This might be terrible advice... But I found ridiculous humor sort of softened things at times in my sitch, and might help lesson the tension going into this and maybe open up a lighthearted conversation going into it.
Since you know she's coming for shoes i wonder how she'd react if you did something funny and texted or emailed her a picture of it on the topic of these shoes?
"I know you are coming back for your shoes, but i don't know if I can let you take this pair back... I started using them to organize my pens after you left . ". Or "I'm not sure I can give this pair back yet, they were part of my Halloween decorations for the porch ( picture of mini pumpkins on top of the shoes) .
I always figured that the worst case was no reply to my occasional random humor... But at times I'd get a reply and a lighthearted conversation would ensue.
Just something to consider. Either way - good luck this weekend! Let me know how it goes.
BD: Aug 2012 Separated since May 2013 S born Aug 2013 Aug 2013 H agrees to consider 'baby steps toward working things out' H is/was actively seeing someone?
. ". Or "I'm not sure I can give this pair back yet, they were part of my Halloween decorations for the porch ( picture of mini pumpkins on top of the shoes) .
