Chapter 43 Conversation 2

Vivian placed the banana on the table, her hands clenched to gain strength for what she was going to say. It's better to say it now than never. Jerry always listens to her because he likes her a lot.

"When?" He asked, his eyes still lost. He tried to maintain his usual composure.

"This weekend."

His eyebrows were furrowed, his eyes dark with all the anger.

"You can't do this." He shook his head in denial, determined to get her back on track. "No. You don't love him, Vivian."

"What if I still do what I want?" The question came as quietly as her breathing.

Jerry scoffed. "You can not." He raised his voice. "You don't love him. He's your puppet, nothing more, nothing less."

"Jerry..."

"Are not!" Jerry shouted. "If you do this, you'll regret it. I won't let you go down this path. You're lying to yourself. You've barely known him for three months. It's only been three months, Vivian. Are you crazy? What would Hodja think?"

Vivian lowered her eyes, focusing her gaze on the tabletop. She kne