Page 76 of The Square

“Sit,” Danny says to both of us. “We’re gonna figure this shit out.”

I sit on one couch, Alec takes the one across from me, and we stare at each other for a second before averting our eyes.

Danny places the list Alec made into the butler’s cubby, then presses a button on the wall near the door, indicating we have needs that require attention.

Gotta love five-star hotels. You never have to see anyone if you don’t want to.

Danny takes the chair to my right, props one ankle up on one knee, and sets his glass down on his thigh. “OK. Have one question for you both.” He stares at me, then Alec. Neither of us say anything. “Do we love each other or not?”

This morning I would’ve said, Of course we do.

But now?

I don’t know.

I love them, I know that. Even after Alec’s betrayal and Danny’s abandonment, I can’t imagine loving anyone else.

But I hurt Alec. I did this to him. I am the reason he’s… weary.

So I can’t get the word out.

Alec averts his eyes and pours himself another drink. Sips it this time. Then looks at me and says, “Of course I love you. But…”

But.

That’s all I hear.

“But can you ever forgive me, Christine? Can you ever love me? The way you used to?”

My eyes tear up. Because that’s not the ‘but’ I was expecting.

I nod my head and croak out, “I can. I do. I never stopped. I’m so sorry.”

I look at Danny. He’s blurry. But then a tear falls and he’s clear again.

And he’s smiling at me.

“Good start,” Danny says. “But this is way bigger than one I still love you. This is some deep, deep betrayal, friends. And we can’t move forward until we go back.” He looks at Alec again. “So tell me... Alec. When, exactly, did you fall in love with me?”