But Not Everyone Thought Olivia Was Right
When relatives eventually learned what happened, opinions split.
Some said Vanessa had crossed a massive boundary.
Others said Olivia should never have worn jewelry from her father’s first wedding to his second.
One aunt said:
“I understand why Vanessa felt uncomfortable.”
Olivia understood that too.
What she didn’t accept was the idea that discomfort entitled someone to make a decision about her body or her belongings.
Vanessa eventually agreed.
Months later, she told Olivia:
“I could have asked how you felt instead of deciding what the necklace meant.”
Olivia replied:
“That would’ve saved us about forty-five minutes.”
Vanessa laughed.
One Year Later
On their anniversary, Michael and Vanessa hosted dinner.
Olivia attended wearing the sapphire necklace.
Vanessa noticed.
Then smiled.
No argument.
Later, Olivia asked:
“Does it still bother you?”
Vanessa thought for a moment.
“Not the necklace.”
“What bothered you?”
Vanessa answered:
“What I thought it meant.”
Olivia nodded.
“And now?”
Vanessa smiled.
“Now it just looks like yours.”
That was probably the closest thing to resolution either of them needed.
