Chapter 2

Alone with me in the office, Anna hesitated. "Riley, Gabriel doesn't know.

"He... isn't well. He can't handle stress."

I couldn't believe it.

She'd lied to me for four years. Now, face-to-face, she offered no explanation, no apology. Didn't even ask how I'd been.

She just wanted me to keep Gabriel calm.

My voice came out hoarse. "Four years, and that's all you have to say? You're not even going to explain?"

Guilt flickered in her eyes. Her voice softened. "I was wrong. I'll explain when we get home."

"Home?" I looked at her. "Which home?"

Anna opened her mouth, then fell silent.

Gabriel came back holding Milo's hand.

"Honey, it's raining harder. Let's head home."

He smiled at me. "Mr. Reinhardt, it's pouring. Need a ride?"

I shook my head. "No, thanks."

I'd walked through rain like this alone too many times.

Once, a bad storm forced the preschool to close early. I couldn't get a cab, so I walked two stops down the road, clutching a stack of lesson plans.

The wind broke my umbrella. Rain soaked my shoes.

I stopped by the road and texted Anna about the downpour.

Three hours later, she replied.

[I'm sorry, Riley. I wish I were home. I could come pick you up.]

It rained plenty after that. She never came.

"Let's give him a ride," Anna said suddenly. "It's on our way."

Gabriel's smile froze. "You don't even know where he lives. How do you know?"

Anna barely reacted. She picked up Milo. "It's just what you say so people don't feel bad accepting a ride."

Gabriel nodded. "True."

He turned to me. "Really, Mr. Reinhardt, it's no trouble. Good luck getting a cab in this rain."

I accepted.

By the time we reached the parking lot, Gabriel was carrying Milo, and Anna held the umbrella.

She kept most of it over Gabriel and their son, letting one shoulder get soaked.

I followed, shivering in the wind.

Milo and I sat in the back. Gabriel rode up front.

Anna started the car.

"Did you close the balcony window this morning?" Gabriel asked.

"Yes."

"And the stove?"

"Turned it off."

"I think I forgot Milo's water bottle."

"It's in the bag's side pocket."

Gabriel checked. There it was.

He smiled. "How do you remember everything?"

They chatted like any family.

Anna and I had never had that.

Our home looked like only I lived there.

The fridge held food for one. One toothbrush sat by the sink.

Her clothes had hung untouched in garment bags for four years.

My friends would ask, "Riley, what are you getting out of this?

"Working abroad doesn't mean she still cares about you."

I always made excuses. "It's her job."