“Absolutely evil. And brilliant.”
The rest of their visit passed in blessed peace.
Monica and Frank stayed firmly within the boundaries of the guest room. When they left three days later, Monica hugged me stiffly at the door.
“The guest room was quite comfortable after all,” she said tightly.
“I’m so glad,” I replied as I stepped back.
“It’s yours whenever you visit.”
As their car pulled away, Jake wrapped his arm around my waist. “You know she’s probably traumatized for life.”
“Good,” I said, leaning into him. “So was I, every time she invaded our space.”
That night, I slipped into bed with the satisfaction of a battle well won.
Some might call it petty revenge, but I called it a necessary education in boundaries.
And judging by the text Jake received the next day saying they booked a hotel for Christmas, the lesson had stuck.
Permanently.
