Because I eventually understood that some people need your life to remain smaller than theirs. Vanessa married Esteban three years after graduate school. He worked in banking and owned suits that seemed to come with their own confidence. My parents adored him. The wedding was held at a country club outside Montevello. Dad gave a speech. Mom cried through most of it.
Vanessa danced with our father while a photographer circled them. I stood near the edge of the dance floor holding my champagne and smiling. I remember thinking Dad
