“If I bring this up, he’ll shut down,” I said.

“He’ll tell Sadie I’m stirring up trouble because I’m jealous of Tasha’s life.”

Ben took a slow sip of black coffee and shook his head.

“Rory counts on you being polite, Jodi.

He’s built his whole life around knowing you’ll keep the peace to protect your daughter.”

“Sadie wants him to love her,” I said quietly.

“She spends every Sunday watching the driveway for his truck.”

“He’s taking advantage of her,” Ben said bluntly.