The guests drifted out in small groups. Staff cleared plates. The banner still hung above the table. James stood in the middle of the private room and stared at the empty chairs. He had brought Grace to show that he decided the terms. He wanted Evelyn to remember who set the rules. He did not expect Evelyn to end it in front of everyone.
Grace sat on the sofa, eyes red. “It's my fault," she said. “If I hadn't come, she wouldn't have broken up with you. I shouldn't have asked to be here."
James made his voice soft for her. “It isn't your fault," he said. “She made a fuss over nothing. She always does when she wants attention. She should have apologized to you. She was rude."
Grace shook her head. “She accepted my apology before. Maybe she really wanted to forgive me but—"
“She wanted to
