The sky was just beginning to lighten, when I curled up on the living room floor, my knees pulled tight against my chest, and watched the cleaning lady sweep the shattered pieces of our wedding photo into a dustpan.
Gideon and Rola were already gone. They'd called a ride and left a little after 4 a.m.
Before she left, Rola had tried to take my silk nightgown with her. I fixed her with a cold stare.
"Don't you dare touch that."
She immediately snatched her hand back, wrapped only in Gideon's jacket as she hurried miserably out into the pouring rain.
The living room suddenly felt far too big and empty.
It was so quiet that I could hear the low hum of the refrigerator in the corner.
I texted Landon.
Nellie: Keep the birthday dinner going as planned. Send me the address. I'll be there.
