“Don’t start.”
I laughed.
“It was a few women, Claire.”
“A few.”
“Yes.”
He shook his head.
“It’s not like I loved them.”
I staredhe carried the groceries inside.
I remained on the porch.
The doorbell camera above me had recorded everything.
And suddenly I knew exactly what I was going to do.
Friday evening, Dana arrived before dinner.
We packed Ava and Mia into her car.
Then I placed my suitcase beside their bags.
Dana looked at me.
“You can come now.”
Through the window, I could see Ryan arranging wineglasses.
“You don’t have to stay for dinner.”
I wanted to leave.
Every part of me wanted to climb into that car.
ButI wasn’t finished.
“I’ll come later.”
I kissed both girls.
Then watched Dana drive away.
At seven, Mr. Holloway arrived carrying a bottle of wine.
Gerald came too.
Of course he did.
