Victor’s knee bumped mine under the table at 7:41 and he shifted away like I’d burned him.
Dinner was plated. His mother talked about the donors. His father poured wine. Cole and Ethan sat across from me, quiet, watching the way I sat carefully on the chair because every small movement pushed more of them out of me. I’d showered just enough to rinse my skin and smooth my hair. Nothing else. The thin dress I’d put on clung where I was still damp between my thighs. Victor cut his steak and didn’t look at me once. When his mother asked if the flight had been comfortable, he answered for both of us. His hand never moved toward mine.
After the plates were cleared he stood, checked his phone, and said he had calls. He kissed his mother’s cheek on the way out of the dining room. Robert’s eyes f
