The room became quiet.
Finally Rebecca spoke.
“You heard me.”
I looked at her.
“On the patio.”
For one moment, none of us moved.
Daniel turned toward his wife.
“What?”
Rebecca’s face had gone pale.
“She heard me talking to Claire.”
My heart beat faster.
Daniel looked between us.
“What did you say?”
Rebecca closed her eyes briefly.
Then she looked at me.
“That we couldn’t ask you to leave because you watched the kids, bought groceries, paid for things.”
Daniel stared at her.
“And?”
Her voice became very soft.
“And that it wasn’t really her we needed. It was her money.”
Daniel stood.
“Rebecca.”
“Sit down.”
I surprised all three of us.
He looked at me.
“I don’t need you defending me.”
“I’m not defending you.”
