Chuck almost smiled.
“You say that often?”
“More than you would believe.”
“What should I do?”
“Preserve evidence you already lawfully possess.”
“Document.”
“Do not impersonate anyone.”
“Do not threaten.”
“And do not make financial decisions just because you are angry.”
That last sentence landed.
Chuck scheduled a full consultation.
Then he met Ryan.
The steakhouse had been their place for years.
Ryan was already in the booth.
His usual confidence was gone.
“Chuck.”
“Ryan.”
Ryan rubbed his hands together.
“I assume this is about Jessica.”
“Yes.”
“Look, man…”
“I’m not here for an apology.”
Ryan stopped.
Chuck looked at him.
“I need the truth.”
Ryan swallowed.
“How long?”
Ryan looked toward the table.
“That depends what you mean.”
Chuck felt his pulse increase.
“Ryan.”
“About eight months.”
“Tyler too?”
Ryan hesitated.
That hesitation answered everything.
“Did you know?”
“Some of it.”
Chuck leaned back.
“Some.”
“Jess talked to both of us.”
“You mean slept with both of you.”
Ryan looked ashamed.
“Yes.”
“Together?”
“Not always.”
Chuck closed his eyes.
He had not needed that detail.
Ryan immediately said:
“I’m sorry.”
Chuck opened his eyes.
“How did this start?”
Ryan sighed.
“She was unhappy.”
“I know.”
“You were working constantly.”
“I know.”
“She came over after an argument.”
“Did she call you?”
“Yes.”
“And you decided sleeping with your best friend’s wife would help.”
Ryan’s face twisted.
“No.”
“It was stupid.”
“That is not a meaningful word.”
“What do you want me to say?”
“The truth.”
Ryan whispered:
“I wanted her.”
There it was.
Not alcohol.
Not loneliness.
Not a mistake.
Desire.
Choice.
Chuck nodded slowly.
“Thank you.”
Ryan looked surprised.
“For what?”
“For finally saying something honest.”
Chuck stood.
Ryan grabbed his arm.
“Chuck, please.”
Chuck looked down.
Ryan released him.
“I don’t want twenty years to disappear.”
Chuck stared.
“Neither did I.”
He left.
The following afternoon, Chuck met Tyler.
Not for drinks.
At a coffee shop.
Tyler looked worse than Ryan.
“I’m sorry.”
Chuck sat.
“How long?”
Tyler whispered:
“A year.”
“Before Ryan?”
“I don’t know.”
“Did you know about Ryan?”
“Eventually.”