Page 61 of Hello Darling

“I’m sorry we didn’t get to spend more time alone together today. I never got to show you the rest of the house. Do you want to see my old room?”

“Not unless your prepared to explain to everyone why a famous movie star is unabashedly fucking you in it. I don’t think I could control myself.”

“I just might be fine with that, you know. I’m super tipsy.” She leans forward, resting her forehead against my chest.

“You’re colorful.”

“I’m drunkity drunk and I’m embarrassed.”

“You shouldn’t be.”

“What are you like when you’re drunk?”

“Unbearably dazzling”

“I bet you are. Do you wish you hadn’t come?”

“I wish you were in my bed with me right now.”

“Why are you so wonderful? I’m an idiot. I overreacted at dinner, didn’t I?”

This is a trap. I know a conversational trap when I hear one, and this one has been casually laid out for me, but it’s a minefield. Fortunately, my answer is an honest one. “I think they should have discussed it with you, but I also think they weren’t being malicious in any way by not doing so. They just weren’t sure how to broach the subject.”

She shakes her head. “I’ve been fooling myself, thinking I’m holding this family together. They don’t really need me.”

I grab her hand. What I really want to say is: Youhavebeen fooling yourself. You don’t have to stay here, come with me. Come be with me everywhere, all the time. But I don’t say that. I say: “That’s definitely not true. You’re the heart of the family, it’s clear. Men just aren’t always very good at dealing with matters of the heart, that’s all.”

She’s like a tight fist that’s unfurling to reveal a lovely flower in the palm of its hand.

“Why are you so wonderful?”

“Will you come see me later?”

She shakes her head. “My dad…I should spend the night here. He gets sad…”

“I understand.”

“I’ll call you, though. Drive safe. Text me when you’re home.”

“Yes.” I kiss her forehead. “Yes.”