Chapter 5 - THE WOMAN WHO STOOD BESIDE HIM
Lauren Pierce entered Adrian's office shortly after noon.
She wore a cream-colored suit and carried a leather portfolio.
“Adrian.”
He looked up.
“What?”
She hesitated.
“I heard Claire left.”
He said nothing.
Lauren approached.
“I'm sorry.”
Adrian stared at her.
“Are you?”
She froze.
“Of course.”
He looked toward the window.
“For nine years, you attended dinners with me.”
Lauren nodded.
“Business dinners.”
“You traveled with me.”
“Yes.”
“You called me at midnight.”
“Because you asked me to.”
Adrian turned.
“And you knew my wife was unhappy.”
Lauren looked away.
“I assumed you knew.”
He laughed bitterly.
“Apparently everyone assumed that.”
She stepped closer.
“Adrian, Claire always seemed distant.”
He looked at her.
“Distant?”
Lauren hesitated.
“She wasn't interested in your business.”
Adrian stared.
Then remembered Claire sitting at dinner parties, quietly listening while Lauren discussed contracts and acquisitions.
He remembered interrupting Claire whenever she asked a question.
You wouldn't understand.
He remembered telling her not to embarrass him.
He looked at Lauren.
“Did she ever try?”
Lauren said nothing.
Adrian's expression hardened.
“Did she?”
Finally, Lauren whispered:
“Yes.”
The room went silent.
Adrian looked away.
May you like
For years, he had told himself Claire wasn't interested in his world.
Now he wondered whether he'd simply made sure she never felt welcome in it.
