mugs as more customers filter in.

“I don’t know what to say. I’m sorry.”

“What are you going to do now?”

My thoughts drift to Claire, to the half-empty closets. “I’m going to try to get my wife back.”

I pull into the middle school parking lot just before rehearsal starts. My stomach hasn’t settled since breakfast.

This auditorium is a monument to the damage I’ve inflicted.

Even from a distance, I can tell the main topic of discussion is Brooke’s departure. The official explanation might be vague, but people are already weaving a narrative.