I told her what had happened at the anniversary dinner.
She listened carefully.
Then she said,
“Well, that was certainly one way to have the conversation.”
“Was it a mistake?”
“It wasn’t a legal strategy,” she answered. “But you have an admission, and you made it clear that your daughter isn’t something you’re using for revenge.”
We scheduled another appointment.
That afternoon, I finally replied to Elon.
“I’m not ready to discuss our marriage. But you’re Sophie’s father, and I’m not preventing you from having a relationship with her. You can visit Wednesday at six at my parents’ house.”
He responded immediately.
“Thank you. I’ll be there.”
On Wednesday, he arrived eight minutes early.
He looked exhausted.
His shirt was wrinkled.
He hadn’t shaved.
He was carrying a stuffed giraffe with the store tag still attached.
Dad opened the door.
Looked at him.
