Page 117 of The Secret to Belonging

you can choose a different life for yourself

Jeanine calls everyone to come and get it

you’re scooping up potato salad

when you smell European perfume

Alison

Maura heads to a picnic table, calls in Norwegian

i’ll save you a spot if you need one

ja, you say. tusen takk

Alison is awkward, uncomfortable

no chic Italian confidence

i heard what happened with the fire

i am so, so sorry

thanks

you turn to go

i’m also sorry about everything

that happened in Norway

i was so stupid

i don’t know what i was thinking

i never, ever wanted to hurt you

you look out over the ocean

i know you didn’t

it’s okay

it’s not okay!

i was selfish and out of control and crazy

tears roll down her face

i swear i’ll never do anything like that

ever again

you realize

standing there with your hands full of food

surrounded by people talking and laughing