Perhaps that was exactly what we were becoming again, only with more truth between us.

Near the end of the evening Claire asked whether I wanted to join them for dinner at a nearby restaurant.

I hesitated.

I didn’t want an invitation extended out of guilt, and I didn’t want to feel I had to accept every gesture to prove I’d forgiven them.

“I’d enjoy that,” I said, “but only if it’s a good time for everyone.” Claire looked me in the eye.

“It is,” she replied.