When her condo required an emergency plumbing repair, I paid.
When Adrian insisted he needed a luxury SUV because his clients were “judging stability,” I paid the deposit.
Every expense had a reason.
Every reason had sounded temporary.
Somewhere along the way, temporary became the structure of our marriage.
Margaret leaned toward me.
“You earn more than enough.”
I smiled.
There it was.
Not:
Can you help?
Not:
Would this put you under pressure?
Just:
You have it.
Therefore we may use it.
“I could afford to buy a horse,” I said.
“That doesn’t mean you’re getting a horse.”
“This is not a joke.”
“I know.”
Adrian pushed the transfer form closer.
“Sign it.”
“No.”
His eyes narrowed.
