Chapter 14 - THE MAN WHO DIDN'T ASK ME TO FORGET
I met Daniel Carter at a community architecture fundraiser.
He was a civil engineer.
Thirty-eight.
Divorced.
Quietly funny.
And completely unimpressed by expensive titles.
We were assigned to the same table.
He asked about my work.
I told him about Bennett Studio.
He listened.
Really listened.
Not the kind of listening where someone waits for their turn to speak.
The kind where they remember details.
At the end of the evening, he asked if I'd like to have coffee.
I hesitated.
Then smiled.
"Maybe."
He laughed.
"That's fair."
A week later, we met at a small café.
He didn't ask about Ryan.
He didn't ask about the court case.
He asked about my favorite buildings.
My daughter.
My dreams.
Eventually, I told him the truth.
All of it.
The affair.
The stairs.
The hospital.
The trial.
He listened quietly.
When I finished, he said:
"I'm sorry you went through that."
I looked down.
"People usually tell me I'm strong."
He smiled gently.
"You are."
I nodded.
"But?"
"But you shouldn't have had to be."
My eyes filled.
For a long moment, I couldn't speak.
Then I smiled.
"Thank you."
He reached across the table.
Stopped.
And waited.
I placed my hand in his.
For the first time in years, I didn't feel as though love required me to ignore my instincts.
It felt calm.
May you like
Patient.
Safe.
