When I expressed a desire to become closer to Heather, Seth claimed she considered me unfriendly.
The deception had required surprisingly little effort.
He’d simply relied on us trusting his explanations.
I recalled a Sunday when I’d voluntarily watched Maddie and Ben for three hours while Heather attended a medical appointment.
Afterward, she’d thanked me and offered to buy lunch.
I’d declined.
Later, Seth told me she’d complained about my annoyed expression when the children arrived.
For weeks, I’d worried Heather thought I disliked caring for them.
When I explained this, she looked horrified.
“I said the opposite. I told Seth I didn’t know what I’d do without you helping sometimes.”
I pressed my forehead.
A single honest conversation could have prevented months of misunderstanding.
We’d just never spoken without Seth managing the information between us.
Heather examined her phone.
“I should have known something was wrong.”
