At this moment, I hate him. More than words can express. Did you know crimes of passion are based on insecurity? People are struggling to trust their significant other. With 73 percent of marriages in wealthy coastal communities ending in divorce, that’s a lot of insecurity. But I’m not insecure. I’m certain. Only 5 percent of men are killed by their significant other, and at this moment, I could easily join the 5 percent.

Unfortunately, my husband is not one of the victims. Yet.

He holds up his hands. Surrender style. “Let’s talk about this at home. Betsy told me you were fixated on this.”

“Me? Fixated?” I glare at David. I know he can feel my rage before I speak. I watch as he leans back on his heels in the sand, stumbles against the bar. I whisper, “No, you told me Mary was MY baby, that she always would be, only mine. It was our one deal, the line in the sand. You promised. You’re a liar. And so are your parents.” We lock eyes.

Beside me I smell a bouquet of flowers, and Kylie’s overly enthusiastic voice arrives. “Here you go, Jane! Just where you left it!”

She hands me my purse and I manage, “So nice of you to plan the ceremony. You didn’t even know Mary, did you?” Sure, you were lurking around for a while. You came into our lives just as Mary was slipping out of them. Mary’s off to college, our home is unsettled, and there you are, ready to provide emotional support and constant understanding. Flattery and companionship! Oh, and exclamation points galore. Yes, you were there. You saw an entry point. I hope, soon, you’ll enjoy the exit wound.

Kylie’s face is flushed and her eyes wide. I watch as David turns to Kylie and shakes his head slightly, almost imperceptibly. But I saw it. Gotcha. She did meet Mary. How many liars must I suffer?

Kylie beams a big smile and says, “I love party planning!! But no, unfortunately, I didn’t meet her at the office. I joined the firm after Mary left for college. But I’ve heard all about her from David.” Her lipstick perfectly matches her dress. Her eyelids are the same shade, too, with sparkles. I don’t know how she did that but I can’t help but be impressed. She’s what you call perfectly put together. Like I am, only she’s younger, and not very smart.

“So you met Mary outside the office?” I ask with a kind tone and a smile.

“Yep!” Kylie answers without thinking. Oops.

She’s an idiot. I look at David and say, “We should go, dear.”