Page 6 of The Gathered Fragments of Us
Subject: Re: Flowers for Felicity's Birthday
Me: No. Just send it.
—Caden
~~~
Reckoning.
~~~
The file was... embarrassing.
Turns out I've been having my assistant manage my marriage.
Birthday gifts: always jewelry, always from the same two stores.
Anniversary: spa packages or weekend trips... most of which I probably canceled
Flowers: white roses, calla lilies, and wildflowers in the summer. Monthly rotational order signed "Love, Caden."
Restaurants: her five favorites, rotated on schedule
Additional Preferences: Chardonnay, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, likes country music, not a fan of surprises
Not a fan of surprises.
When did I stop trying to surprise her?
I scrolled further
Reservation at new French place for next month—her suggestion.
Sent flowers for her promotion.
Disappointed with the tennis bracelet—try something else next time, include a gift receipt.
Disappointed. My wife was disappointed in a gift she received, and Lauren knew it. She was preparing a backup plan. Because I didn't know her well enough to get it right. Was it the gift she didn't like? Or the fact that it wasn't actually from me? And she knew it.
Ping. Another email from Lauren.
~~~
To: Caden Barrett ([email protected])
From: Lauren Chase ([email protected])
Subject: Re: Flowers for Felicity's Birthday
I should mention—Felicity's had a difficult quarter. The merger has been stressful. She's mentioned wanting avacation.
~~~
Even my assistant knew she needed a break.
When had I stopped asking her how things were going?
Regret broke my heart. I thought about her when I stood in the kitchen. Her shoulders were slumped—defeated. Voice quiet. "I've run out of words, Caden."
