Chapter 12 - Vanessa Didn’t Get To Make Her Apology Private
Vanessa found Evelyn near the service entrance.
Evelyn was speaking to someone from the employment agency.
“Yes, I’m safe.”
Pause.
“No, I haven't decided yet.”
Vanessa stopped several feet away.
Evelyn saw her.
“I'll call you back.”
She ended the call.
Vanessa said:
“Can we talk?”
Evelyn almost laughed.
“About what?”
Vanessa looked toward the kitchen.
“Not here.”
Evelyn’s expression changed.
“No.”
Vanessa stopped.
Evelyn continued.
“You poured water over me in the foyer.”
“I know.”
“You grabbed my hair.”
“Yes.”
“You shoved me.”
“Yes.”
“In front of staff. In front of Lily.”
Vanessa looked down.
“Yes.”
“So you don't get to move the apology somewhere quiet because being witnessed embarrasses you.”
Vanessa's face tightened.
That was exactly what she had wanted.
Daniel entered from the hall.
He stopped when he saw them.
Vanessa looked at him.
For once, she did not ask him to leave.
Mrs. Alvarez was in the kitchen doorway.
Two cleaners were farther down the hall.
Vanessa turned back to Evelyn.
“I accused you of stealing because I wanted Daniel to doubt you before you could tell him why you were upstairs.”
Evelyn waited.
“I poured water over you to humiliate you.”
Vanessa swallowed.
“I pulled your hair and shoved you because I panicked when you said someone gave you the key.”
No explanation yet.
Better.
“I’m sorry.”
Evelyn looked at her.
Vanessa added too quickly:
“I was afraid—”
Evelyn held up a hand.
Vanessa stopped.
“That's yours.”
Vanessa stared.
Evelyn continued.
“The apology can be mine. The reason can stay yours.”
Daniel looked away.
Vanessa’s eyes filled.
She nodded.
“Okay.”
Evelyn asked:
“Are you apologizing because Daniel knows what happened?”
Vanessa flinched.
“No.”
“Would you be standing here if he hadn't come into the foyer?”
Long silence.
“I don't know.”
“That’s an answer.”
Vanessa looked at the floor.
Evelyn continued.
“I’m filing the incident with the agency.”
Vanessa nodded.
“And I haven't decided whether I’m filing a police report.”
Daniel said:
“You should do whatever you think is right.”
Evelyn looked at him.
“Don't.”
He stopped.
Not offended.
Corrected.
“Sorry.”
Vanessa took a breath.
“Do you want me away from you while you’re still here?”
“Yes.”
Vanessa nodded.
She left through the main hall.
Mrs. Alvarez disappeared back into the kitchen.
The cleaners returned to work.
No applause.
Daniel stayed.
After a moment he said:
“I owe you something too.”
Evelyn looked tired.
“Can it wait?”
“Yes.”
That answer seemed to surprise him.
He turned to leave.
Evelyn stopped him.
“Daniel.”
He looked back.
“Your father didn't give me the key because he trusted me more than you.”
Daniel’s expression changed.
“I didn't say that.”
“You thought it.”
He couldn't deny it.
“He gave it to me because staff were the people he was used to asking to hold things without consequences.”
Daniel stared.
“My mother did it. I did it. Vanessa used it too.”
Daniel looked toward the foyer.
“What do you want me to say?”
“Nothing.”
He waited.
Evelyn picked up her bag.
“I want you to notice it before the next person has to.”
Then she walked out the service entrance.
Not the front.
She stopped on the steps.
Looked back through the glass.
Then turned around, walked along the side of the house, and entered the foyer.
Daniel was still standing there.
Evelyn crossed the marble floor beneath the staircase and went out through the front door instead.
May you like
Vanessa watched from upstairs.
Neither woman spoke.
