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really knowing how to feel. I knew I had done the right thing in asking for space. This time would be good for us. Hayes would have the time to realize how much he missed his old life. He was only twenty years old, too young to be living this domestic life with me. And maybe the time apart would allow me to remember not to rely on him for everything.
    A sob tore from my chest as I really thought about that, and I silently prayed I was wrong. That the time apart would pull us closer together, that Hayes would never want that partying lifestyle again. That he would want Harley and me for more than just fulfilling an obligation.
    I pulled my phone out and texted Miranda.
    Me: Are you busy? I need out of the house.
    She texted back less than a minute later.
    Miranda: I’m at Brad’s doing laundry while he works. Come on over.
    Me: Great. See you soon.
    After pushing myself up off the bed, I cleaned my face in the bathroom and walked into the living room. Hayes was sitting in the chair watching some action movie. “I’m going to wake Harley up and go see Miranda.”
    He muted the TV and turned to look at me. I hated to admit this, but seeing him still angry was hot. His jaw ticked as he stared at me, and I wanted to squirm a little under his penetrating gaze. “Let her sleep. Maybe Miranda will be able to talk some sense into you about us.”
    “I can take—”
    “Let her sleep. You need the adult time.” He tossed the remote on the table and walked toward me. He didn’t say anything else, just placed a small kiss on my cheek and walked into the kitchen to pour a glass of tea.
    “Thanks,” I said, then gathered up my purse, keys, and put my coat on. “I have my cell if you need me.”
    “We’ll be fine.” He took a drink. “Oh, and, Mac?”
    “Yeah?”
    “I love you.”
    I nodded, and whispered, “I love you, too.” Then I walked out the door to my SUV.
    On the ride to Brad’s, I turned the radio up as loud as I could stand it, letting it drown out my thoughts. I just wanted a few minutes without all the crazy thoughts. Thoughts about my parents, my brother, Hayes, whether I was good enough for him…that’s what it all came down to with our relationship issues. Was I good enough for him?
    I made it to Brad’s apartment in thirty minutes and knocked on the door. A minute later, Miranda answered wearing a tank top and shorts. “Aren’t you cold?” I asked as I stepped inside.
    “It’s flipping hot in here,” she replied as she shut the door. “And laundry always makes me sweaty. I think it’s because I hate it so much.”
    I nodded and flopped down on the couch.
    “Wanna talk about it?” she asked as she sat down in the recliner.
    “No. Yes. I don’t know.” I covered my face and let the words tumble out. “I asked Hayes for space.”
    “Because of Baylee?”
    “Yes and no. I mean, I know he would never cheat, I’m not worried about that. But I don’t feel like I’m good enough for him. I feel like he’s throwing his life away on me. So, I think I’ll give him some space and let him come to his senses. Lord knows I won’t be able to let him go otherwise.”
    “Mackenzie, that’s ridiculous.”
    “Is it? I just had my brother, who I haven’t seen in over eight years, by the way, show up on my doorstep to tell me my dad is dead and my mother is having psychological issues.”
    Her eyes rounded with shock. “Wow.” She was quiet for a moment, and I knew she was considering how to word her next sentence. “Don’t take this the wrong way, okay? I know it has to be sad to hear about your dad, but he really doesn’t deserve any tears from you. And I don’t think the thing with your mom is a big shocker. Only someone sick in the head would allow their child to be beaten and not do anything about it.”
    She had a point. “Maybe.”
    “And as far as you not being good enough for Hayes, that’s for him to decide. Trust me.” She got up and sat down on the end of the couch. “When