I told her what had happened at the anniversary dinner.
She listened carefully.
Then she said,
“Well, that was certainly one way to have the conversation.”
“Was it a mistake?”
“It wasn’t a legal strategy,” she answered. “But you have an admission, and you made it clear that your daughter isn’t something you’re using for revenge.”
We scheduled another appointment.
That afternoon, I finally replied to Elon.
*“I’m not ready to discuss our marriage. But you’re Sophie’s father, and I’m not preventing you from having a relationship with her. You can visit Wednesday at six at my parents’ house.”*
He responded immediately.
*“Thank you. I’ll be there.”*
On Wednesday, he arrived eight minutes early.
He looked exhausted.
His shirt was wrinkled.
He hadn’t shaved.
He was carrying a stuffed giraffe with the store tag still attached.
Dad opened the door.
Looked at him.
