“That’s the word she chose.”
I handed the phone back.
“Are you going?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
He looked genuinely confused.
“Because I don’t want to attend a party hosted by a woman who’s been trying to undermine my marriage.”
I thought about that for a moment.
Then I smiled.
“Actually, I think you should go.”
His eyebrows rose.
“I’m sorry?”
“Go to the barbecue.”
“Rachel, I’m not going to entertain her.”
“You won’t be entertaining her. You’ll be attending a neighborhood event. I’ll take care of the rest.”
He studied my face.
“What’s that look?”
“What look?”
“The look you get when somebody has made a very expensive mistake and hasn’t received the bill yet.”
I laughed.
“Just promise me you’ll do exactly what I ask.”
He leaned back in his chair.
“Should I be worried?”
“Only if you have something to hide.”
He reached across the table and took my hand.
