“You invited your ex-wife into our home. You let her take my seat beside you. You let her insult me. You compared me to her the entire evening. And somehow the problem is that I ruined your birthday?”
Elaine lowered her gaze.
Rachel said quietly, “Mark, she’s
right.”
“Stay out of it.”
“You made it everyone’s business.”
Mark shoved his chair backward and stood.
“This party is finished.”
No one protested.
Guests began collecting coats, handbags, and phones.
A few stopped to hug me before leaving.
Daniel placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder.
Rachel stayed a little longer.
“Call me,” she whispered.
Mark heard her.
His face hardened.
Rachel looked at him, then back at me.
The disappointment in her expression seemed to hurt him more than anger would have.
Eventually, the front door shut.
Only four of us remained.
Mark.
