“Justin asked what I was having for dinner and when I told him, he asked if he could come over to eat because he didn’t have anything like what I was preparing at home. In the middle of this conversation, Tessa called to ask Justin what he wanted for dinner. When I asked if she could cook and Justin said yes, I offered to bring them some groceries over since I was stopping by the store anyway. If your son had had his way you would have twice as much stuff as you found. There’s a reason parents don’t like to take their kids to the grocery store.”

“That’s for sure.”

“So... how was your day?”

And with that question, they found themselves on the phone for over an hour. They’d agreed that their interaction would be limited to the very occasional phone call and seeing each other at Justin’s games. Yet now, roughly twenty-four hours since they’d said this, here they were on the phone catching up on each other’s day. There was something about this exchange that felt comfortable and intimate and, as if Dominique had just realized this, she said she had to get off the phone.

“It’s been a long day, Jake, and I should be going. Thanks for the groceries. I know you meant well.”

“You’re welcome, baby. And I know we’ve agreed not to but... I’d sure like a Nick fix right about now.”

The next morning, Dominique didn’t need the alarm clock to awaken her. She’d tossed and turned for most of the night. Was it really only three days since her world had gotten turned upside down? She showered and dressed and when she went downstairs, Tessa was already in the kitchen, preparing breakfast.

Dominique joined her. “You’re here early.”

“Morning, Dominique. Yes, I promised Justin I’d arrive in time to make him breakfast.”

“Since when did my son become the boss?” In spite of herself, Dominique reached for a strip of the crispy turkey bacon beckoning her from the oil-absorbing paper towel.

Tessa shrugged. “When Jake brought in the groceries, he was telling Justin about the importance of breakfast, and I overheard their conversation. He says that people who don’t get the proper morning nutrition are those most likely to gain weight.” She shrugged again. “So I decided to make his breakfast and help myself in the process. No worries, Dominique. I’m not looking for extra pay or anything.” She stopped and looked at Dominique. “Should I fix another plate?”

Dominique looked at her watch. Since she’d gotten up early, it was another thirty minutes before she usually left for work, another hour before her first appointment. “Sure,” she said, walking over to the island and pouring herself a glass of orange juice. “Why not?”