But I was calm. I just gave a slight nod.
"Fine."
He didn't seem to expect me to agree so easily. A flicker of surprise crossed his face.
"So... the rest of the immigration paperwork, you'll handle it?"
I nodded.
"Sure."
Something shifted in his expression, a trace of guilt passing through.
"Virginia, you've always been so understanding."
He walked over and took my hand.
"Actually, this works out. I'll go ahead and get everything set up, so it won't be so rushed when you arrive."
He seemed pleased with himself for finding a reasonable excuse.
"I'll wait for your update. I'll pick you up at the airport."
I pulled my hand free. Still calm.
"Go take care of it."
I turned around and went back to packing.
His hand hung frozen in midair. It took him a moment to process.
Right then, another message from Vivian popped up on his phone.
"Robert, did you book the ticket yet? I think my foot is swelling..."
Without a second thought, he threw some clothes into a bag and rushed straight to the airport.
The next day, Vivian updated her social media.
In the photo, Robert was wearing an apron, head bent over a cutting board, chopping vegetables.