Chapter 24 - Vanessa asks to meet me
Almost two years after the party, Vanessa requested a mediated conversation.
I initially refused.
Then accepted.
Curiosity.
Maybe vanity.
We met in a lawyer’s office.
No white gown.
No diamonds.
Simple navy dress.
She looked older.
Not dramatically broken.
Just human.
She began:
“I am sorry I sprayed you.”
I nodded.
“I am sorry I called you a beggar.”
I waited.
“I am sorry I threatened Caleb.”
Good.
“I am sorry I kept telling Ethan you preferred not to attend things.”
Better.
Then:
“I thought if I could control the introduction, you would like me.”
I almost laughed.
“You thought keeping me away would help me like you?”
“I thought eventually I could fix it.”
She looked down.
“My mother taught me that presentation buys time.”
There was the family inheritance.
I asked:
“Why the hose?”
Her face reddened.
“I was angry.”
“At what?”
“You wouldn’t leave.”
“Why did that matter so much?”
She was quiet a long time.
Then:
“Because you looked at me like I had no authority over you.”
I leaned back.
That answer I believed.
She continued:
“I was used to people responding when I said something was private property.”
“Staff?”
“Everyone.”
“And I didn’t.”
“No.”
“So you humiliated me.”
“Yes.”
No excuse.
No request for forgiveness.
I thanked her for being accurate.
May you like
Nothing more.
We never became friends.
