Izzy looked away. “Yes, but he’s one of the few people who did. That’s all about to change in this interview, and I’m really dreading it.”

“It’s like you’re having to relive the trauma all over again. It’s so unfair,” Layla said. She turned to Viv. “Isn’t there something Piper can do?”

Viv picked up her mug. “She’ll try to cut it off if they start to badger her too much, but she can’t stop it entirely.”

“You’re stronger than you think, Izzy.” Layla wanted to encourage her. “You’re a fighter, and as long as you tell the truth, then you should be fine.”

Izzy raised an eyebrow. “That’s sweet of you to say, but I don’t believe you really think that.”

Viv shifted in her seat. “Let’s try to stay positive here, ladies. Izzy’s got top-notch counsel, and more importantly, she has the truth on her side. We will be here for you each step of the way.”

Izzy smiled at Viv. “You’ve done so much already.”

“You’d do the same for us.”

Izzy lifted her hand. “Enough about me. Layla, how are things going with you?”

Layla had embraced the few moments of respite from having to face her situation. But since Izzy was there, she could only say so much. “Things are about the same.”

“And Hunter?” Viv asked.

Layla knew Viv was asking about Hunter not just because it was a favorite topic of hers, but to divert the conversation. “It’s been hard working with him.”

Izzy leaned forward. “I still don’t get why he cheated on you in the first place.”

“Believe me, I’ve asked myself that question a million times.” Layla took a sip of water. “The answers he gave were never satisfying, but sometimes people just make mistakes. I know I’ve made my share.”

“There’s mistakes, and then there’s mistakes,” Izzy responded. “If I were you, I’d confront him about it. I realize I’m coming into this really late in the game, but an outsider’s perspective is sometimes useful. I don’t think you’ve really moved on. You need more closure. Once you have that, maybe you’ll be able to take the next step in your life free from that lingering burden.”

Maybe Izzy was right, but that would mean fully opening up an old wound as opposed to the current situation of just picking at it. “I’m not sure how I’ll end up handling it.”

“Hunter’s still single, isn’t he?” Viv asked.

“Yeah. It appears that way.” Layla paused. “Hey now, don’t go getting any crazy ideas. I don’t know how I’d ever get past the betrayal. Even if I could be on better terms with him for my own sanity, starting a relationship is a completely different question.”

“People can change,” Viv said.