Small card.
I had not written anything yet.
I sat on the closet floor holding the box.
For several minutes, I considered returning it.
That would have been sensible.
Then an idea came.
Not revenge exactly.
Something colder.
Finality.
I put the package aside.
Sunday afternoon, Blake posted a photograph on social media.
I did not follow him.
Rachel sent it to me because apparently my family had temporarily become an intelligence agency.
Restaurant table.
Two cocktails.
No Lauren visible.
But the location was Atlantic City.
I blocked Blake.
Then asked Rachel not to send anything else.
“I don't need evidence of what I already know.”
She respected that.
Sunday night, Lauren called.
The first call since she left.
I watched it ring.
Answered on the fourth ring.
“Hi.”
Her voice sounded cautious.
“Hi.”
“How are you?”
“You asked that.”
“I know.”
A pause.
“I just wanted to hear your voice.”
“Okay.”
“Are you angry?”
“Yes.”
“I understand.”
That was new.
Then:
“I don't want you imagining things.”
I almost laughed.
“What am I imagining?”
“This isn't some affair that's been happening for months.”
“Is that supposed to help?”
“I'm saying I didn't cheat before Friday.”
“Emotionally?”
Silence.
“Lauren.”
“I don't know what that means.”
“You do.”
She exhaled.
“Blake and I became close.”
“Yes.”
“I didn't plan it.”
“That doesn't answer me.”
“I don't want to fight.”
“Then why did you call?”
Another silence.
“I wanted to make sure you're not doing anything impulsive.”
There it was.
Not concern.
Asset management.
“Like what?”
“I don't know.”
“Changing locks?”
“I didn't say that.”
“Canceling cards?”
“No.”
“Throwing your belongings away?”
“Ethan.”
“I haven't done any of those things.”
“Good.”
She sounded relieved.
Then she said:
“I knew you'd be reasonable.”
Reasonable.
You always forgive me in business casual.
I asked:
“When are you coming home?”
Lauren paused.
“I don't know yet.”
“Are you with Blake now?”
Another pause.
“Yes.”
I closed my eyes.
“In his hotel?”
“Ethan.”
“That is a yes.”
“I'm not discussing details.”
“You don't need to.”
She became frustrated.
“You said if I left, things would change. I heard you. But I need time.”
“You've had two days.”