Tears sprang to her eyes and overflowed in a hot torrent at the simple kindness. She gestured wordlessly at the fridge she’d been clinging to and accepted the small glass of white wine Katherine poured her. The cool liquid trickled down her throat, and she mopped at her eyes with the back of her hand, smearing her mascara.

“This is incredibly difficult,” said Katherine. “Would you like me to come back at another time?”

Emilia shook her head. She did not want Katherine coming back. Only after she’d finished the gesture did she realize she had inadvertently let an opportunity for escape slip past her.

“Why don’t I lay out the steps for you? That way you have all the information in front of you.” She guided Emilia to a seat at the kitchen table and took the chair opposite as she laid out a folder.

She listened as Katherine explained about inspections and appraisals and the various rental opportunities available in the current market, as well as the likelihood of a quick sale. She had a low, melodic voice that gradually pushed back the sparkling darkness at the edges of Emilia’s vision. Her desire to hate her abated. It didn’t matter anymore that she was Morgan’s ex. The reality of dealing with her father’s house was so much larger than that. When Katherine at last stood to leave, she thanked her with sincerity, shut the door, and sank to the foyer floor to weep until her head ached and her throat was raw.

Another glass of wine and an icepack to her forehead later, she Facetimed Anna Maria.

“What’s up, chicken butt?”

“Seriously?”

“Toddlers, Emmy, toddlers. It’s all butts all the time.”

“Can you spare a minute for my butt?”

Anna Maria squinted at her through the phone and frowned as she no doubt registered the bloodshot eyes and puffy face of someone who had very recently been sobbing.

“Of course. Do not bite your sister. Babe, kids are yours.”

Anna Maria walked briskly to a different room and settled into a chair. “What’s wrong?”

“Everything.”

“Can we start a little smaller than that and work our way up?”

Emilia sniffled. “Maybe.”

“Did something happen today?”

“The real estate agent came over.”

“Oh honey.”

“I can’t do it.” Emilia squeezed her eyes shut and willed herself not to start crying again. Considering her empty tear ducts, her victory was perhaps not much cause for pride.

“Was she nice at least?”

Laughter bubbled up and out of her mouth. Abruptly, the situation seemed hilarious.

“She’s Morgan’s ex,” she said when she regained control of herself.

“Holy shit. You need a new agent.”

“Trust me, I know. Oh, and I burst into tears in front of her.”

Anna Maria shook her head. “Of course you did.”

“Should I tell Morgan?”

“That you cried in front of her ex? Maybe not. That her ex is your agent? Definitely.”