Because it was the first time anyone in that room had named what I’d been doing for years.
Restraining myself.
Holding back the truth. Editing my intelligence so others could stay comfortable. Shrinking my life so Grant could play successful and my parents could keep pretending the only daughter they couldn’t control was the problem.
I stood, picked up my clutch, and said, “You invited me to stay quiet. I did.”
No one stopped me as I walked out.
Not my mother, whose tears had become useless. Not my father, who no longer controlled the evening. Not Grant, too busy trying to explain away facts that only seemed small until spoken aloud by the wrong person.
By the time I reached the valet stand, my phone was already lighting up with calls from my mother.
I let every one ring.
Three days later, Elise ended the engagement.
