Understanding crossed her face.
“Oh.”
He hated that she had to understand.
“I know this is irrational.”
“No.”
“It’s conditioned.”
“That sounds therapist-approved.”
“It is.”
Rachel sat.
“I’m going to Denver.”
“I know.”
“For three nights.”
“I know.”
“I am sleeping alone unless the hotel has ghosts.”
He smiled.
“Good.”
She took his hand.
“And if you need reassurance, ask.”
“Don’t pretend you don’t because you’re afraid of being controlling.”
That sentence changed something.
Ethan nodded.
“I need reassurance.”
Rachel smiled.
“I love you.”
“I’m coming home Thursday.”
“And if plans change, I will tell you before they change.”
He exhaled.
“Thank you.”
Healthy relationships turned out to contain embarrassingly direct sentences.
No mind-reading.
Less performance.
More risk.
Five years after Vivian walked out, Ethan received an invitation to a charity dinner.
Vivian’s company was organizing it.
He almost declined.
Rachel said:
“Do you want to go?”
“I don’t know.”
“That means no.”
“Maybe.”
“What are you afraid of?”
“Feeling something.”
Rachel smiled.
“Unfortunately permitted.”
They went.
Vivian stood near the ballroom entrance wearing a dark green dress and speaking with a donor.
She saw Ethan.
Then Rachel.
Her expression changed.
Only slightly.
Professional training remained.
She finished conversation.
Then approached.
“Hi.”
“Hi.”
Ethan introduced Rachel.
Vivian shook her hand.
“I’ve heard good things.”
Rachel smiled.
“That sounds ominous.”
Vivian laughed.
“No.”
“Mara.”
“Ah.”
“Then definitely ominous.”
The awkwardness eased.
Vivian looked toward Ethan.
“You look good.”
“So do you.”
It was true.
Not because she looked glamorous.
Because she looked settled.
During dinner, Ethan watched her work.
Calm.
Focused.
No need to own the room.
Later, Vivian found him alone near the terrace.
“Rachel seems wonderful.”
“She is.”
Vivian nodded.
“I’m happy for you.”
Ethan believed her.
That surprised him.
He asked:
“How are you?”
“Good.”
“Really?”
She smiled.
“Mostly.”
“I sold the apartment.”
“Moved closer to my sister.”
“Business is smaller.”