“Danny doesn’t have to know anything. He’d be capable of anything. And I don’t want to imagine who would get the better of them. The less he knows, the better.”
“All right, precious. I don’t know anything.”
“Thank you,” I tell him. I feel almost relieved.
“I’m here for you. After all, you’re almost my sister-in-law.”
I burst out laughing as he wipes away my tears. “Thanks, and sorry for venting to you. But Drew, please don’t tell Danny anything.”
“Promise! You have my word.”
We finish lunch and continue shopping.
Around 1 pm, I return home. I feel tired. I put all the shopping bags on the table in the living room and then stretch out on the sofa. Zoë sits next to me with her face on her stomach, and I fall asleep.
I open my eyes because I hear the bell. I look at the clock and see 3:45 pm.
I go to open the door, still sleepy.
“Hi, Ingrid, come in.”
“Hi, Hailey. You look great with your pregnant belly. It suits you. I’m sorry I woke you up.”
“No, don’t worry, I had to wake up anyway.”
We go into the living room, and she’s amazed. “Wow, I see you’ve been shopping.” She laughs.
I look at her. I have to understand whether she’s sincere or whether she’s ready with a poisoned arrow to hurt me.
“Most things are for the baby.”
“So, it’s a girl?” she asks enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling.
“On Wednesday, we’ll have confirmation, but I’m convinced it’s a girl.”
“A mother is never wrong. May I?” she asks me, wanting to touch my belly.
“Sure.” The little one moves. Ingrid has tears in her eyes. It would make me tender if only I didn’t know what kind of snake she is.
We move to the kitchen. While I prepare the coffee, Ingrid seems agitated.
“Ingrid, what’s going on? What have I done this time?”
“You? Absolutely nothing.” She sighs. “I want to apologize. And I don’t know how to do it!”
“Why this change, if I may know?”
“I saw Jeremy with another woman, and I couldn’t believe my eyes. I’m sorry. You should know.”
“Ingrid, it’s okay. He’s been cheating on me for months with his assistant and another woman I don’t know.”
“And that’s okay with you?”
“Of course not! I told him I wanted a divorce more than once, so he can go out with whoever he wants.”
“Yet you’re still here.”
“Sure, because I don’t want to end up in the hospital.”
