Chapter 12 - The Dinner Invitation
Six months later, Vanessa invited me to a charity dinner.
"You need a life."
"I have a life."
"You have spreadsheets and a toddler."
"That's a life."
She laughed.
"Come."
I eventually agreed.
At the dinner, I met Daniel Brooks.
He was a pediatric architect who designed children's hospitals.
He didn't flirt aggressively.
Didn't ask whether I was "over my ex."
Didn't tell me I deserved better five minutes after meeting me.
We talked about terrible hotel coffee.
Then books.
Then Hailey.
When I mentioned my daughter, I watched his reaction carefully.
He smiled.
"How old?"
"Almost two."
"Best age."
"You clearly don't have children."
He laughed.
"Fair."
I didn't give him my number.
He didn't ask.
Three weeks later, we met again through Vanessa.
This time, he asked.
I said no.
He smiled.
"Okay."
That surprised me more than if he'd argued.
Two months later, I gave it to him myself.
And that frightened me more than anything Liam had done.
Because surviving betrayal was one thing.
May you like
Trusting again was another.
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