Julian's sister, Tess, invited me to dinner because she had always considered our relationship her business.
"You're still coming Friday, right?" she asked on the phone. "I told you the last time I was never taking sides again, and then you broke up at my birthday."
"I remember."
"You sent me a plant."
"I thought it was a good apology."
"It died in my kitchen."
"I'm sorry."
"You said that about the plant or the breakup?"
"Both."
She laughed, then paused. "I'm asking because I'd like you there. Not as Julian's girlfriend. Not as Julian's ex. You're my friend."
The sentence left me with no excuse. "All right."
When I arrived at Tess's house, Julian was already in the kitchen, pouring wine. The sight of him there caught me off guard. He looked at the label in his hand.
"Do you wan
