“We’ve got so much history,” a woman says.
“I know,” a man’s voice answers.
Although he sounds strange, I can tell it’s Ethan speaking. I’m not sure if he’s angry or drunk, but something isn’t right.
I’m frozen in place, like a lost and scared animal. Thoughts and doubts stream through me. I want to knock on the door and see what’s going on, but I don’t want to barge in unannounced.
“I’m a good mother,” the woman says. “Our son needs us, together. You know I’m right, Ethan. Don’t deny it.”
I can’t believe it. His ex-wife has shown up. I thought she was in Thailand or Vietnam or some shit. She’s always off with man-of-the-week, but now she’s here. I can hear Ethan’s wet sand voice, but I can’t make out what he’s saying. Maybe I’m invading their privacy, but I have something at stake here, too.
I hear the woman’s voice say something I can’t quite make out, but it sounds like she’s complimenting him.
“I think it’s best,” Ethan says.
“I knew you’d see it that way,” she replies.
There’s more, but hard as I strain, I can’t quite hear what’s being said. I look back to my driver and hold up my hand with five fingers spread out. I mouth, “Five minutes." He nods his head in understanding. I slowly walk towards the front door.
My heart thounds hard on my ribs but I can’t back down. I have to know where I stand.