Donna and Craig were spending the evening at Jake’s apartment before celebrating their anniversary.
I had no desire to hurt them, but I was finished allowing Jake to hide behind the people who always rescued him.
I arranged for the framed package to be delivered that evening.
Less than an hour later, Jake called.
“How dare you send this here?”
“Did you read the estimate?”
“You embarrassed me in front of Mom and Dad.”
“You did that when you refused to pay.”
“Take it back.”
“Pay the bill.”
His voice became noticeably quieter.
“You knew they were here.”
“Yes. I wanted them to see what they’ve been protecting.”
Jake ended the call without another word.
—
A minute later, Timothy’s phone rang.
He answered, listened for a few moments, then walked outside with me.
“That was my mother,” he said. “She saw the frame.”
“Good.”
“You should’ve warned me, Elle. I didn’t know you did that.”
“I did. I said no before Jake touched the keys.”
“This is their anniversary.”
I met his eyes.
“I warned you yesterday.”
“This isn’t about a dirty car anymore.”
“You’re right.”
He blinked.
“What does that mean?”
“This isn’t about a dirty car anymore.”
“Jake ruined our car. You made me feel guilty for caring.”
“I was trying to keep the peace.”
“No. You were trying to stop Jake from getting upset.”
“That isn’t fair.”
“You pressured me after I said no.”
“I thought he’d bring it back clean.”
“You made me feel guilty for caring.”
“You knew he might not. That’s why you needed me to agree. If you decided alone, you’d have to admit that you chose him over me.”
Timothy stood there silently.
Neither of us spoke for several seconds.
Finally, his shoulders slumped.
“My parents expect us at dinner.”
“I know.”
“Are you coming?”
“Yes.”
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