Then I returned to the ledger, because grief had never once balanced an account.

PART 9: PRESTON ARRIVES

Preston came to Elaine’s office the following morning without an appointment.

He wore the navy suit I had bought him for our fifth anniversary and carried a white bakery box from my favorite café.

The receptionist called ahead.

Elaine asked whether I wanted to see him.

Against her advice, I agreed to five minutes in a conference room with counsel present.

He placed the pastries between us.