“I made it clear she isn’t welcome. We had coffee this morning.” Oops, I sound a bit mean. I soften my voice. “I hope she listened. I asked her to see things from my point of view. I’ve lost so much.” I dab at my eye with a tissue. Sam looks concerned. He’s watching in the rearview mirror.

“Do you have a dress for tonight?” he asks.

I haven’t given my attire much thought. Funny, I’ve been imagining my coming-out party, but not my dress. Sure, I could wear the orange silk one I’d expected to wear last night, still hanging up with the expensive price tag dangling under the arm. But no, Sam’s right. Why not splurge? I need to look good. Focus on the future. David owes me some retail therapy.

Sam turns into the parking lot of the office building and into a reserved space.

I say, “I suppose I do need to find a sunset color dress. That’s what the invitation says. Any ideas?”

“I’ll make a couple calls, Mrs. H. What is the name of the store you like?”

“The Boutique. It’s pricey but fabulous.”

“On it.” Sam does whatever I ask. Why can’t everyone in my life be like this? My husband couldn’t even be faithful in our marriage during our first year together. My daughter can’t share a meal with me. But Sam, he listens. He cares.

He hops out and opens my door for me. I walk into the now-familiar lobby of the sleek twelve-story office building. Dr. Rosenthal’s office is on the first floor, discreetly located around the corner from the elevator bank. I keep my sunglasses on and scurry inside. I’ve never run into someone I know here. I suppose if I did, no one would be that shocked to discover I’m visiting a shrink.

Dr. Rosenthal was highly recommended by Detective Alan Branson, who was the lead investigator on Mary’s case. He told me it would be helpful to talk to someone, to help me sort through my devastating loss. Part of me thinks he was tired of being the one I talked to, but I’m pretty sure he had a crush on me and handed me off to Dr. Rosenthal so he wouldn’t be tempted. He’s an honorable man. There aren’t many of those around these days, I’ve discovered. #MeToo.