Because I can't have children, Elena said. The words hung in the air. Mason's expression changed. He divorced you because because I'm infertile. Yes.
Elena's voice was flat. Natural conception isn't possible. I found out today. He found out today and he decided I was useless. That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard.
Ethan said. Ethan. No, Dad. Seriously, that's stupid. Like really stupid.
Sophie was staring at Elena with wide eyes. But you're not useless. Your husband sounds like a jerk, Ethan added. Ethan, language. I said jerk, not I know what you said.
Elena felt the corner of her mouth twitch. It wasn't quite a smile, but it was close. He is kind of a jerk, she admitted. Kind of. Ethan snorted.
He's a total Ethan. What? Mason pinched the bridge of his nose. Can we please have one meal without you editorializing? I don't know what that means.
It means stop talking. You're the one who said I should express my opinions. I'm regretting that now. Sophie giggled. Even Elena felt herself relaxing slightly.
These people were strange, chaotic, nothing like the cold, perfect family dinners she'd had with David. After dinner, Mason showed Elena to the guest room. It was beautiful. Creamcolored walls, a bed with too many pillows, an attached bathroom with fluffy towels. There are clothes in the closet, Mason said.
Caroline's, my wife's. We're about the same size, I think. Take whatever you need. I can't. Please.
Mason's voice was tired. Just let me help. Elena nodded. Mason turned to leave, then paused. Elena?
Yes. What happened to you today? What your husband did? That's not okay. I know.
No, I mean Mason struggled for words. You're not useless or defective or any of the things I'm sure he said. You're a person going through something devastating and you deserved better. Elena's throat closed. You don't know me.
I don't need to. Mason met her eyes. I know enough. He left. Elena stood alone in the beautiful room and finally let herself break.
She cried for an hour for her marriage, her body, her stupid, desperate hope that David had ever really loved her. When she finally crawled into bed, exhausted, she heard soft voices in the hallway. Is she okay? Sophie's whisper. She will be, Mason's voice.
Give her time. Can she stay? We'll see. I like her, Daddy. I know she's sad like Mara was.
Silence. Yeah, Mason said quietly. She is. But Mara got better because you helped her. Mara's still working on getting better, sweetheart.