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Drew lifted his face and frowned as the insult to his sister hit him all the way to the core. But Jeff was quick to add, "I mean, that’s the only time I ever saw a set up actually work."
Calming, Drew took a quick drink. He studied his brother-in-law from the corner of his eye. From the very beginning, Jeff had liked to talk about women a little too much whenever he was away from his wife. From the stories he’d told Drew, he’d been the ultimate player before he’d gotten married.
But Mandy had never voiced a concern over his fidelity … until now. Drew had to think if Jeff had done something wrong, he hadn’t only started doing it recently. Because, honestly, why would he wait all these years when he’d had a wandering eyes for the entire duration? It didn’t make sense. Ergo, Mandy had to be wrong. No way would it take her twelve years to figure out something this big.
•
The interior of the house that sat on 410 South Elm had been silent for nearly twenty-four hours. Mia wasn’t certain what to do about it. She hated being on the outs with her roommate. Piper had been there, by her side, through the worst part of her life.
But she didn’t want her roommate to think she approved of Piper’s scandalous activities either because, honestly, what was worse than dating a married man?
Mia shivered. She never would’ve guessed her friend could lower herself to such levels. Piper was so vivacious and energetic. Men flocked to her in droves. She could have her pick from any number of single men out there. Why would she—
"Mi Mi?"
Jumping, Mia spun from the kitchen counter where she’d been quietly slathering Miracle Whip on a piece of bread to make herself a sandwich and found Piper huddled in the doorway, her entire stance uncertain and hesitant, which totally wasn’t the Piper she knew.
"Are you still mad at me?"
"Oh, Pipe." Mia’s shoulders slumped. She sat down the butter knife. "I was never mad at you. I’m just really concerned. What you’re doing is not only immoral, but dangerous. What if his wife is crazy enough to hurt you?"
After meeting Amanda Wright, Mia had to think her anxiety wasn’t too farfetched either. There had been something lethal and unhinged in Mandy’s glare when Mia had met her the day before.
"Well, you don’t have to worry about it anymore," Piper said. She lowered her gaze and focused on her hands she had clasped against her stomach. "I … I broke up with him. Last night." When she lifted her face, she still looked guilty, biting her lip and staring at Mia as if she expected to receive ten lashes for her announcement.
Relief swarming through her, Mia let out a big grin. "You did? Piper, that’s wonderful. And very smart."
Still appearing uncertain as she gifted Mia with a tremulous smile, Piper asked, "So … you’re not mad at me anymore?"
"I was never mad at you," Mia repeated and even drifted forward to envelope Piper in a tight, but quick, hug. "But I’m much more proud of you now."
"Thank goodness." Piper sighed and squeezed Mia tight before letting go and pulling back. "I don’t think I could stand it if you didn’t like me anymore. You’re my best friend, Mi Mi."
Touched that Piper felt so strongly about keeping their friendship alive, Mia reached out and covered her roommate’s fingers with her own. "You’re my best friend too. And don’t worry about me deserting you. I’ll always be here for you. No matter what."
Piper’s smile was relieved; she once again looked like her confident self. "Thank you. That’s exactly what I needed to hear."
•
Mandy attacked as soon as Drew slipped back into the kitchen.
"So … did you notice anything off?"
Drew sighed and pressed his back to the closed door. Jeff had decided to finish his third beer and had stayed behind in the garage.
"No," he said. "And to be honest, the only person acting strange today was you."
She sent him a questioning look. "But—"
He held up a hand. "I know you’re going to hate me for saying this, but I don’t think he’s cheating on you." It was either that, or he’d never been faithful in the first place … something she hopefully would’ve figured out a long time ago.
"So, what about the flowers?"
"Ask him about them already," Drew ground out. "I’m sure he’ll have a perfectly reasonable explanation."
"And what about the … the other?"
Drew winced and held up a hand as if that would block the words from reaching his ears. "Mandy, please. I just ate."
