He accepted the prospect of their visit with his usual enthusiasm. The more the merrier. He was an extrovert who was never happier than when he was in the middle of a social gathering. If Todd hadn’t been so gregarious, Clare probably never would have met him. He was the one who’d struck up conversation and asked her on a date. He’d chiseled his way past her shyness to find the person inside. And she loved that he made that side of life easy for her. With Todd, there were never embarrassing silences or awkward moments. He could talk about anything with anyone. He and Jack had hit it off right from the start, and Todd was obviously looking forward to seeing him again.

There were no undercurrents. No complications.

Clare envied him. She and Becca had always told each other everything, which had felt good until “everything” had included details Clare wished she didn’t know.

Her exasperation was tinged with envy. “Don’t you think it’s a bit soon? Is it a little insensitive, perhaps?”

“What is there to be sensitive about?”

Me, Clare thought. She and Becca had been the link that had brought the two families together. “Becca.”

“Becca’s no longer here, and I’m sure she would have wanted him to be happy, don’t you?”

Clare wasn’t sure of that. Becca had usually placed her own needs and happiness above everyone else’s, including Jack’s and the children’s.

Whether at work or at play, Becca had been the center of attention, which was why Clare wasn’t sure she would have approved of Jack moving on so fast. Most of the time Clare had made excuses for her friend. Becca’s past had molded her into the person she was. But was that an explanation or an excuse? For how long was an adult permitted to use a difficult childhood as a free pass for all undesirable thoughts and actions? Deep down Clare wasn’t sure if Becca’s behavior was driven by a survival instinct or downright selfishness.

It’s every man for himself, Clare. How do you think I’ve got where I am?

Clare finished her toast. “It’s been almost a year.”

“And? How long does a guy need to suffer before society stops judging him? I bet it was the longest year of his life. Grim. Or is there some time frame to grief that I don’t know about?” His voice gentled. “I understand that it’s hard for you but this wasn’t just about Becca. Jack’s our friend, too, Clare, and has been for more than two decades. He was best man at our wedding. It’s never been just about Becca. We owe him our support.”

“I know. And he has it, of course.” She decided he was right. This was about Jack, now, it had to be.