Page 91 of The Family Guest

“Are you okay, Matt?” I asked calmly.

A vein popped along his neck. “How could you do that to me?”

I batted my eyes with mock confusion. “Do what?”

“Serve me divorce papers while I was in the middle of an important meeting.”

“Oh…that.”

“Oh…that,” he mock-mimicked. “Natalie, why didn’t you tell me you want a divorce?”

“Why didn’t you tell me you’re screwing half my friends? Should I put some gift-wrapped framed photos under the tree?”

Busted. His face fell like a theater curtain. He swiped a hand across his forehead.

“Nat, let’s go back to counseling. We can work things out.”

“No, Matt. There’s no going back.”

“Please, Nat. Let’s give it one more shot.” His desperate expression was pathetic, but it only made me fiercer. More determined. As heartless as the Tin Man.

“No, Matt.”

“Arrowhead will be good for us. Help us heal.”

“The only reason I’m not canceling the vacation is for the children. It’ll be their last family vacation with us together.”

“Do they know?” His voice was small. Defeated.

“No. Only Tanya knows. I’m surprised she didn’t tell you.”

“She didn’t.” He blew out a long, resigned breath. “When are we going to tell Paige and Will?”

“I think it’s best to tell them after the holidays. I don’t want to ruin their Christmas.”

Matt agreed. I proceeded to tell him that once we broke the news, I wanted him to move out of the house. He looked crestfallen.

“I’m going to have a drink and then I’m going to call my sister.”

Without another word, he slogged over to the bar. Watching him pour some bourbon, I bent down to pick up the Tin Man. I hung the ornament on the tree right next to the hand-painted Nutcracker. And smiled.

I’d just busted my husband’s nuts.

Score one for me.

FORTY-NINE

NATALIE

Christmas went smoothly. It was even festive.

On Christmas Eve, I made a rack of lamb with a special vegan dish for Paige, and we all went to midnight mass at Saint Andrew’s. On Christmas morning, everyone woke up early and gathered in their pajamas around the tree for the opening of presents. Usually, Bear joined us, but I kept him outside with his new chew toy on account of Tanya. The good news was we hadn’t lost him and maybe that was the best Christmas present ever.

To prevent a paper-tearing frenzy, we each opened our presents one at a time, beginning with Will. Then it was Paige’s turn followed by Tanya’s. Will and Paige were thrilled with their presents, but Tanya seemed miffed.

“Natalie, some stupid book and only a two-hundred-dollar gift card to Urban?”

“You better use it quickly,” quipped Paige, knowing Tanya would be going home after the first of the year. There was no love lost between them. I had told my daughter about the tuition issue, leaving out the real reason I couldn’t afford to let our exchange student stay.