On the walk home, I’m silent, shuffling back to allow Beth to roam free, breathe her own air, as I know she wants to. I can’t keep up with her strides anyway, and she doesn’t stop for me either. The air is misty from some rain we must have missed when we were inside, and if it weren’t for the sinking feeling in my stomach as we round a rowdy corner with an Irish pub, the streets would be beautiful.

I take out my phone and text Anneliese. I’m sorry.

I think Beth is going to veer left toward her apartment without even acknowledging what happened, without saying goodbye, but she stops at my stoop and waits, sitting on the last step.

“I know you’re mad,” she says simply, and I sit down next to her, staring at our feet, her spiky black suede boots, newly cleaned, my loafers with one heel falling off.

“Why did you have to be such a bitch? You really embarrassed me.”

Beth runs a hand through her hair, fidgeting with her tragus piercing. “She seems really off, Sue, and I’m not just saying that because she told you she was having a party and entrapped us for two hours. There’s something not quite right about her.”

I stiffen. Though I knew this was coming, hearing it said aloud just makes it more vile, more presumptuous, more typical Beth judging everyone and everything around her unless they can make her life more interesting. Besides, I was honored Anneliese wanted to spend her night with only Beth and me. “First of all, you were the one who assumed it was this big event. She never said anything like that.” I suck in breath. “And two, are you saying that because she’s a nanny, Beth? Because she didn’t grow up here? Because maybe she’s not as educated as you? When was the last time you talked to anyone you couldn’t get either sex or something material from? Ask yourself that.” I stare at her this time, forcing her to make eye contact with me. Rain starts to drizzle, but we stay put.

“Is that what you think of me?” Beth’s voice is uncharacteristically soft, barely carrying over the harsh screech of a police siren. “I’m looking out for you. I know this has been a rough time for you and I’m happy, so happy, that you’re finally almost back to yourself again. But I wouldn’t give this woman credit.” She shakes her head. “I just don’t understand why she wants to spend so much time with you.”