Chapter 14 - Starting Again Without Proving Anything
Aaron didn't ask about my divorce until our fifth date.
When he did, he asked one question.
“What did you learn?”
Not what did Grant do?
Not how much money was involved?
Not was Vivian really that terrible?
What did you learn?
I thought for a while.
“That being needed isn't the same as being loved.”
Aaron nodded.
“And?”
“That love without respect becomes expensive.”
“Financially?”
“Sometimes.”
He smiled.
“And emotionally?”
“Always.”
We took things slowly.
I kept my apartment.
My company.
My accounts.
My safe.
Aaron never seemed threatened by any of it.
One evening, he saw Grandma's photograph.
“She looks formidable.”
“She was.”
“Would she like me?”
“No idea.”
He laughed.
“Fair.”
That was another thing I liked about him.
He didn't need approval from dead relatives.
Months later, Grant learned I was dating.
He sent one message.
I HOPE HE TREATS YOU WELL.
I answered.
THANK YOU.
Nothing more.
May you like
Nothing less.
Two people who had once promised forever had finally learned how to wish each other well from a distance.
