Strena gave me a hug. “I think she’d like being a tourist attraction. I have to go. I’m meeting a new artist at the gallery. I think she’ll be a good fit for the next group show.”

“If you like her, I’m sure she’s great.”

Strena said goodbye and walked away, all style and grace and stiletto heels.

Diya laid her flowers next to the others, then stepped back to me. “I’m sorry about Trey, Em. I apologized over the phone, but I want to do it again, in person. I was so stupid. I was in love with him for so long, my feelings blinded me.”

I walked us away a few feet. “What do you mean so long?”

“Remember how I was dating Christopher in grad school, then he took us to meet his roommate, Trey? I knew ten minutes in that I’d picked the wrong guy.”

“Why didn’t you say something?”

“Trey only had eyes for you. And if I tossed Christopher like that, Trey would have thought I was some sorority slut anyway. He asked you out, and you kept saying no. I thought maybe I could break up with Christopher after a few weeks. But then, the night I was going to talk to Christopher about splitting up, you said yes to Trey.”

“You could have told me.”

“I didn’t want you to be alone. I thought you deserved someone great.”

“You did break up with Christopher.”

“It wasn’t fair to string him along.”

“You were secretly in love with Trey for the past six years? I had no idea. I’m sorry. I just had my nose in work all the time.”

“You know, a little TAFB can be healthy.”

“Bram and I are learning life-work balance.”

He needed it as much as I did, considering how many hours he clocked at the firm. But we tried to see each other as much as possible, helped by the fact that we were living together. We did have separate home offices.

“Anyway.” The corners of Diya’s mouth tightened. “I don’t think Trey ever really loved me.”

“He didn’t deserve you.”

“He didn’t deserve you either. I’m glad you’re with Bram. He looks at you like you founded the American Bar Association.

I laughed.

Her expression softened. “I’d like to see you again when I come up to New York next. And I’d like you to come and see me if you’re in California.”

“Let’s do that.” I hugged her. I’d missed her. I was grateful to have her back as a friend.

After she left, Bram came over. “What was that about?”

“Clearing some air.”

Bram Sr. was whispering something to Violet’s headstone.

“Should we leave too?” I asked him. “How is the knee?”