Chapter 14 - The Woman in the Red Jacket Returns
Nearly a year after the original dinner, Diane appeared at one of the group gatherings.
She stayed near the entrance.
Arthur noticed her.
So did I.
She didn’t approach.
At the end of dinner, Arthur walked toward her.
“Robert told me about the donations.”
Diane looked embarrassed.
“He wasn’t supposed to.”
“He didn’t.”
She smiled faintly.
Arthur glanced at her.
“Why are you here?”
“My therapist told me apologies aren’t supposed to demand anything from the person you hurt.”
Arthur waited.
“So I’m not asking you to forgive me.”
“Okay.”
“I just wanted you to know I’m sorry I made you feel like you didn’t belong.”
Arthur looked toward Boone.
“You made him feel like he didn’t belong.”
Diane nodded.
“That too.”
Then Arthur surprised me.
“Sit down.”
Her eyes widened.
“For what?”
“Dessert.”
Diane hesitated.
Arthur smiled.
“Crème brûlée.”
May you like
She laughed unexpectedly.
Then she sat.
