“I can’t explain everything tonight.”
“Why not?”
“Because tomorrow, you’ll understand.”
I stared at the phone lying between us on the beach towel.
Something about her expression told me this wasn’t a small misunderstanding or an embarrassing confession.
Whatever she was hiding had been weighing on her for years.
Then a terrible possibility crossed my mind.
Susan had been unusually close to Robert.
He’d trusted her.
She knew his routines, his habits, and countless details about our marriage.
And she’d remained by my side throughout the months after his death.
I slowly turned toward her.
“Susan, I need you to answer one question.”
She looked at me.
“Please.”
I hesitated.
Then asked the question I’d suddenly become afraid to say aloud.
“Does this have something to do with Robert?”
Susan closed her eyes.
Her shoulders dropped.
And a tear rolled down her cheek.
She didn’t say yes.
