“Oh no, I’m sorry,” Tracy said. “I won’t pry, but I hope you can work things out. You and Conner seemed so perfect together.”

Her words made Megan wince. Much as it hurt to admit it, she’d felt the same way. “We’ve decided not to see each other for now,” she said. “I’d love to come to the shower, but since you and Maggie are Conner’s friends, if you’d rather not have me there . . .”

“For heaven’s sake, Megan,” Tracy said. “We’re your friends, too, and that doesn’t depend on your being with Conner. We’d love to have you. And the other ladies will enjoy meeting you, too. Please do come. It’ll be at my house. I can give you directions—oh, and don’t worry, your secret identity is safe with us. How about it?”

Megan caved with a sigh. “All right, I’d be happy to come. What about gifts? What kind of shower will it be?”

“I was thinking a kitchen shower. Maggie’s a terrific cook, as you know, but most of her kitchen things are left over from her parents, and they look it.”

“Maybe she’d like one of those fast-cooking electric pots. I saw some at Shop Mart. I’ll include a gift receipt in case it turns out to be a duplicate.”

“That sounds perfect. Let me give you my address, and I’ll see you Wednesday at three.”

Megan was nervous about meeting new people and the questions they might ask her. But the invitation did raise her spirits. After lunch, when she had some free time, she would make a trip to the big box store, pick up some groceries, and buy the electric pot, along with some gift wrap and a card. She could also stop by the bakery and say hello to Katy. She’d be happy to hear that Daniel would be back at work tomorrow.

* * *

At lunchtime, she made grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup for her family. After cleaning up the kitchen, she left for the store. Daniel had asked to go with her, but she’d made excuses. She needed time to herself, even if it was only a shopping trip. Derek had called again and left a voicemail, telling her he was waiting for her to come to her senses and call him back. Just listening had triggered a headache. If she’d had any doubts about breaking up with him, those doubts were gone. The only decision left to be made was whether to resign her teaching position now or finish out the school year with Derek as her boss.