“You’re ending this over a stranger?”
Steven’s voice stayed calm. “I won’t.”
Christopher looked at me. “You’ve cost me everything!”
I stood, Benny tucked against my side.
“No. I only ordered coffee.”
He said nothing.
“You chose everything that came after.”
“I won’t.”
That was the first time all afternoon I saw Christopher look smaller than the room he owned.
***
A few minutes later, he approached my table again.
“I shouldn’t have treated you that way.”
This time, he wasn’t looking at Steven or Victoria.
“Thank you,” I said.
Steven pulled out the chair across from me. “Will you let me buy you lunch?”
“I shouldn’t have treated you that way.”
My old answer rose automatically.
“I’m fine.”
I caught myself.
“No. Actually, I’m hungry. Let’s eat.”
Victoria smiled and sat beside her father.
Mary brought over a fresh sandwich without being asked.
