They stayed for 2 hours. My mother reorganizing my kitchen cabinets because she needed something to do with her hands. My father making a list of lawyers I should consult and assets I should protect. Normal parent things comforting in their mundanity. When they left, my father pulled me aside.
You know, we're proud of you, right, for handling this with dignity. A lot of men would have done something stupid by now. I still might, I said honestly. Ask me again in a month. He gripped my shoulder, that universal gesture of male affection, then left.
I watched them drive away and felt the first real crack in my composure. Seeing their pain, their anger on my behalf, their helpless desire to fix something that was irreparably broken, it made it all more real somehow. I went back inside and checked my phone. More messages, more people finding out, expressing shock, offering support, asking questions from Tom, our couple friend from book club. Dude, I had no idea.
Rachel seemed so normal last Tuesday. From Amanda, Tom's wife. I'm so sorry, James. Do you want to come to dinner this week? From Rachel's cousin, Jennifer.
My mom told me what happened. I can't believe Rachel would do this. I'm so sorry. One by one, I watched our social network realign. People choosing sides, making judgments, deciding who to believe, and because I had evidence, documented, undeniable evidence.
Most of them were choosing me. It should have felt validating. Instead, it just felt exhausting. Around noon, my phone rang. Unknown number.
I almost didn't answer, but something made me pick up. James Rossstein, a woman's voice professional. Unfamiliar speaking. This is Jennifer Ward from Cascade Tech. I'm the HR director.
I understand you have some information relevant to an internal investigation we're conducting. My heart rate picked up. What kind of investigation? I can't discuss details over the phone, but I'd like to meet with you this week if you're available. Bring any documentation you feel comfortable sharing.
This is about Rachel and Marcus. A pause. I can neither confirm nor deny that. But yes, your information would be helpful. We scheduled a meeting for Wednesday.
After hanging up, I sat with the implications. Sarah had worked fast. Or maybe someone else had reported it. Either way, Rachel and Marcus affair was now an official workplace matter. I should have felt satisfaction.