I still wondered whether he would call if there were no financial question to ask.

But loneliness was no longer sufficient reason to surrender my choices.

I was learning to build a life wide enough to hold affection, disappointment, and joy at the same time.

PART 20

In June Daniel invited me to a backyard cookout.

I asked who would be there, and he told me Claire’s parents, a few neighbors, the children, and me.

The list made me nervous.