Rob had said he was taking her for ice cream and then stopping to see someone about a piece of furniture.
I had never questioned it.
Apparently, Natalie had seen a woman with a butterfly tattoo near her shoulder.
More importantly, she had seen Rob kiss her.
Rob had not realized Natalie noticed until later, when she innocently asked him about “the butterfly lady” and mentioned seeing them kiss.
“Who is she?” I whispered.
Dean paused.
“I think you know her.”
“Dean, tell me.”
“Claire.”
I knew Claire, although not well.
Rob had known her for years and casually referred to her as an old friend.
“Are you telling me Rob cheated on me with Claire?”
“I don’t know exactly what happened between them,” Dean replied quickly. “I wasn’t there, and I don’t want to pretend I know more than I do. I only know what Natalie saw and what Rob told me afterward.”
“Rob told you?”
“He called me after Natalie mentioned the kiss.”
“When?”
“Before you got the tattoo.”
Suddenly, pieces began moving into place.
“He knew,” I murmured. “He knew Natalie had noticed before I got the tattoo.”
“Yes.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I’m sorry, Betty. I should have. Rob told me there was an innocent explanation and promised he’d talk to you. I didn’t think it was my place to interfere before he had that chance.”
