“No, really. Evelyn’s sentimental about it, but it’s mostly therapy with expensive supplies.”

Evelyn stood across the room holding a tray of coffee cups. Lauren’s eyes met hers for half a second. There was no apology in them. Only curiosity.

Chapter 3 — You Just Never Went Upstairs

Six months later, Daniel began staying overnight at “client strategy retreats.” A year after that, Evelyn found a hotel receipt in the pocket of his overcoat.

She set it on his desk without a note.

Daniel came home early that evening and found her washing brushes at the kitchen sink. “I didn’t want you to find out that way,” he said.

Evelyn kept rinsing blue paint from the bristles. “How did you want me to find out?”