I turned away from the mirror. “We don’t know that she cheated.”
Tessa stared at me.
“We know there was an emotional overlap,” I amended.
“We know Vanessa was ‘just a friend’ until approximately six minutes after Evelyn moved out.”
“Seven weeks.”
“That is not the defense you think it is.”
I picked up my handbag. Tessa’s gaze dropped to the silver watch on my wrist. It had belonged to my grandmother—simple, scratched, and reliable as long as I remembered to wind it. I wore it to important meetings, difficult appointments, andapparently the engagement party of the woman who had ended our three-year relationship because she needed a life that felt less predictable.
“You wear it when you’re scared,” Tessa said.
“I wear it when I need to know the time.”
“Phones know the time.”
“Satellites can fail.”
Tessa picked up her mug. “You need therapy.”
“I have therapy on Tuesday.”
“Excellent. Tell Dr. Patel you attended this party voluntarily.”
“I’m going because I am fine.”
She leaned against the doorframe. “People who are fine do not create a document called ‘Evelyn Engagement Contingencies.’”
“You went through my laptop?”
“You left it open. It contained six conversation scripts and a floor plan.”
“The rooftop layout was available online.”
“Of course it was.”
“The scripts are preparation. I don’t want to be caught off guard.”
“You prepared three answers for whether you’re still angry.”
“One is for coworkers, one for family friends, and one for people I actively dislike.”
“That last category is doing heavy lifting tonight.”
I took my coat from the hook. “I want Evelyn to see that I’ve moved on.”
Tessa set the mug down. The teasing left with it. “Have you?”
Eight minutes remained. I checked my watch anyway.
“I’ve moved forward,” I said.
“That wasn’t the question.”
“It’s the answer I have.”
