My wife told me three days before my birthday that she was going away with her ex-husband. She didn't look nervous when she said it. We were standing in our kitchen on Thursday evening and she was scrolling through her phone while I finished cleaning up after dinner. My birthday is Saturday, I said. You remember that, right?
Janice looked up. Of course, I remember. Then what's this about you going to the coast? She put her phone on the counter. Caleb needs me this weekend.
I stared at her. Caleb? My ex? Yes. You're spending my birthday with your ex?
It isn't like that. That wasn't my question. She folded her arms. His mother is having a memorial service Saturday morning. He asked me to stay with him afterward.
He's having a hard time. I let the silence sit between us. You couldn't tell him no. He doesn't have anyone else. I almost laughed.
He has friends. He has family. And he has a girlfriend. Janice's expression changed. Don't start.
I'm not starting anything. I'm asking why your ex needs you specifically on the one weekend of the year that's supposed to be about us. She picked up her phone again. Because I promised him. And what did you promise me?
She looked irritated. Justin, it's one birthday. No, it's my birthday. You're acting like I'm choosing him over you. You are?
She shook her head. I'll be gone Friday night and most of Saturday. I'll come back Sunday morning. So, you'll spend Friday night, my birthday, and Saturday night with him. He asked me to stay at his house because the service is near there.
That was the first moment I stopped, treating the conversation like an argument about plans. You're staying at his house. There's a guest room. I nodded slowly. Does Caleb's girlfriend know you're staying there?
Janice looked away for half a second. I don't know. That answer told me more than she intended. I put the dish towel down. Let me ask you something directly.
If I told you 3 days before your birthday that I was spending the whole weekend with my ex-wife, would you be fine with that? That's different. Why? Because you're a man. You know how women are about these things?
I looked at her. That's your explanation. She sighed. Caleb and I were married for 8 years. We know each other.
I'm trying to be there for someone who needs support. And I'm your husband. I know. Then act like it. Her jaw tightened.
You're making this bigger than it is. No, I'm making it exactly what it is. She grabbed her purse from the chair. I already told Caleb I'd go. Then you already made your choice.
She stopped. I don't want to fight with you. Neither do I. She looked at me for several seconds. So, you're okay with it?
No. Then what are you saying? I'm saying I'm not going to beg my wife to spend my birthday with me. Her expression softened slightly, as if she expected that answer to make everything easier. I knew you'd understand.