“Maybe they made a deal. He could build the house exactly like he wanted. In exchange, he’d buy her an apartment and she could make it how she wanted. That way they didn’t have to fight over a compromise.”

“Actually, that sounds like them.”

Kelly sat down on a couch. “Personally, I love this place.”

He sat on the couch facing her. “Your animals would tear it up.”

“I’d leave them at home with the kids and the sitter.”

“That’s what happened with us. We had about four live-in sitters over the years.”

“Please don’t tell me you resent your parents for being gone.”

“The opposite. I’m not sure I could have survived my father without the breaks we got when he went away.”

“I bet your mother knew that. Maybe this apartment was for you, for your sanity. To keep peace between you and your dad.”

Adam stretched his arms across the back of the couch. “Whatever it was used for, I like it. It feels good in here.”

“I agree. There’s a calmness about it that I like.”

For minutes they sat in silence, looking about the room. Kelly wondered if it was the lack of color or the absence of harsh surfaces, but it was a soothing place. “I have to go home.”

“Me, too, but my truck is at the dress shop.”

She stood up. “I’ll give you a ride back. Dumb of us to leave it there.”

“I didn’t trust you to drive.” He stood up.

Remembering her tears made her turn away and they didn’t speak as they went downstairs. The doorman bid them good evening and they went to Kelly’s car. Adam drove.

They were out of the parking lot when he spoke. “Do you really not know where Vera goes?”

“Really and truly. I thought she’d tell you.”

“And I thought we’d see more of each other. Is there...” He hesitated. “...someone else?”

“No, of course not. She’s done nothing but work since you left. She takes care of the farm, her job, and that’s it. She never goes to any of the social things that other people go to.”

“No dances or hayrides?”

“I would know if she did.”

“But she does disappear.”

“Mom said she thinks Vera hides out in an old hunter’s cabin that’s hidden in the trees. She just wants a time of peace.”

“I can understand that. When I get home, I have to deal with Robbie and his sulking. It’s like he thinks I’m his father but I have no authority.”

“He’ll be worse when you leave,” she said quietly.

“I know that too well. Let’s talk about something good. What do you have planned for the weekend?”

Kelly sighed. “Mom wants me to choose flowers for my wedding. I don’t know what Vera would like.”

They had reached his truck. He turned off the engine and looked at her. “Which would be worse? Telling everyone the truth or continuing with the lie?”