The question hits like a dart. Yes, he does. And the fact that she knows this intimate detail about him—about our current life—makes my stomach tighten.
“Skyler’s work ethic is admirable,” I deflect, “but we’re finding better balance these days.”
“That’s wonderful. He always talked about wanting more balance someday. When the time was right.”
“Mm-hmm,” I hum, hoping to move the conversation to actual charity.
But it doesn’t work.
“How long have you two been together now?” she asks, twisting a delicate gold necklace between her fingers. I recognize it from photos—a gift from Skyler during their relationship.
“Three years,” I answer.
“Three years,” she repeats. “And already part of the charity committee. You must be special.”
Already?!
Before I can respond, she leans in again, voice honeyed with false concern. “Has he taken you to the lake house yet? Summer at the Thompson retreat is magical. Some of our most precious moments were there.”
Each question is a carefully placed landmine. Each response reveals how much she still knows about Skyler’s life, how much access she still has to his world, and possibly to him.
“We’re actually planning our first trip there next month,” I say, the words tasting sour. I didn’t know about any lake house until this moment.
“First trip? Oh.” Her surprise seems genuine. “I assumed—well, it was always his favorite place to escape. I’m sure he’s just been busy.”
The conversation circles like this. Amanda drops references to shared history, asking questions that probe the boundaries of my relationship with Skyler.
“Skyler always said he couldn’t imagine getting married anywhere but the lake house,” she mentions casually, examiningher flawless manicure. “Has he taken you to see the spot where he always planned to say his vows?”
The question lands how she wanted.
Elaine watches our exchange with barely concealed satisfaction, like a cat who’s cornered two mice and is deciding which to pounce on first. The rest of the committee pretends to review their notes while hanging on every word.
I take a measured breath. “Skyler and I are building our own traditions. That’s what happens when you’re truly in love. You create something new together.”
The room falls silent at my declaration of love. It’s like I’ve committed some terrible faux pas. We’re engaged, for crying out loud! Amanda’s perfect smile freezes for just a microsecond before she recovers. The charity committee women exchange glances laden with meanings I can’t decipher. I’ve broken some unspoken rule. In the Thompson world, perhaps love isn’t supposed to be mentioned aloud. It’s meant to be arranged, negotiated, leveraged, and never felt.
“Amanda, that suit is divine,” Elaine pivots, her voice warming at least ten degrees. “Valentino?”
Amanda touches her cream lapel with modest acknowledgment. “From their new collection.”
“It’s perfect on you. But then, everything always is.” Elaine’s compliment lands like a spotlight, illuminating Amanda while casting shadows on everyone else. On me.
The contrast isn’t subtle. My wine-stained nemesis versus her couture-clad champion.
“You’re too kind,” Amanda demurs, though her posture straightens slightly under the praise, like a flower turning to the sun.
“Not kind. Just truthful.” Elaine settles into her chair, adjusting an invisible wrinkle from her fresh outfit. “Amandajust made partner at Whitfield & Cohen, ladies. Youngest in the firm’s history.”
A chorus of congratulations ripples around the table. I add my own, though it sticks in my throat like a pill swallowed dry.
Amanda appears momentarily surprised at Elaine’s knowledge of her recent promotion. “Thank you.”
“That reminds me,” Elaine continues, her eyes bright with manufactured nostalgia. “I was just telling Catherine about that wonderful summer at the lake when you and Skyler renovated the boathouse.”
Amanda’s face softens with what appears to be genuine remembrance. “I can’t believe you remember that.”
“Remember? My dear, I have photos framed in the lake house study. The two of you, covered in sawdust, laughing. It was the first time I truly saw how compatible you were.”
