Lindsay struggled to find something to say that wouldn’t betray the confusion of emotions that were churning inside her. It didn’t matter how many times she told herself it was over, her heart hadn’t got the message yet. “I like the new car,” she said sarcastically. “Very tasty. Must be more money in the book business than I thought. Or was it another windfall from a rich relative?” she added, feeling ashamed as soon as the words were out of her mouth. She’d never been able to forgive Cordelia for the ostentatious luxury of her London home, bought with the money her grandmother had left her.

Cordelia failed to respond to Lindsay’s barb. “I had to get rid of the BMW. Some joyriders smashed into it outside the house one night, and the steering was never the same afterward. When I sold the film rights for Ikhaya Lamaqhawe, I treated myself to the Merc,” she replied. “But I didn’t drive over here to discuss cars. Claire told me where you were staying. I need to talk to you.”

Lindsay felt anger rising up inside her. Hadn’t Cordelia made her position clear enough the night before? “What is there to say?” she demanded abruptly. She wanted this conversation over with. The longer it went on, the more upset she was going to become. “You’ve obviously made your choices,” she snapped.

“At the time, it was the choice between loneliness and having someone to share things with. I missed you so much, Lindsay. And the months kept going by . . . well, I decided I couldn’t go on hurting forever. Then I met Claire.” In spite of the conciliatory tone of her words, Cordelia’s face was set in a stubborn expression of self-righteousness.

“Fine,” said Lindsay, cutting Cordelia off. “I’ll see you around.” She moved forward, but Cordelia was in front of her, barring her path.

“Wait,” she said urgently. “Claire says you’ve agreed to try to clear Jackie. I wanted to offer my help.”

“That’s very noble of you.” Lindsay snorted derisively, refusing to let herself be moved. “Aren’t you worried about the competition if Jackie gets out?”

Cordelia flinched, but didn’t rise. “We used to work well together on this kind of thing. I know you like bouncing your ideas off someone. Look, Lindsay, we might not be lovers any more, but I know the way your mind works. Let me help.”

In spite of herself, Lindsay was touched by Cordelia’s offer. “Okay, let me think about it. I’m not making any promises, but I’ll think about it.”

Cordelia smiled and Lindsay felt as if she would burst into tears. “Thanks,” Cordelia said. “You can get me at Claire’s if you want to talk.” Then, with the impeccable sense of timing that always left people wanting more, she walked briskly back to her new Mercedes without a backward glance.