HE GAVE MY PLACE TO HIS MISTRESS. OUR SON GAVE ME THE COMPANY

of us.

Julian’s hand rested on the edge of the desk.

“Do not say that because you are lonely.”

“I’m not lonely.”

“Then why say it now?”

“Because accuracy matters.”

Something changed in his face.

Not possession.

Not victory.

Grief, perhaps, for the people we had been.

He walked around the desk.

I did not move.

His fingers touched my jaw lightly enough that I could continue reading …