"Fine," I reply.
That's all. I don't owe her anything anymore.
"It shows," she says.
Her lips curve slightly.
"Ethan's fine, I guess."
There it is, the twist. The mention.
My back tenses... just a little, just enough for me to notice. But not to be seen.
"Yes," I answer. "He is fine."
Vanessa nods slowly.
"He looks very happy lately."
It's not a question, it's a statement. And that... that makes me look at her more carefully.
"I'm glad," she adds. "Really."
But I don't know whether to believe her, I don't know if I want to. There is something in her way of saying it.
Something that does not reach the eyes.
"I imagine you two have been... getting closer again," she continues.
Silence. I don't respond right away, not because I don't have anything to say.
But because I'm dec
