“Lucky in Love—Has Cliff Whitman’s Widow Finally Found Happiness?” she read the headline. “Well, the answer to that is a big fat yes. You should tell them that what you’ve really found is good sex and that they should mind their own business.” She was relieved to see Joanna smile. “I like this headline. Jojo Finds Her Mojo. Do you know what this does?”

“Ruins my life again?”

“It gives women hope. This photo says that you can find happiness after you’ve been royally messed around by a lying, cheating man. And the fact that you’re able, and willing, to trust again sends a powerful message.”

Joanna took the phone from her and stared at it. “This photo says that whenever you find happiness, you can guarantee the press will try and ruin it. Everyone will see it. Everyone will read it.”

“And everyone will know that this is nothing to do with you.” Ashley removed the phone from Joanna’s fingers and put it down. “You’re upset because they photographed you with Nate.”

“I was enjoying being in his world, and now I’ve dragged him into mine.”

“Not exactly. What did Nate say about it?”

“Nothing. He doesn’t know. I left before he woke up.”

“Because of this?” Ashley glanced up. “So you don’t know how he feels? It might not bother him at all.”

“I know how I feel, and it bothers me. I don’t want this for someone I...care about.”

Love, Ashley thought. She’d been about to say love.

She thought about Nate, always so calm and relaxed. “At least you ought to hear what he has to say.” She paused. “What are you afraid of, Joanna? Really?”

“There’s only so much people can take.”

Ashley swallowed. “Are you saying you don’t think you’re worth it? That people won’t put themselves through a little press intrusion for you?”

“I guess I’m saying they shouldn’t have to.”

“Really? Why did you bring me here, Joanna? You disrupted your whole life for me, and to begin with, it was because you felt real empathy for my situation, I get that. But what about afterward? By linking our stories, and not distancing yourself, you’ve made it worse for yourself. You didn’t have to keep me here in your home. You didn’t have to include me in your life. You didn’t have to stop me leaving.”

“I care about you. I didn’t want you to leave. I would never abandon you.”