CHAPTER
TWENTY
I’ve seen Nora only once since my encounter with Linda. By chance, I run into Nora as she is leaving a spray tan boutique on the outskirts of Lake Forest. I’d reconciled myself to the fact she left without saying anything and had apparently decided our relationship was over. As we stand awkwardly in front of the spray tan place, I’m struck by the lines in her face that seem etched deeper. Her eyes are bright and distracted. I attempt a nonchalance I know neither of us feels and say I’m glad to see her. I ask her where she’s been, to which she answers she had to take care of some family business in New York. As she edges toward the parking lot, it’s clear she isn’t going to volunteer anything more.
I shift and stand in front of her. I’m surprised by what I’m feeling: I’ve
