“No, it is. I mean to care about stuff more than you care about people. More than you care about me or dad or even mom.”

“That’s ridiculous. I just don’t see what the point is in stirring up a whole shit storm about something that’s already over and done with. It’s not like knowing that mom fell out of love with dad and in love with Richard a couple months earlier than she said she did is going to change anything, is going to make her fall back in love with dad, or make her love Richard any less.”

Alice was quiet. Is Charlie right here? she wondered. Am I sticking my nose where it doesn’t belong? Making trouble to no real end? After all, spilled milk is spilled milk, isn’t it?

Charlie, as if sensing the trajectory of Alice’s thoughts, pressed her advantage. In a softer voice, she said, “I mean, right, Allie?”

“No,” Alice admitted grudgingly, “I guess not.”

“So let’s just stay out of it, try not think about it. Mom’s behavior is kind of gross, I agree. But, also, it is what it is.”

Alice snorted. “Deep.”

Charlie, leaving her phone on the windowsill, walked back over to the bed, knelt beside Alice. “Come on,” she said, tugging gently on Alice’s ponytail, “we better not be late for breakfast. Nothing’s worse than getting yelled at by a pair of breakers of the—wait, which commandment is adultery?”

“Seventh, I think.”

“Breakers of the seventh commandment for a minor time infraction.”

“Actually, I’m pretty sure they’re going to sleep in this morning.” Alice gave her sister an abashed smile. “Sorry, I guess I should’ve let you do the same.”

“That’s okay. I’m more hungry than sleepy now. Let’s go down, anyway.”

Alice nodded, followed her sister out of the room. All of a sudden, she felt very, very tired.

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter

• THIRTEEN •