When she started working for him, Sue was newly single after ending a two-year relationship because the man was drinking too much. The problems started when this boyfriend began not showing up when he said he would, or arriving very late.

“This isn’t enough for me. I don’t think it’s too much to expect to see my boyfriend more than once a week,” Sue complained.

He was often out drinking with his buddies or working. He seemed jittery when they were together. Even disinterested in making love.

“Is there another woman? Just tell me.”

“You’re the only woman I want. I’m busy, that’s all.” He wiped his nose with the back of his hand.

“Something seems wrong. Like we’ve run out of steam.”

“I don’t have any problems with you, Sue.” He pulled up his jeans and slid his hand in his pocket and then reached for his socks.

Out fell a small plastic bag. It lay shining on her green rug. At first, Sue thought it was a jewelry bag. When she picked it up, white powder shifted. “What’s this?”

He looked at her and shrugged.

“This is why you’ve been so unavailable?”

He didn’t answer.

Sue understood instantly that she couldn’t have a relationship with someone using hard drugs. She wasn’t the nurturing, rescuing type. Life was too short and she wasn’t getting any younger. “I’m not dealing with this. You have a choice and you can make it now.”

“Don’t give me ultimatums.”

“Please leave.”

She spent the weekend crying. The next morning Jack noticed the red eyes and easily pulled the story from her.

You know the scenario: The workplace friendship that becomes too close, lunches that last a little longer each time. When Jack noticed how turquoise set off the green in her eyes and commented that he loved hair that was almost, but not quite, black, Sue bought turquoise jewelry and darkened her hair.

I heard all this later. Much later. Initially, Jeannie was pleased that Sue fit in so well at the dealership. When employees were new, Jack transformed their loyalty and love for him into a commitment to the company. He spread his aura over the entire workforce. The sparkling cars built with no nonsense and easy care seemed to offer a promise of green energy, efficiency, and honesty in the smarmy backwaters of car sales.

Now, Jeannie and Sue’s friendship had an additional shared arena. Once, I saw Rosie roll her eyes at a Friday-night gathering when they started talking about the new Astra. “Not work again. This is happy hour,” she said and changed the subject.