She talked fast, the words tumbling out in a defensive rush.

“He takes care of the paperwork around the house now, Michael.”

Michael tugged at his watch strap.

The leather felt tight on his wrist.

“What’s Travis got to do with Noah coming to my house?” Michael asked.

“Travis likes keeping our household schedule organized,” Lena said.

Her voice trailed off into silence.

She stared hard at the pink and yellow sugar packets in the ceramic bowl.