He smiled. “You seem in a good mood.”
“I am.”
I noticed. I noticed everything now.
That was my first lie to his face, and it felt strangely easy.
Clara arrived at seven carrying a cake and wearing a smile that made me want to slam the door.
“Wow,” she said. “This looks beautiful.”
“I’m glad you made it,” I said.
Evan took the cake from her. Their eyes met for half a second too long.
I noticed. I noticed everything now.
Neither of them reacted.
We sat down and ate.
I asked Clara about her latest lab results.
She said, “Good, actually. For once.”
“That’s great.”
Evan said, “You look healthy.”
She smiled at him. “I feel better.”
see continuation on next page