ment my mother's friends showed up. The air had barely settled when Catherine and My

mmediately grew restless. He shifted in his seat, cleared h

ially not the kind who talked endlessly about people, relationships, and t

nd peace in silence, who preferred a book and a g

ming and heard the rising pitch of

ing to attend to," he said quickl

and left. And honestly, I couldn't blame him. That room w

ws his strength from silence and sol

ond. Catherine was the first to see me. Her eyes lit up the moment they met min

she asked with warmth in her voice, as if

ing my tone light though I felt the tension creepi

y on the surface. She looked up when she heard my voice and gave me a quick smile. It

d to leave the restaurant early yesterday w

a frown. I could tell that she was still bit

t girl," she said coldly. "She has no r

was sharp with disappointment. I kne

t tell your own mother?" she con

hat's going on?" she aske

m, I

sions like this and expect me to smile about i

er than before. She had a point, b

ease..."

t know how Eunice and I had gotten married quietly in Italy. Only Liz

ly add more tension to an a

hone rang. It wa

want again? I asked myself

please," I sa

a few steps away,

ediately. No greetings. No emoti

was cold a

said firmly. "I've already contacted a

jolt in

osed. "I have some important things to take care o

emotion. "I'm never important to you! You always put every

, her voice trembling. "You say 'later' ever

n't do this.

is watching? You can lie to everyone else, but you k

r friends, and Lizzy were all watching me. Th

l come now!" I said l

e. "Is she disturbing you again? Give me

h that Eunice definitel

own business for once? I

er end. Then clicking Eunice

one still in hand.

really ju

end... it wasn't just

es. This wasn't just about today's pitch. T

ght. And why does it feel like I'

ly shaken. That call felt different. Her tone, her fi

mportant business pitch today. Why was she choosin

together and retu

ck on some files at the

you," Lizzy off

ad. "Please, you c

e. I needed to

my mind: This has gone on long enough. I

hat I'm a man who knows wh