“And if we don’t, you could lose six years of work.”
Neither argument was ridiculous. That was the problem.
***
The next morning, we found out just how serious Vanessa had been about her deadline.
“We know the truth,”
My phone began filling with messages from neighbors. She had started circulating screenshots of conversations with Irvin.
Can you come over? I need you.
Give me ten minutes.
You’re a lifesaver. Heart emoji.
Anytime.
Standing alone, his replies looked warm. Too warm.
Can you come over? I need you.
I didn’t think he’d cheated.
But I was furious that he’d given Vanessa so much material to work with before finally cutting her off.
“You knew she was flirting with you,” I said. “Why did you keep going over there?”
“Because I had zero interest in her. I thought that was obvious.”
“It wasn’t enough for it to be obvious to you.”
He went quiet.
