“I don’t think we can simply start over,” I answered. “But perhaps we can have a different kind of relationship.”
She looked at me.
“What would that mean?”
“For one thing, Daniel and I won’t discuss our relationship through you. And you shouldn’t have to discuss your marriage through me.”
Vanessa nodded slowly.
“I’d like that.”
“I also won’t be providing money whenever the two of you have a problem. If I want to give you something, I’ll offer it. You can accept or decline.”
She looked uncomfortable, but she didn’t argue.
“And I need you to understand that I won’t attend gatherings where you’re planning to make me the entertainment.”
“I won’t do that again.”
“I hope not.”
We finished our coffee.
When we stood, Vanessa hesitated.
Then she said, “The dress was beautiful, by the way.”
I looked at her.
“Thank you.”
She lowered her eyes.
“I really am sorry I ruined it.”
I picked up my handbag.
“So am I.”
We left the café separately.
I didn’t tell Daniel about the conversation.
If Vanessa wanted him to understand what she’d said, she could tell him herself.
Six weeks after the wedding, Mrs. Chen called to say my dress was ready.
She had managed to remove most of the frosting.
A faint shadow remained near the beading, visible only if I held the fabric under a strong light.
I thanked her and brought it home.
That afternoon, Daniel came to visit.
He’d called first.
We had begun speaking regularly again, although neither of us pretended the wedding had become a pleasant memory.
