Then I gave her one answer. Tomorrow. One coffee. That's it. Ashley started crying.
Thank you. I ended the call. For the first time in a year, I knew exactly why she had come back. She wasn't calling to tell me she was happy. She was calling because she had finally realized what she had thrown away.
The next afternoon, I met Ashley at a coffee shop across town. I chose the place because I didn't want memories attached to it. She was already there when I arrived. She stood when she saw me. For a second, neither of us moved.
She looked different. Not dramatically, just older, more tired. She gave me a small smile. Hi. Hey.
I sat across from her. She wrapped both hands around her coffee. I didn't know if you'd actually come. I said I would. I know.
There was an awkward silence. Then she looked at me. You look good. I'm doing well. I heard.
From who? People. I nodded. She looked down. Are you happy?
I am. Her eyes moved toward the ring on my hand. There wasn't one. Still, she seemed disappointed. Are you with someone?
Yes. She swallowed. Claire? Yes. She looked away.
How long? Almost 6 months. She nodded slowly. I figured. You didn't call me here to talk about Claire.
No. She took a breath. I owe you the truth. You owed me that a year ago. I know.
I let her continue. Malcolm and I stayed together after I left. How long? About 4 months. And then?
He wanted me to move to Jamaica. I said nothing. I actually considered it. She continued. I thought I was going to start a completely different life.
What happened? We weren't what I thought we were. I leaned back. Meaning? He was exciting.
She paused. But that wasn't enough. I nodded. You realized that after you left me. Yes.
You realized it after canceling our wedding. Yes. And after moving out. Her eyes filled with tears. Yes.