028

JULIA

I went outside and explained that Alice was having issues and wished to speak to Janet. Janet climbed out of the hot tub and went with me back to the house. She saw Alice crying and rushed to her, hugging her. This time, Alice didn't flinch when a naked person hugged her; it was her sister.

"Alice, what's wrong?" Janet asked.

"Alex is having an affair," she sobbed. "Even tonight, he said he was working late, but he'll come back to the house late, smelling of sex and cheap perfume."

"Oh, Alice. I'm so sorry. What can I do to help? Do you need a place to stay? I'll ask Chen. I'm sure he wouldn't mind letting you stay with us."

"I don't want to impose," Alice said.

"You're not imposing, you're family. It will give you time to decide what you want to do."

"Wait one," I said. "Let me call an attorney. If you decide to leave him, you might want to do certain things to protect yourself."

Alice nodded tearfully and I called Zoe.

"Hello, Julia. To what do I owe this pleasure?"

"Zoe, I'm