“Whatever you’ve got to say to me can be said in front of Mitzi, and if she says we keep the screen between us, then that’s what we do,” Paula told him.

“Okay, then. I’m sorry that I led you on, but I was lonely. Kayla was sick all the time, and I was trying to take care of my father, and—”

Paula held up a palm. “Real apologies don’t need buts, ifs, or ands. You should’ve been honest with me, Clinton.”

“I know.” He ducked his head, but it wasn’t very convincing.

“Why are you even here?” Paula’s hands knotted into fists.

“To ask you not to tell Graham because he might tell Kayla and it would ruin my marriage. I hate talking through this screen. Someone might see me out here,” he said.

“You got a choice. You can stay out there or come inside and I’ll help Mitzi clean up the blood,” Paula said.

“That’s pretty harsh.” Clinton’s head jerked back up and he glared at her.

Paula eyed him from toes to eyes, wondering all the time what in the world she’d ever seen in him to begin with. “Go home to your wife. Try being faithful to her. And stay away from me. I never want to see you again.” She slammed the door and slid down the wall. She dropped her head to her knees and took a deep breath. “Do you think he could tell that I’m pregnant?”

Mitzi sat down cross-legged in front of her. “Nope. He’s only interested in saving his own hide. The bastard doesn’t care that he broke your heart or got you pregnant. Can I get you anything?”

“No, I’ll be fine when my heart stops pounding. Been a helluva day, hasn’t it? Don’t let it ruin your perfect time with Graham. And please don’t tell Graham, not to appease Clinton, because I don’t give a damn about him, but for the baby’s sake. If he said something to Kayla or Rita, it could eventually get back to Clinton that I’m pregnant.”

Mitzi held up a pinkie finger. “Remember when we did this when we were little girls?”

Paula linked her finger with it. “We’re big girls now, and it’s still friendship before relationship.”

“After today, I’m not so sure that I ever want a relationship,” Mitzi said.