“I felt like there were three people in our marriage before we even got married.”
I considered that.
“Did you tell him?”
“Yes. We argued about it.”
“And what did he say?”
“He said I was imagining things.”
I sighed.
Daniel’s habit of avoiding uncomfortable conversations had hurt more than one relationship.
Vanessa continued.
“When you offered to pay for the reception, I felt like I couldn’t say anything. Everyone acted as though I should be grateful.”
“You didn’t have to accept the gift.”
“I know.”
She wiped her eyes.
“I started feeling as though this wedding wasn’t really mine. Then I saw you asking about the dance and the photographs, and I got angry.”
“So you decided to embarrass me.”
She nodded.
“I thought people would laugh. I thought you’d be too polite to make a fuss.”
I let her words settle.
That was the most revealing thing she’d said.
She had counted on my silence.
“Vanessa, I understand feeling uncomfortable about accepting financial help. I would have listened if you’d told me.”
“I know that now.”
“But you cannot manage your insecurity by humiliating someone who hasn’t hurt you.”
Her eyes filled.
“I’m sorry, Eleanor. Not because the extra services were canceled. Because I wanted people to laugh at you, and I knew you wouldn’t like it.”
I nodded.
“Thank you for saying that.”
“Can we start over?”
I looked out the café window.
A young couple was crossing the street, sharing an umbrella.
