Her lip curled, even as her eyes were shiny with unshed tears. “I’m not lots of women. I’m Temple Renshaw.”

“And that puts you a cut above ordinary humans?”

“I don’t settle for second best. It’s not how I’m made.”

“Do you really think Max is second best?”

“Max is wonderful,” she said fiercely. “The best person I’ve ever known.”

“Then what?”

Temple remained stubbornly silent, but Lucy wouldn’t let her get away with that. “Go ahead and say it.”

“I don’t have to. Political correctness doesn’t change the reality. Homosexuality is a defect. A flaw.”

“Got it. You’re too perfect to be gay.”

“I’m not talking to you about this any longer.”

Lucy was filled with pity. The standards Temple had set for herself were impossible for anyone to meet. No wonder she was miserable.

Tires crunched in the gravel. Temple closed her eyes and leaned back against the curtain. Lucy looked out the window. “Congratulations. The best person you’ve ever known just drove away.”

PANDA WAS SAWING AT A dead tree and spoiling for a fight when Lucy came out to talk to him. “I suppose you think I should have told you about Max, too?” he said.

“Yes, but I also understand client confidentiality. I know—”

A loud crash came from the house. He threw down the saw and raced inside. Lucy ran after him. As she reached the front hallway, she heard thuds coming from overhead, then something slamming against the floor. She followed him up the steps.

Temple stood in the middle of the gym, eyes wild, hair undone, the destruction of her prison-kingdom all around her. An overturned weight bench, scattered floor-mats, a hole in the wall. Temple snatched up a ten-pound weight and was about to hurl it through the window when Panda grabbed her.

It was a battle of the gods. Hercules versus Xena Warrior Princess. But as strong as she was, he was far stronger, and it didn’t take long for him to pinion her against his chest.

All the fight went out of her. When he finally released her, she collapsed at his feet. He shot Lucy a silent appeal for help, and she did the only thing she could think of.

Her bread was hidden in the den where Panda could get to it. She’d baked it just that afternoon at the cottage. She carried it to the kitchen where she unwrapped it, cut off the chewy heel, and drizzled it with honey from the jar she’d hidden in the cupboard.

Temple was slumped against the wall, her head resting against the arms she’d folded over her bent knees. Lucy knelt next to her and offered it. “Eat this.”

Temple’s teary red eyes reflected only betrayal. “Why are you sabotaging me?” she said hoarsely.

“This isn’t sabotage.” Lucy struggled to find the words. “It’s—it’s life.”