Joanna raised an eyebrow and placed her glass on the bar. “Is that what they’re calling it nowadays? Unwinding? Why not just call it what it is...shagging.” Joanna stopped long enough to give Luce a cool once-over. “Or do you prefer fucking?”

“Maybe I should leave,” Luce said, stepping around the bar.

“How long has this been going on?” Joanna said, blocking Luce’s way.

“What?”

“How long have you helping my wife unwind?”

Luce would have expected jealousy from a wife who was truly a wife, so Joanna’s question gave her pause. Why was this woman jealous? Why was this woman raging jealous? Why did this woman even care? Thinking back to her earlier conversation with Addison, two words popped into Luce’s mind. Oh. Shit.

Escape was only ten paces away, so sidestepping Joanna, Luce headed for the door.

“Not so fast,” Joanna said, once again getting in the way of Luce’s retreat. “I asked you a question, and I want an answer.”

“Look, I’m not sure I should—”

“How long have you been helping Addison unwind?” Joanna barked.

Luce hesitated, running her tongue over her lips to replace the moisture that had somehow just disappeared. “Um...ten years, give or take.”

Joanna’s eyes bulged. “Ten years?”

“It really isn’t what you think.”

“You honestly don’t want to know what I’m thinking right now,” Joanna said, marching past Luce. “I’m leaving.”

“Wait. What about Addison?”

Joanna spun around and glared at Luce. “You’re her unwinding buddy. You take care of her.”

***

Monday morning, Joanna sat at the kitchen table scanning the newspaper. Noah was busy hunched over a gourmet cookbook, and Evelyn was nibbling some toast when the quiet of the room was interrupted by Evelyn’s mobile vibrating on the countertop.

Evelyn picked it up, read the message, and frowned. “That’s odd.”

“What?” Joanna said, looking up.

“It was text from Addison. She said she won’t be home until next week. Something about a business trip to Spain.”

“Thank God for small favors,” Joanna said under her breath.

“And she didn’t come home this weekend either. Did she?”

Joanna turned the page of her newspaper. “I didn’t notice,” she said without looking up.

Evelyn glanced at Noah, and he returned her confused look with one of his own. Typically, their mornings were filled with friendly banter over morning coffee, but Joanna had hardly said a word since walking into the room. Picking up her coffee, Evelyn went over and sat at the table. Noticing Joanna had turned to the classifieds, Evelyn said, “You’re not looking for a job. Are you?”

“What if I am?”

“I doubt Addison would approve.”

“What makes you think I need her approval?”