I smiled. That's exactly what I was thinking. Claire reached across the table and took my hand. You don't owe her anything. I know.
That night, I deleted Wanda's emails. Not because I wanted to punish her, because I didn't need them. The next morning, I went to work, came home, and continued with my life. Months passed. I started traveling again.
I repaired the old motorcycle I'd neglected for years. I spent more weekends with friends. I even started making plans without automatically thinking about what Wanda would want. It was a small thing, but it mattered. For 10 years, every decision had been we.
Now I could finally say I without feeling guilty. One Saturday morning, Claire and I were having breakfast when she looked at me. You seem happy. I am. "Really?"
I nodded. "Really." She smiled. Good. I looked across the table at her.
I realized something then. I hadn't moved on because Wanda had suffered. I hadn't moved on because Jack disappeared. I hadn't moved on because the divorce became final. I had moved on because I finally stopped waiting for the woman who betrayed me to somehow become the woman I thought she was.
That woman had never existed. And accepting that was what finally set me free. Almost a year after my divorce, I saw Wanda again. I wasn't expecting it. Claire and I had gone downtown for dinner.
We were sitting at a small restaurant near the river, talking about taking a trip together when I heard my name. Billy. I turned around. Wanda was standing a few feet away. For a second, neither of us said anything.
She looked tired. Not physically different, just tired. Her eyes moved from me to Claire, then back to me. Hi, she said. Hi.
Claire looked at me. You know her? Wanda is my ex-wife. Wanda gave a small nod. Ex-wife.
Claire stood up. I'm going to give you two a minute. "No," I said. "You don't have to." Wanda looked uncomfortable.
I just wanted to say hello. You did? She nodded. Then she looked at Claire again. She's beautiful.
Claire smiled politely. Thank you. Wanda looked back at me. Can we talk outside? I stood up.
Okay. We walked outside. The evening air was cool and the restaurant noise disappeared behind us. Wanda folded her arms. I didn't know you came here.
I didn't know you did either. She smiled faintly. I heard you're doing well. I am with her. Yes.
She nodded. How long? About half a year. She looked down. That's good.
I waited. She took a breath. I wanted to apologize again. You already did. I know.