It started after I moved in. She told me John had become controlling almost immediately. He questioned where she went, who she talked to, and why she still had certain friends. At first, Marilyn told herself it was insecurity. Then, she found out he had lied about his finances.
He had several debts he hadn't mentioned before they moved in together. He also expected her to cover expenses he had promised he could handle. "What else? " I asked. She looked down.
He was talking to another woman. I didn't react. How long? I don't know. Did you ask him?
Yes. What did he say? He said it wasn't serious. I nodded. And you believed him?
I wanted to. That sentence hung between us. She looked up. I thought I had chosen the right person this time. You chose him before you knew whether he was the right person.
I know. No, you don't. Her expression tightened. I continued. You were engaged to me.
You had a wedding 3 weeks away. John came back, proposed, and you accepted. Then you left me and moved in with him. I know you don't get to call that confusion after the fact. She looked down.
I deserve that. Yes. She didn't argue. For a few seconds, we sat in silence. Then she said, I left him.
When? Last week. Are you still engaged? She slowly shook her head. No.
So, it's over. Yes. I took a sip of coffee. Then what do you need from me? She looked directly at me.
I want to know if there's any chance for us. There it was. The question I knew was coming. I didn't answer immediately. Marilyn's eyes stayed on mine.
I made the biggest mistake of my life, she said. Maybe. Harry, you asked for honesty. I did. You made a choice.
John didn't force you. I didn't push you toward him. You chose him. Tears appeared in her eyes. I know.
And now that it failed, you're back here. She wiped her cheek. I came back because I realized what I lost. No. She looked confused.
You came back because what you chose didn't work. Her face fell. That's not fair. It might not be comfortable, but it's fair. She reached across the table.
I moved my hand away before she could touch it. She stopped. I still love you, she whispered. I looked at her. I loved you, too.
The past tense hurt her more than anything else I had said. She lowered her hand. You don't anymore? I don't know. For the first time, she looked hopeful.
Then I finished. And I'm not going to find out by getting back together with you. Her hope disappeared. I stood. I'll pay for the coffee.