“I can see that.”

She gave me the small smile she used when correcting a waiter.

“This was arranged weeks ago.”

I set my Army duffel beside the mudroom bench.

The canvas landed with a soft thump.

Diane looked at it again.

“You could have stayed at a hotel.”

“I live here.”

She straightened a row of wineglasses that was already straight.

“You have been away for quite some time.”

“Eleven months.”

“That is quite some time.”

I rubbed the worn corner of my duffel strap between my fingers.

From the dining room came a man’s voice, followed by Diane’s laugh.