Why she missed dinners.
Why nobody met her.
Then he started referring to "my wife" without details.
I said, "So where does Melissa come in?"
Daniel's face tightened.
"The Halloween party."
"Obviously."
He explained that spouses were not just technically invited.
They were expected.
His boss had apparently said, "Can't wait to finally meet your wife."
Daniel panicked.
"You could've told the truth."
"I know."
"You could've said you exaggerated."
"I know."
"You could've brought your actual wife."
He looked at me.
And that was when I realized there was more.
"What?"
"Nothing."
"Daniel."
He rubbed his forehead.
"The costume thing."
"What costume thing?"
"Martin's wife runs a marketing firm."
I waited.
"Melissa works in marketing."
My stomach turned.
"So you asked her to pretend to be me."
"Only for the party."
The room became very quiet.
"How do you ask another woman to pretend to be your wife?"
