“It does, but like I said, it also has its problems, and that’s what I wanted to talk to you about tonight.”

“Huh?”

“How much do you know about her?”

“Who?”

“Addison Kane.”

Joanna’s brow furrowed as she tried to recall anything she knew about one of the country’s richest women. “Sorry, Millie, but I really don’t have time to follow the news. I just know she’s wealthy, and that’s about it.”

“That’s quite all right, dear,” Millie said, taking another sip of tea. “Actually, Addison tries to stay out of the newspapers as much as she can. She hates the intrusion.”

“Yeah, I have the same problem,” Joanna said, her eyes crinkling at the corners.

Millie's enjoyment of the woman’s lightheartedness showed on her face. “Speaking of problems, Addison’s having one right now, and it’s one you may be able to help her with.”

“Me?” Joanna said, jerking back her head. “What in the world could I possibly do to help Addison Kane?”

Seeing no reason to beat around the bush, Millie calmly said, “She needs a wife.”

The words took only a second to sink in, but it felt like hours to Millie. Watching as Joanna’s expression went from jovial to confused and then to stunned, she waited for her to catch up.

Joanna tilted her head to the side. “Did you just say…did you just say she needs a wife?”

“Yes, I did.”

“You want me to...you want me to marry her?” Joanna said, the pitch of her voice rising just a tad.

“It’s perfectly legal. I assure you.”

“That much I know, Millie, but why in the world would you think that I was a...a lesbian?”

“You don’t have to be.”

“Sorry?”

“Joanna, it doesn’t matter if you’re gay or straight. The marriage would be for convenience only.”

“Whose?”

“I would assume both of yours. I’m not privy to the details, but I can’t imagine they wouldn’t be lucrative.”

Joanna narrowed her eyes as she studied the woman across the table. Millie seemed in control of her faculties. She was neatly dressed with not a strand of hair out of place. Her posture was perfect. Her eyes appeared clear, and since they had just spent the last few hours together Joanna knew the woman was sober, but the fact she was answering Joanna’s questions as if the subject matter was somehow commonplace was beyond bizarre.

“Um...Millie...I-I don’t know how to ask this—”

“Feel free to ask whatever you’d like, dear. I’ll answer if I can.”

Joanna nibbled on her bottom lip for a moment. “Well, not to sound rude, but...but are you on any kind of medication?”

Millie’s face split into a grin. “No, Joanna. I don’t take medication.”

“And this isn’t a joke?”

“No, it’s not.”