I chose my outfit carefully, settling on my favorite little black dress, a large, red-and-gold statement necklace, and my favorite pair of bright-red pumps with a little gold buckle on the back. They were my special occasion shoes, the kind that got you noticed, and even though I wanted to fly under the radar tonight, I couldn’t resist. I combed my hair straight back from my face, just to test it, and then went for my usual side part, tucking one side behind my ear and fluffing the other side with my fingertips. Then I left the apartment, brushing Shelby’s head with my hand before I walked out.

My excitement began to wane as I sat in my car outside Emma’s apartment. I’d wanted to text her to let her know I was coming—it’s what any normal guest would do—but then again, everything about me tonight was far from normal. I couldn’t afford for Emma to have my cell phone number; it was just too messy.

Hopefully, she’d meant it when she said I could just show up.

I was sure that Hooks wouldn’t be there, yet I was nervous about that too. What if, for some odd reason, he was the one who opened the door when I arrived? What if her small circle of friends knew about the affair and she’d invited him too? I knew it was close to impossible—Hooks wouldn’t spend Saturday nights out in the open with his girlfriend and her friends—but I couldn’t help but worry about it.

I checked my phone and saw that it was five minutes to eight. I took a deep breath and got out of the car, then walked to the building and up the steps. It was surreal; only a few nights ago, I’d sat in front of the same building tinkering with my DAC app as I watched Ryan Hooks walk up to greet the half-naked woman who had watched him from the second-story window.

Now, I was going in to meet the same woman, holding a cheap plant I’d bought at the grocery store. I’d picked it up at the last second—my mother was a firm believer that you never showed up at someone’s home empty-handed—but now I was regretting it.

It’s not a housewarming party, Paula.

I would be in and out. I would eat dinner, pretend to be interested in the designs, and find a moment to get Emma alone. I would convince her that she shouldn’t sell the business to travel with Hooks, and then I would leave. She still didn’t have my contact information, and I would keep it that way. If she pressed it, I would give her a fake number.