Chapter 13 - LILA RETURNED TO GLASSWOOD WITH A REQUEST THAT FORCED SERENA TO DECIDE WHETHER FORGIVENESS NEEDED FRIENDSHIP
The planning kickoff took place in the same ballroom.
Glasswood had renovated some details.
New carpet.
Different bar.
The ceiling remained.
Hundreds of suspended glass lights.
Lila stood by window with folder.
Serena entered with Jasmine, who would lead.
Lila smiled.
“Hi.”
“Hi.”
No lawyers.
First time in years.
Business.
The client foundation supported women-owned small businesses.
Lila’s company was presenting sponsor.
Irony strong.
Jasmine went logistics with venue.
Lila asked Serena:
“Can we talk five minutes?”
Serena said:
“Sure.”
They walked terrace.
Cold Denver air.
Years ago Serena stood same outside after Nolan ordered leave.
She noticed body calm.
Lila looked nervous.
“I’ve wanted ask something.”
“Okay.”
“Do you forgive me?”
Serena almost laughed.
“Why now?”
“My daughter is sixteen.”
Serena did not know Lila had daughter.
“Okay.”
“She started dating.”
“And?”
“I found myself telling her things about honesty.”
“Boundaries.”
“Not accepting stories that require another woman to be villain.”
Lila smiled sadly.
“I heard myself.”
Serena understood.
Lila continued:
“I knew Nolan was married.”
“Yes.”
“I believed him that marriage ending.”
“Yes.”
“I also wanted believe.”
“Yes.”
“I liked attention.”
“Yes.”
Lila laughed.
“You don’t soften.”
“Would that help?”
“No.”
She breathed.
“I don’t want friendship if you don’t.”
“That’s honest.”
“I just want know whether I still owe apology.”
Serena looked through glass.
Jasmine moving chairs.
Venue team.
No Nolan.
“No.”
Lila’s eyes filled.
“That means forgive?”
“Maybe.”
Serena thought.
“I don’t carry debt.”
“I don’t think about your silver dress unless someone brings.”
“I don’t need punishment.”
“But friendship is separate.”
Lila nodded.
“I understand.”
“Forgiveness does not create access.”
“That phrase.”
“Therapy.”
They smiled.
Lila said:
“Then business?”
“If procurement chooses.”
“They did.”
“Then business.”
Good.
No coffee buddies.
No forced sisterhood.
The gala planning proceeded.
Lila was professional.
May you like
Jasmine lead.
Serena stepped back.
