“You’re not,” I say. “I leapt to judgment without even hearing the whole story. I completely overreacted.”

“Well, of course you did! I’d heard of the story, but I confess I brushed up on the details after the other night. My dear friend,” she says, taking my hand. “I don’t know what to say. Only that I’m so sorry for everything that you and your family went through. I don’t know how you survived it.”

“Some days, I’m not so sure I have.”

“You’re incredibly brave. For testifying. I admire you so much. I want you to know.”

I smile weakly at her.

“And I should have just told you that I had kids. I feel so wretched about leaving them behind in England while I go walkabout. I just couldn’t fathom that anyone would understand.”

“I would have. I mean, I do understand. Cali filled me in. You’re trying to protect your kids. You don’t need to explain yourself.”

“I’d like to, if it’s all the same. If you wouldn’t mind me bending your ear?”

“Happily.”

“After the episode in the car, I was terrified. My doctor put me on lithium, but it zonked me out. I sought a second opinion, and my new psychiatrist—a more sensible lady doctor—prescribed an antidepressant and told me I needed to find a way to recuperate or I’d never get back on my feet. I tried to talk to my friends, tried to talk to my family, but they were no help. They didn’t think I should leave Thomas, but he was cruel to me, albeit in a most subtle British way. For years, I’d felt like a piece of furniture. He belittled me and when I’d told him I thought I might be depressed—before the breakdown—he said I was being self-indulgent.”

“Jesus.”

“I just had to get away so I could regain my strength and stand up for myself. Otherwise, he’d steamroll me in a divorce. But now I fear I’ve made a mess of things, especially bringing Anders into all of this. I never meant to use him, I thought we were just having fun. I suppose the fact that he needed me so much should have been a tip-off. But if I’m honest that was part of the appeal.”

No one wants to be the one who takes a fling too seriously, I think, as I suddenly realize that’s exactly what I’ve done.

“I think you’ve done a brave thing coming here,” I say. “If your friends don’t understand, get new friends.”

“Can I take you back to London with me?” She laughs.

“Nah, I think I need to go home. I need to face my real life too.”

“Oh, Gianluca is going to lose it that we’re all leaving him at once. Anders wants to come to London too.”