Chloe turned toward the window.
I kept my eyes on Julian.
“Did you invite Victoria?”
He picked up his jacket.
“I didn’t think I needed your approval.”
“No. You didn’t.”
For a second, his expression softened.
“You should rest tonight.”
The kindness lasted until the next sentence.
“Tomorrow will be easier if you stay out of the way.”
Chloe’s phone remained pointed toward him.
I heard myself ask:
“Is that what you tell people about me?”
Julian gently lowered Chloe’s phone.
“No.”
“Then what do you tell them?”
“That you prefer a quiet life.”
Chloe looked between us.