Impasse: The Destination Series

By LEA MARTIN

The struggles of a couple after they've been together a few years.

• Language: English
• Publisher: LEA MARTIN
• Release date: Apr 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215717325

Book preview

One

I ’m taking one last assignment, Bobby said, as he zipped a business suit into a garment bag.

Janelle could only shake her head. I thought you were done in December.

I changed my mind. Steven needs me, and I want to do it.

She gave him one of her best side-eyed glances. You’ve been riding the bench these last two months, haven’t you? You never told him you’re retiring, did you?

Bobby frowned. I did. He called me and asked me to do one more project.

Without discussing it with me first? This doesn’t just affect you.

He resumed gathering his clothes and things for the trip. I thought maybe it would be better this way.

For whom? This disrupts the household, the kids, and me.

His tone flattened. I’m going. There is nothing you can say to change that.

Bobby carefully packed his Harley’s saddlebags with his belongings. Janelle watched as he sped out of the driveway, the engine reverberating against the walls of the house. The false springtime of late February brought the opportunity for a bike ride, with the sun shining in the sky. The deceptively warm air rustled her honey-blonde hair, as she listened to the sounds of nature.

Janelle didn’t have any time to take in her surroundings as Melody let out a loud, wailing cry, her nose running, her hair quickly becoming damp with snot. She scooped Melody up, humming Hap Palmer’s Mommy Comes Back, only changing it to Daddy, like she always did. Ever since she was a baby, Melody cherished her dad so much that even when he had to leave the room, she would feel it emotionally as if he left town or the state.

Daddy goes vroom-vroom? Sebastian asked. That had been his term for when Bobby left on the bike.

Yep, he did, sweetheart. But he’ll be back, Janelle said, making her strongest facade in front of the kids.

Melody nodded in understanding, and brushed her hair off of her face, calming down.

Almost time for lunch and quiet time, Janelle said.

She moved into the guest room about a month ago. When she arrived, she found the fridge stocked with high quality, healthy food, a bottle of fine wine, and a six-pack of craft beer. He explained he still cared and caring meant making sure she ate well to make sure she could give their kids her best.

The twins outgrew taking naps, but Janelle offered quiet time after lunch every day anyway, and occasionally they fell asleep after playing for a while. She had hoped that this day would be one of those days they did, especially Melody, who had always been the best sleeper of the two.

Janelle made macaroni and cheese for lunch in the kitchenette in her room, because she didn’t want to deal with the lunch table protests and refusals to eat something healthier. Bobby disliked it when lunch