I drive down to the tennis courts, even though I could easily walk. My car is like a traveling home, of sorts. I have many things I may need. I like the notion of being prepared. It’s why I installed a false floor in the trunk of my car. Lift up and I have everything I need on my nighttime expeditions. Flashlights, high-powered camera, black sweatshirt and sweatpants: the usual stuff. I learned so much from Mr. Wyatt, during my first job helping out at the gas station after school. I knew how to modify my luxury ride now, just like I knew what to do to my mom’s brakes all those years ago. It’s so easy to cut a brake line if you know what you’re doing.

I pull into a parking space and check the app. David is still parked. Betsy is on the move, driving north on Coast Highway. She’s past the gates for The Cove, so she’s heading elsewhere. I’m not clear if she knows her father is leaving me tomorrow. I don’t know if Kylie and David have given Betsy a tour of their new family home. Has he shown Betsy her new bedroom? I haven’t tracked her car to that neighborhood, but they have both been good at keeping secrets from me, so I wouldn’t be surprised.

My body stiffens with rage. That would be so terrible, I try not to imagine it. Even though it won’t happen now, just the thought of them starting over without me, it’s enough to push me over the edge. I shake my head, try to push my temper back into its box. There is no time for it, not right now.

It’s time to focus on Josh, and Betsy by proxy.

I can hear the tennis ball thwacking on the court before I spot Hoffman and Josh playing. There are four courts, but only one is in use. Most of the time, all the courts stand empty, just begging for some action. The green metal gate squeaks as I open it and Hoffman spots me, waving. “Hey, Jane. We’re just finishing up. Watch Josh’s serve. It’s impressive.”

I walk to the bench at midcourt and sit down. “Let’s see it, Josh.” I say it in my most motherly, encouraging tone.

Josh looks terrified. As if his mom is going to catch him here, with me, watching him serve. I hope she doesn’t actually pick him up after his lesson. Hoffman would have warned me if that was the case, right?

Josh serves into the net.

“Focus, son. I know she’s distracting.” Hoffman smiles at me.

Am I? I guess so. I shoot Hoffman a big smile.

Josh serves again, clearing the net, but the ball lands a foot out. He shakes his head and his shoulders droop. “I’m done for tonight, Hoff.”