The thought arrived uninvited.
So did the smile.
Ginger immediately pointed. “There.”
I groaned. “Oh, God.”
“Who is he?”
“There is no he,” I replied
“Liar.” she accused.
“Ginger.”
“Liar,” she repeated.
Immediately the food arrived I changed the subject before she could continue. “How’s the surgeon?”
The effect was immediate. The teasing vanished, and so did the smile and I regretted asking the question instantly.
Ginger stared down at her pasta. “He’s fine.”
That answer alone told me everything.
“How’s his wife?” I asked.
Her jaw tightened, and I sighed. Not fine, then.
“He says he’s leaving,” she muttered quietly, like she was embarrassed.
“He’s been saying that for two years.” I snapped.
“I know.”
“Ginger.”
“I know,” she said again, and the frustration in my heart wasn
