Page 47 of Cul-de-sac

“I was a teacher. Now I guess I’m…on sabbatical.”

“And your husband?”

“He sells luxury cars. But…well, I guess it’s no secret—we’re separated.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.”

“Well, nothing’s been decided. There’s still a chance…” Again, too soon for such confidences. “How long have you been married?”

“Going on sixteen years.”

“What’s your secret?” Maggie says lightly, trying to keep the focus on her neighbor.

“My secret?”

“To a happy marriage.”

“Who said I was happy?” Olivia laughs. “No, I’m just kidding. Honestly. We’re happy. Mostly,” she continues, the words sputtering from her mouth, as if a tap has been turned on and is now stuck. “I mean, some years are better than others. Well, I don’t have to tell you that. This last one’s been more difficult than most, what with Sean being out of a job and everything.”

And everything,Maggie repeats silently. She knows all aboutand everything.

“Not that he hasn’t enjoyed being home, being a full-time dad and all. And God knows I’ve loved having someone do the laundry and make dinner every night. But you and I know it’s a pretty thankless job, and I think it’s been harder on him than he lets on. His ego’s taken a big hit.” She sighs. “Anyway, that’s all about to change. It’s looking as if he may have finally found something. Over at Advert-X in Palm Beach. Do you know Advert-X?”

“No. I’m afraid I don’t.”

“It’s this relatively new agency on South County Road. Very cutting edge.” She takes another sip of coffee, continues without prompting. “When Sean first told me he had an interview there, I thought, no way are they going to hire him. Not that he’s not capable or anything like that. But Sean’s pretty conservative, strictly Brooks Brothers, as he himself admits. And the guys the agencies like Advert-X are hiring these days are young and super hip. You know the type I mean, with their ankle-length, tight pants and thin, monochromatic ties. That’s definitely not Sean.”

Maggie pictures Sean standing by his living room window, staring out at the street, sometimes for hours on end.More potted plant than cutting edge,she finds herself thinking.

“Of course, I would never tell him that,” Olivia continues. “And thank God I didn’t because, turns out, I was completely wrong. Maybe it’s a case of opposites attracting, I don’t know, but they seem to really like him. I’ve lost track of the number of interviews he’s had these last few weeks. Wednesday, it was one after another. He met with the head of the creative team, the head of marketing, even the president of the company. Then he had to run to pick up the kids. Poor guy was absolutely exhausted when he got home.”

Maggie thinks back to last Wednesday. From her position at the end of the cul-de-sac, she has a clear view of everything that goes on in the street, and she knows that, aside from picking his kids up from school each afternoon, Sean’s car rarely leaves his driveway. As far as Maggie can remember, that was true last Wednesday. No way had his car spent most of the day anywhere near South County Road.

Which means, what exactly?

That Sean has been lying to his wife?

That Olivia’s year is about to get a whole lot more difficult?

Should she say something?

Don’t get involved,she hears Craig warn.Whatever is going on with them is none of your business.

“We should know something definite this week,” her neighbor is saying, crossing the fingers of both hands and holding them up. “Fingers crossed,” she adds for emphasis.

“Fingers crossed,” Maggie repeats, finishing what’s left of her coffee and standing up, afraid to prolong their visit any further. “I really should get going, get those groceries in the fridge,” she says, deciding Craig is right about not getting involved. Have the last eighteen months taught her nothing?

Besides, she likes Olivia. The woman is sweet and open and trusting, and clearly has enough on her plate. Voicing her suspicions would only upset her, probably unnecessarily, end a budding friendship before it has a chance to really develop. And she could be mistaken. There could be a perfectly logical explanation.

Except there isn’t, and she isn’t.

Still, this isn’t her problem to solve. Olivia will undoubtedly discover the truth on her own, sooner or later. She doesn’t need Maggie’s help or advice.

Besides, what is it they say about shooting the messenger?

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