Chapter 3

3: 3

George stared at me.

"Mr. James, you took the overseas posting so you could earn more, so your wife could have a better life. You went through all of that, and now you're barely home and you want to—"

I gave a bitter smile and didn't explain.

Three years away from home, the loneliness, every night I had to get through. Even a casual friend would have checked in on me now and then.

But my wife never asked once. She was off at her old flame's side and couldn't even be bothered to pick up the phone.

"Thanks for the trouble."

I stepped out and went straight home.

Vera didn't get back until the next morning.

She saw me eating breakfast at the table and tossed me a half-eaten box of food.

"Here. That seafood chowder place you love. I went out of my way to get it for you."

She didn't even glance at me, just flopped onto the big bed in the bedroom and started scrolling her phone.

I wiped my mouth, got up, and walked to the bedroom door.

"Where did you stay last night?"

The screen went dark, and Vera's face turned toward me with an irritated frown.

"I was busy way too late. I got a hotel nearby and slept there."

"With Joachim?"

She turned her head and glared at me.

"By myself, obviously."

"Joachim and I are just good friends. How many times have I told you? One trip abroad and your mind's all filthy, you look at everything like it's dirty."

"Don't tell me this is the important thing you wanted to talk about."

I looked at the row of red marks showing along her collar and didn't push it.

"I went to see Mom and Dad yesterday. They didn't look well. I want to find a time to take them to a doctor."

Vera froze for a second, guilt flickering through before she caught it.

"Come on, they're old. A little discomfort is normal at their age. Don't be so sensitive."

"Let's talk about it after the gallery show. There's a big buyer who wants to pay top dollar for one of Joachim's paintings. I'm already run off my feet. Don't add to my headaches."

Funding Joachim's show, running around for him.

Taking my parents to a doctor was blowing things out of proportion. Being sensitive.

I quietly backed out of the bedroom and shut the door. I heard Vera laughing, and I didn't have to wonder who she was talking to.

I went to George again.

"I need one more favor."

...

A week later, Joachim's gallery show.

Vera wore a white strapless evening gown, her arm hooked through Joachim's in his designer suit, the two of them greeting guests at the door.

When she saw me arrive in a suit, her hand dropped without thinking.

"Clyde, what are you doing here?"

I smiled and picked up a glass of champagne by the entrance.

"Came to show support. And to see you."

Vera looked around, then pinched the cuff of my jacket and dragged me into a corner, dropping her voice.

"You gave me attitude the other day and I let it slide, but today is Joachim's big day. Don't say anything stupid. If anyone asks, you're my cousin. We'll talk it all through at home."

"You ruin this show, and it's more than you can pay for!"