"Adorable? More like cheeky. That boy's a handful!"

“Cheeky kids are the best," Corrine said, laughing. “Oh, by the way, could you send me Keanu's number? I was thinking of inviting him too."

Tilda's smile froze, her fingers tightening slightly around the phone.

“Keanu? Are you sure you want to invite him?"

"Of course! He saved my life, Tilda. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be here. The least I can do is treat him to dinner."

Tilda sighed. “Corrine, you know my relationship with him is a bit. awkward."

"Awkward? Please," Corrine said with a dismissive huff. "There is nothing improper going on between the two of you. What do you have to be worried about? Besides, I told you to bring your husband along, didn't 1?"

Tilda's voice lowered. "True.. but what if Lyndon can't come?"

“So what?" Corrine's tone sharpened. “You're afraid Lyndon will get upset?"

Tilda remained silent, as she did have that concern.

“Tilda, if you're constantly tiptoeing around your husband's feelings, does that mean you'll start avoiding all the men in your life? Keep that up, and one day you'll find yourself sidelined, your world shrinking while his stays as wide as ever."

Tilda tilted her head, Corrine's words lingering in her mind. "Why do you say that?"

“Because men often don't value what they have until they think they might lose it. Once they're sure there's no competition, they get too comfortable," Corrine explained.

She added matter-of-factly, “You know how fascinating the world outside is. Once his attention drifts, it might not always come back to you."

There was a sharp truth in Corrine's candor that struck uncomfortably close to home.

Tilda chuckled, "Corrine, have you been moonlighting as a psychologist? You sound quite professional."

Corrine chuckled, her voice warm but laced with wisdom. "Not quite. I've just weathered a few more storms than you." She paused, then added, “Don't overthink it. If you know you've done nothing wrong, then you've got nothing to worry about. And if your husband does get upset, you've got every right to be upset too! After all, doesn't he have someone Like Rita hovering around? Did he stop to think about how you would feel when he's helping her out?"

Tilda found herself unable to argue with that.

She knew Corrine was right.

Moreover, Corrine wasn't inviting only her and Keanu for dinner.

After a pause, Tilda agreed, “Alright, I'll send you Keanu's number.”

"Good. I'll handle the rest."

Tilda hung up and forwarded Keanu's contact to Corrine, hesitating only for a second.

Then, bracing herself, she called Lyndon.