The Anniversary Dinner He Gave to Her novel · Chapter 9 of 24

Chapter 9: Dale Isn't Dead

Hugh sent the waiter away and pulled out a chair for me.

He did not pull one out for Cora, who had already taken the best seat.

"You don't have long," she said. "Gail's driver drops her at church at nine, and he'll check the guest wing when he gets back."

"Then say it quickly," I said.

She turned her cup a quarter turn on its saucer.

"She froze your cards on Friday night."

"I don't have any cards in her name."

"The credit card is on the family plan. The phone is too. She's closing both today. By lunch you won't have a working phone." She breathed in. "She also called your office on Saturday and told your boss you were having a breakdown."

"She did what?"

"She said you were unstable and might say things to patients. He said he'd think about it."

My hands had gone cold on the tablecloth.

"Why are you telling me this?" I said.

"Because I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For all of it," Cora said. Her voice shook. "I didn't want the ring. I didn't want the table. Neil handed me the box in front of everyone and I couldn't say no without breaking him, and I never meant for you to watch."

"You could have called me."

"Gail was in the room."

"You came out to the car on Sunday and told me about Thursdays. Gail wasn't in the room then."

"I know." She pressed her lips together. "That was the most frightened I've ever been."

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