That mattered more than anything.
As I left with my daughters, Max asked what would happen between Edward and me. I realized he still wanted my worth to depend on whether another man wanted me. I simply walked away.
In the car window, I saw my reflection. For once, I didn’t inspect my waist or wonder what Max would criticize. I just looked at myself. Then my youngest shouted, “Mom! Go!” I smiled, opened the door, and got in.
“Come to my wedding with Claire and bring the girls. Your invitation includes a +1, but we both know you don’t have anyone.”
That was very Max. After thirteen years of marriage and two daughters, he left me for Claire, his personal trainer, because he said I no longer looked the way he wanted. “Men are visual,” he told me. “Claire is perfect.” His words stayed with me long after he left.
