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The issues brewing beneath the surface came to a head on my thirty-second birthday.
Since the house had more space and many of my friends still lived in Jersey, Eric begrudgingly agreed to let Tara host the fiesta. Besides, she knew all my favorite recipes.
We arrived to find the party in full swing: Music filled the living room, people packed the dance area, and a gorgeous array on the buffet table filled the room with the tantalizing aromas of fried food, cumin, and chili powder.
Eric seemed quieter than usual, sipping his drinks, picking at his food. But it was nearly an hour into the party before he finally told me what was on his mind.
“That explains everything.” He nodded toward Tara, sharing a kiss with her date over by the buffet table. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Tell y
