Mindy is caught off guard when her ex-husband’s friend, Tom, asks her how she plans to keep Greg’s surname after their divorce. What starts as a casual conversation quickly escalates when the reason behind Tom’s visit is revealed, and Mindy is left guessing, unaware that she is about to uncover an even deeper betrayal.
My house was full of friends and family, all gathered to celebrate my birthday. The buzz of familiar voices, the cake and flowers my daughter had brought — it all created a warm, comforting atmosphere. A reminder that life after divorce doesn’t have to be lonely.
‘Happy birthday, Mindy!’ Greg’s voice snapped me out of my reverie. Turning around, I saw him smiling at me, arms wide open, and he pulled me into a familiar hug.
Greg and I had parted amicably two years ago. But I still had his surname. It felt as much mine as his, and besides, the children still had it. There was no need to change it.
Next to him stood Tom, an old friend of Greg’s.
‘Hello, Tom! I’m glad you could come!’
I smiled my best hostess smile at him, but his cold response took me aback. He was usually polite, maybe even a little distant, but today he seemed to have put up a wall between us.
Tom and Greg exchanged a quick glance, something subtle, almost… I don’t know, tense? I didn’t think much of it. I had more important things to do, like my daughter calling me to cut the cake.
If only I had paid more attention to the subtle signs back then.
Later, I found myself in the kitchen filling jugs for drinks. Tom helped me, which was a little awkward. Although he and Greg had been friends for many years, I never really got to know Tom properly.
I was trying to make small talk when he asked a strange, direct, and blunt question.
‘So, Mindy, why do you still use Greg’s surname?’
I paused, a little taken aback by the question. It’s not like people ask me that all the time, especially years after the divorce.
‘I guess it’s just part of who I am now. You know? It’s the kids’ surname, so it just made sense to keep it.’
Tom looked down at the glass in his hand and frowned. ‘It’s more than that, isn’t it?’ he said, his voice a little sharper. ‘It’s like you’re still holding on to him.’
I blinked in surprise. Holding on to Greg? That was the last thing on my mind.
‘No, it’s just a name, Tom. I’m not keeping it for sentimental reasons.’
I laughed softly, hoping to lighten the mood, but Tom didn’t laugh with me.
He slammed his glass down on the bar, and the clink sounded too loud in the silence. ‘This is all… difficult for me. Awkward. You need to stop using his name.’
I felt a knot form in my stomach. What was going on here? ‘Uncomfortable? Why should this make you uncomfortable?’
Tom turned to face me, his eyes sharp, the muscles in his jaw tense. ‘Because Greg is with me now,’ he said, his voice low and serious.
For a moment, my breath caught in my throat. I blinked and stared at him as if I hadn’t heard him. ‘What do you mean, “with you”?’ I asked, my voice barely more than a whisper.
Tom gave a short, good-natured chuckle and shook his head, his gaze hardening. ‘Oh, don’t be surprised. He’s been with me for a long time.’
I felt my stomach twist at the sharpness of his tone, but I forced myself to smile, trying to remain calm.
‘It took Greg a long time to come out. It was difficult for everyone, but we’ve all come to terms with it.’ I glanced towards the living room, where Greg was talking to his friends. ‘I’m sure that in time, Greg will become more open about your relationship. You just need to talk to him.’
Tom’s eyes flashed and his lips tightened into a thin line.
‘Talk to him?’ There was disappointment in his voice. ‘You think I haven’t tried? You think I haven’t begged him to stop pretending that I’m just some “friend” he drags along to these events?’
I took a step back, caught off guard by the anger radiating from him. ‘Tom, I know it’s difficult, but…’
‘No, you don’t.’ He interrupted me, his voice rising. ‘You have no idea how hard this is for me. You stand here and act as if we just started dating, as if Greg is just figuring things out. But this isn’t new, Mindy.’
I blinked, confused by the intensity of his words. ‘I’m not saying it’s new, but…’ I paused, searching for the right words. ‘Greg’s journey hasn’t been easy. When it gets easier for him, he’ll be ready to be honest with everyone. It all takes time.’
Tom’s bitter laugh cut through my words like a knife.
‘Time? Do you think it’s time?’ Tom’s eyes darkened and he leaned towards me. His next words hit me like a punch in the stomach. ‘Greg has been with me for years — even when you were still married. He’s had plenty of time.’
I stared at him, my mind reeling. ‘What?’
‘You heard me.’ His voice was icy, his words cutting through the air. ‘Greg was with me for many years. Long before your divorce. After that, everything was supposed to be different… he was supposed to acknowledge me…’