“Melanie, you have nothing to feel shamed by. I think you and Alina make a delightful couple and I wish you only happiness together. My young friend is wise and strong beyond her years and you lose nothing of your pride for allowing her to lead you. But it does beg a question…”
Katya deliberately left her sentence open-ended to ensure she had both Melanie’s interest and complete attention.
Sure enough:
“What question, Katya?”
Katya’s expression was totally serious:
“The question of your husband, Melanie,” she reminded her, allowing a hint of rebuke into her tone. “What else? Are you so preoccupied with your first taste of Sapphic bliss that you have forgotten the man who has been your more than equal partner for so many years? The same man I have taken from your hands that you may exp
