There was something she wanted me to read before I decided how much more time to give him.

I found the diner receipt beneath the sugar bowl while gathering the papers.

On the back, in Elliott’s writing, were four words.

“Call venue before Friday.”

I put it with the contract.

It did not tell me what he had asked.

It told me he had written himself a reminder while we were discussing the couch and the boys’ school schedule.

PART 5 — January 29