“Must have. You know you women and your jealousies. Maybe she was looking out for Kate, if Kate was feeling jealous. Although I think it was a bit inappropriate for her to interfere. Not to speak ill of the dead,” he was quick to add.

Blaire wondered if Carter knew more about Sabrina and Simon than he was letting on. She took a deep breath and put her hand on his leg. “I’m a little jealous too. Thinking of you working side by side with such a gorgeous woman. How do I know something isn’t going on between you and Sabrina?”

He put a pudgy hand on hers and tried to slide her hand farther up his leg. She didn’t resist, curious to see how far he intended to push things. He stopped at the very top of his thigh.

“You have nothing to be jealous of,” he leaned forward, whispering in her ear. “Sabrina can’t hold a candle to you.”

She needed to get this back on course. “I’m happy to hear that. What about Simon, though? Do you think he’s really getting a little extra on the side?” She cocked an eyebrow to make him think she was being playful.

“I honestly don’t know. He could if he wanted to—it’s clear to everyone at the office that she’s got the hots for him. But he’s a pretty discreet guy.”

“No guy talk?”

“Nope. But I wouldn’t blame him.”

What a revolting pig. She pulled her hand off his thigh.

“How about a nightcap at your place?” he said, licking his lips.

“Gee, Carter. I’ve got this awful headache, all of a sudden. Can we just pay the bill and do that another time? I’ll split it with you.”

His whole body seemed to droop. “Sure. Another time.” He picked up the leather check holder, looking crestfallen. “This is mine. I insist.”

“Thank you, Carter. Next time it’s on me.”

But there wouldn’t be a next time. Thank God.

23

When does my party start, Mommy?” Annabelle asked Kate, causing her to look up from the phone in her hand. She was on Facebook, looking at Sabrina’s page to see if she’d added any new photos. Ever since Blaire had shown it to her, she’d been obsessively checking the site. She put the phone down.

“Everyone’s coming at five, in just a few hours. You get to stay up late tonight.” Kate and Simon had always made sure that Annabelle’s birthday was fully celebrated despite the fact that it was a few days after Christmas. She never wanted her to resent it being so close to the holidays.

“But not too late,” Hilda put in.

Kate bristled. “It’s your birthday, and you can stay up as late as you want.” She gave Hilda a pointed look, and Hilda said nothing.