Page 21 of The Housekeeper
“No kidding,” she said with a laugh. “So’s my mom.”
Just shoot me now,I thought. “Really. Who’s she with?”
“Re/Max.” Her eyes meandered through the small crowd gathered in my tiny backyard, her interest wavering. “Where are your kids? I was hoping to meet them. Harrison said you have two.”
“Harrison is right,” I said, forcing another smile, wondering when my husband had become so forthcoming about his personal life.You’re being silly,I told myself immediately.Why wouldn’t he share such innocuous information?
I knew that Harrison always began his sessions by asking his students to tell the class a little bit about themselves and why they were taking the course. So it was only natural that he would choose to share a bit of himself as well.Wasn’t it?
“They’re having a sleepover at a friend’s.”
“Those were the days,” Wren said and laughed.
I laughed, too, although what I really wanted to do was shout,What would you know about days? You’ve had barely enough days to count.
One of the older students approached. I tried and failed to remember her name. “Is your husband as good a chef as he is a writer?” she asked.
“If you’ll excuse me,” Wren said before I could answer.
I watched her disappear into the throng gathered around the barbecue. Harrison was flipping burgers and basking in the admiration of his devoted fans. I smiled, remembering when I was one of their ranks. I waved. But he didn’t see me.
