Where did you get that ring

said.

The words landed between us.

For a moment, I felt nothing.

Then I felt tired.

“Congratulations,” I said.

Her eyes filled, though whether from shame or strategy, I could not tell.

“He says if you don’t give him what he’s owed, we’ll have nothing.”

“What he’s owed?”

“He’s your husband.”

“He was my husband when my mother was dying too.”

Lauren flinched.

Good.continue reading …