Lila sat at the kitchen table, staring at her coffee. The steam curled up and disappeared, just like her peace from last night.
The message from "My Second Heart" played over and over in her head. Who was she? An old lover? Someone new? The jealousy had kept her up most of the night, even as she lay in Mr. James's arms.
Mr. James came downstairs, dressed for the day in a crisp shirt and trousers. He smiled when he saw her. "Morning, baby. You look tired. Bad dreams?"
Lila forced a smile. "Something like that."
She wanted to ask him. But the fear stopped her. Fear that he would lie. Fear that he would tell the truth. Fear that this the quiet mornings, the gentle touches would end.
He poured himself coffee and sat across from her. His hand reached for hers. "Talk to me. You've been qu
