I met her eyes.
“That doesn’t mean this is a good idea.”
“No.”
She nodded.
“It probably isn’t.”
Something in my chest sank.
Then she added, “But I don’t want to decide based on what everyone else will think.”
“That’s not the only concern.”
“What’s yours?”
I answered too quickly.
“Daniel.”
Her face softened.
“Mine too.”
“He’ll feel betrayed.”
“I know.”
“He may never understand.”
“I know.”
“And you’re still married.”
“Legally. For now.”
“That matters.”
“Yes.”
We sat silently.
Then Karen said, “My attorney thinks the divorce will take at least six months.”
“Okay.”
“I’m not asking you to wait for me.”
“Good.”
“I’m asking whether there’s something here worth waiting for.”
I looked at her.
That was the moment I could have lied.
I could have protected the friendship.
Protected the Mercer family’s idea of me.
Protected myself.
