My husband made fun of me at a pool party, saying I was NOT as attractive as his brother's new wife — so I put him in his place.

"I finally understand."

“My sister-in-law, very tactfully, never responded. She kept everything to herself and spoke to Steve about it before telling me. So, I want to publicly thank her for showing more loyalty to me than my own husband.”

Steve put down his beer, crossed the terrace and stood next to Alice and me without saying a word.

"Happy 40th birthday, Carl. I hope that this year you find what you're really looking for. It won't be at this address anymore."

Carl turned as red as a tomato.

"She kept everything."

Bradley pulled down the bottom of my swimsuit.

"Mom, is the party over? I want cake."

I laughed and cut off the first slice.

***

A few weeks later, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the hallway mirror. A red dress. Lipstick. Onica on my hip, Bradley putting on his shoes for our Saturday walk with Alice.

And I understood that the woman who was looking at me had never been the problem.