“I’m looking at you because I’m worried.”
“No. You’re looking at me like my mistake proves you should have been allowed to make the decision for me.”
Ethan’s expression changed.
Diane’s voice softened.
“You were right that staying with Malcolm this quickly was risky.”
Malcolm looked away.
“But being right about the risk does not mean you get control over my choices.”
Nobody spoke.
Finally, Ethan said quietly:
“I don’t think you’re incapable.”
“Then stop treating every mistake like evidence that I am.”
He nodded.
Not dramatically.
Not perfectly.
Just once.
Then, after a long silence, Ethan asked:
“What do you want to do now?”
Diane’s expression changed immediately.
I saw the tension leave her shoulders.
It was such a simple question.
And probably the one he should have been asking for years.
“I want a hotel room overlooking the beach,” she said.
