***
The following morning, Vanessa called.
“Everything is arranged.”
“Did Nathan agree to meet?”
“Yes.”
“What did you tell him?”
“That we needed to discuss our separation.”
I smiled.
“Does he suspect anything?”
“Not a thing.”
She laughed.
“He even told me he wants to settle everything peacefully.”
I nearly spilled my coffee.
“Nathan? Peacefully?”
“Wait until he sees who else is coming.”
For five years, Nathan had controlled the story.
He decided what people believed.
He decided when relationships ended.
He decided which responsibilities he wanted to acknowledge.
But on Thursday, Vanessa and I were finally going to have a conversation he couldn’t control.
***
I arrived at the restaurant a few minutes early.
Vanessa was already seated with a menu in front of her.
“Thinking of ordering?” I asked.
She grinned.
“I’m considering the most expensive steak.”
“Feeling wealthy?”
“No. I’m just imagining Nathan’s expression when the bill arrives.”
