This was a part of her life she normally did not discuss with Brent. She’d made a lot of money through her books and investing. It was her way, and she wouldn’t change.

“Look, check your e-mail tonight. I’ll send you all the banking info, but promise you’ll take care of this if something were to happen?”

“I promise.”

“Thanks, Brent. I knew I could count on you. I’ll get that info to you tonight, and remember, there’s a three-hour time difference. I’m going to call Mom later; if she isn’t home, I’ll give you a call, if that’s okay.”

“Of course it is, but I’m sure they’re at the tree-lighting ceremony. They go every year.”

“You’re right. Talk soon,” she said, then clicked the END button.

Why she had that doomsday feeling again bothered her. She’d felt that way yesterday and had hastily opened the account for Charlotte, just in case. Probably guilt, she thought. She hadn’t wanted to share her Seattle experience with Brent, felt like it was an invasion of her privacy, so letting him in on what she’d planned for Charlotte seemed to soften the blow he was bound to get when she told him about John. Also, telling him about Lee’s illness would push him toward her, just as she and Madison had discussed.

She felt guilty for having these thoughts. She felt sad, then decided she had enough time left to take a hot bath before John arrived. It made her smile. She made a promise to herself: she was not going to feel sorry for Brent because she wasn’t in love with him. She was thirty-five years old, and he was too. He would have to deal with reality and accept the fact she would always be his friend, and nothing more, no matter what.