Packing up the apartment she'd lived in for three years was bittersweet for Keeley. She'd put it off until the last minute, unwilling to acknowledge her departure. She could have started weeks ago, right after the wedding, but procrastination had won. Now, with only two days until her move, she wasn't even halfway done.

Valentina was already gone. Their official move-out day was Friday, July 12th, but Valentina, lacking time during the week, moved her belongings on Sunday.

Keeley promised they'd still hang out, but when would she find the time? Valentina practically lived at the hospital.

Jennica, back from her honeymoon, had resumed auditioning. She was determined to land one more good play this year before starting family planning. Neither of them was getting any younger, and they wanted multiple children.

Keeley felt a pang of jealousy. Having children was a distant dream for her; she needed job security first, as a single mother.

All her friends were moving on, leaving Keeley feeling adrift. At least Ryan hadn't changed; he still held the same job and would likely be available to hang out.

She surveyed her bedroom, piled high with clothes, knick-knacks, books, DVDs, and cat toys. How had she accumulated so much? It was far more than when she'd first moved in.

Her dad would store her belongings in her old bedroom, except for the two suitcases she needed for a week at Aaron's place. He didn't know she was staying with Aaron, only that she was housesitting for a friend. He'd never let her live it down if he knew it was his favorite son-in-law candidate.

"Sorry, Dad, that's not happening in this life or the next," she thought.

Molly, her cat, was having a field day jumping in and out of the packing boxes, making the task significantly more difficult. A nightmare scenario would involve Molly accidentally getting taped inside a box.

Keeley planned to start fresh in her next move, lacking storage space and funds for a storage unit. She'd already begun selling unnecessary items, like the couch.

Moving into a furnished place seemed her best bet. Worst-case scenario, she'd hit up garage sales. She kept only kitchen appliances not provided in the apartment, like the microwave. The couch, lamps, kitchen table and chairs, side tables, dresser, and bed frame were all for sale.

Her phone buzzed—a text from Aaron:

"Hey, I'm leaving tomorrow morning. I left my spare elevator key with the doorman. Just show your ID."

"Okay, thanks," Keeley replied. Feeling awkward about the considerable favor, she added, "Have a nice trip."

"Thanks. Help yourself to anything in the fridge or pantry, and let me know how Dinah's doing."

"Will do!"

Keeley sighed. So much packing remained. She wasn't ready for this temporary move, and staying in Aaron's apartment while he was away felt strange. At least she could binge-watch TV on his giant screen.

His apartment was much closer to NYU, cutting her commute almost in half. She tried to focus on the positives, ignoring the oddity of staying in her ex-husband's apartment for a week.

"I'm Keeley Hall; I'm here to pick up Aaron Hale's key," she said, though her awkwardness made it sound more like a question.

The doorman clearly remembered her, likely wondering what she was doing there after their dramatic breakup. She wanted to explain the temporary nature of her stay, but feared making things worse.

Resigned, she plastered on her most confident smile, though it probably looked strained.

Standing there with two suitcases, a hooded litter box, and a cat carrier, she received curious glances from the lobby's occupants. She clearly didn't fit in this ritzy building. Shame burned her face. She shouldn't have accepted Aaron's help!

"Yes, ma'am, let me help you with your luggage," the doorman offered professionally.

He took the suitcases, leaving Keeley to manage Molly and the litter box. He placed her luggage in the elevator as she held the door. "Thank you!" she said.

"Just doing my job, ma'am."

Upstairs, she considered where to begin. She didn't want Dinah and Molly to fight—Molly had no experience with other cats. Keeping Molly in a guest room seemed best.

She easily found the room she'd stayed in before. She set up the litter box and let Molly out. Molly sniffed cautiously before jumping onto the bed and sprawling out. With that done, Keeley went downstairs to feed Dinah.

"Hey, pretty girl," Keeley cooed as Dinah rubbed against her ankles. "Do you miss your dad?"

Dinah purred and continued rubbing.

"I'll take that as a yes."

She filled the food and water bowls, only then noticing her own rumbling stomach. She hadn't eaten since leaving work, preoccupied with moving after her dad dropped her off.

Opening the fridge, she found plenty of food left by Aaron. An omelet was easily within reach.

A small smile touched her lips. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.

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