Laura came from behind her desk, hand extended. “So you’re Mr. Sobel’s Cousin Deanna! It’s so nice to meet you.” She turned to me. “Ronni, you look wonderful. I’m guessing you’ve met a charming prince, if not Prince Charming. Am I right? No one glows like that without romance in her life.” She waved her hand from my head to my toes. “You are transformed.”

I was glad my size six Tahari suit, half-off at Nordstrom, had the desired effect on elegant Laura. I resisted the urge to kick out my cute Kate Spade pumps with their tiny bows for inspection. “Well, a lot has happened since I met you, Laura. I’ve learned I can write a book. I’m much more comfortable in my skin these days. And yes, there is someone special.” There was someone special. You’ll be better off when you admit it to yourself, Ronni. No one just forgets to mention an ex-wife and an affair. And he’s gone, anyway.

I hadn’t even told Deanna. I didn’t want to ruin her glowing admiration for Rick, and my stomach wrenched up every time I thought of Victoria’s phone call. Rick was still avoiding me, and I sure wasn’t trying to find him.

“Do either of you want to freshen up or have a drink of water before you see Mr. Sobel?”

I glanced at Deanna, who was looking overwhelmed. She shook her head gently from side to side.

“We’re ready to go in when he’s available,” I told her.

“Follow me, then.” Laura’s Christian Louboutin sandals flashed red at us as we walked behind.

Mel stood to greet us and offered Deanna a brief hug. His eyes were locked on mine as we seated ourselves across from his desk. I nodded, and he slid a piece of paper to me.

“This is for you,” I said, handing it to Deanna. “Thank you for letting me see a glimpse of Violet again. I loved her so much.”

Deanna smiled and nodded at me, looking to Mel as though waiting for him to continue.

“Look at it, Deanna,” I prompted.

“Oh,” she said. “Just a minute.” Deanna dug in her purse and retrieved a pair of wire reading glasses. She held out the paper and I watched her scan down to the detachable cashier’s check made out to her for one hundred thousand dollars. I heard her inhale sharply. “I...I don’t understand.”

Mel answered her, “Your mother’s will stipulated this amount would go to Ronni upon completion of her book. Ronni has decided you should have it.”

Deanna’s eyes were wide. “Ronni, this is yours. You earned it. You worked hard for a year. You risked your job.”