Rose’s clinical reserve eased.
“What version?”
“The one who does difficult things.”
“Rest is difficult for you.”
“That is not the same.”
“Why?”
“Because no one can see it.”
My honesty embarrassed me. Rose did not react.
“Your marathon exists whether Evelyn sees every mile or none of them,” she said.
“I did not mention Evelyn.”
“You didn’t need to.”
“I met her yesterday.”
Rose’s eyebrows lifted.
“She told me she kissed Vanessa before our breakup.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I already knew.”
“You suspected.”
“Yes.”
“Confirmation can hurt differently.”
I adjusted the edge of the paper sheet beneath me.
“She also searched Dani’s race results.”
Rose stopped typing.
“What did she say?”
“Nothing I did not know. Two starts. No finishes. She described it as quitting twice.”
Anger moved across Rose’s face.
“That is inaccurate.”
“I assumed.”
Rose stood and walked to the counter. The movement was controlled, but not calm.
“What happened the first time?” I asked.
“That is Dani’s story.”
