Page 15 of July
“What? I don’t know what you’re talking about. I never even spoke to Garrett after your marriage, until recently.” I tell her, offended by her false accusation.
“That doesn’t mean you weren’t there, creating a giant wedge between us,” she says sadly. “He never got over you, and he never loved me like he loves you. That must make you proud.”
“No, that makes me sad for you. Your husband should love and cherish you above all others,” I weigh in with my sincere opinion.
“He did his best,” she admits quietly. “I really don’t blame him. He can’t help how he feels. I’ve always blamed you for it. But now, I’m starting to see that you don’t have any control over it, either. You didn’t make him keep loving you. In fact, you left him alone. He just couldn’t stop thinking about you… ever. Do you know what the final blow was to our marriage?”
When I shake my head, she reveals in a solemn tone, “He called out your name during sex.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry.” I reach across her desk to take her chilly hand, feeling terrible for the woman. “I can’t imagine how awful that was for you, and I don’t blame you for hating me. I would probably hate me, too.”
“I thought I did hate you. I certainlywantedto hate you. But now that I’ve met you, you’re making it difficult to place the blame solely in your court. You’re too caring and kindhearted to hate. I can see why he loves you so much.”
My heart goes out to her. She’s not a bad person. She was just stuck in an unfortunate situation that would make anyone jealous. I hate it that I’m part of the reason behind the severe pain in her eyes, but it’s a relief to know that Garrett has longed for me all of these years––just as I have ached for him.
“You deserve to be someone’s true love, Jillian. And I have every confidence that someday you will be. But please don’t block Garrett’s path to happiness while you wait for it.”
Our eyes lock across her desk, and I take a deep breath as I anxiously wait to see what the woman who holds my fate within her grasp will do.
