Chapter 17 - THE FIRST DINNER WITH MARIBEL AGAIN
Two years passed before Maribel returned to Villa Corsini for dinner.
My marriage had shifted from separation toward careful reconciliation.
Not because family wanted it.
Because we did.
Slowly.
Separate therapy.
Joint counseling.
No living at the villa initially.
No demands from Estelle.
Then my mother’s eighty-first birthday.
Maribel asked Estelle directly, through a letter, whether her attendance would be unwelcome.
Estelle answered:
Come if you can behave.
My mother remained herself.
Maribel came.
No chain.
No gala gown.
Simple dark dress.
She stood when Estelle entered.
My mother said:
“Sit down. You’re making it worse.”
Everyone laughed.
Tension broke.
Then seating.
Someone had accidentally placed Maribel in the chair beside me.
The Lady’s Chair.
The room noticed.
Maribel noticed.
She did not sit.
She moved the place card to another chair.
Then asked the estate manager:
“Where should I be?”
“Anywhere.”
Maribel chose halfway down the table.
May you like
No ceremony.
That decision did more for our marriage than several apologies.
