“Well, that’s an awful thing to say.”
“I don’t mean it that way.”
“It hardly matters how you meant it, it’s an awful thing regardless.”
“Why is it so awful?”
“Because it means that you’re ashamed of me.”
“I’m not ashamed of you.”
“You may say that now, but you’ve already proved otherwise.”
“I meant it in terms of our situations. You know what would happen should they catch you with a tenant. And, you know that I can’t be here forever.”
“What’s even keeping you here, James?”
“I told you this already. There’s people here who need me.”
“Who, James? I know now that you’re not referring to me. So, who are these people?”
I was silent. She sat up.
“You’re a fool, James. I know about Annabelle. I had only hoped that you were man enough to tell me yourself.”
“That’s a cruel trick, Este
