Chapter 42
Jon
Monday
On Monday evening, after a solo dinner (Susan had eaten earlier, something she never does) Jon pauses outside the living-room door, bracing himself.
He has no idea what to say to her. The bracelet in her night-stand drawer and what that means haunt every minute of his day.
Everything else is on autopilot. Should he say something?
Just get it out and over with? But what exactly can he say?
And if he asks her anything about it, he can’t take it back.
And if he’s wrong…there’s no talking his way out of it afterward.
Greta hasn’t been quite as much help as he’d hoped.
The stupid bracelet. He grimaces. Even Jon knows it’s not the stupid bracelet’s fault.
This all started with him and his wandering eye, the oldest story in the book.
He just never meant for it to go this far or for Susan to find out…
It was fun, but he certainly didn’t intend risking his marriage.
And yet, once he strayed, of course that’s exactly what he’d done.
Deep breath. He opens the door. Susan is curled on the couch, a book on her lap. Deeply engrossed, not looking up. He can’t help thinking this is for show.
“Tea?” he offers.
A glance up. “I’m fine.” Back to the book.
God. This is excruciating. Should he go in and sit beside her, just as he normally does?
As though reading his mind, she uncurls and stretches her legs, taking up the length of the couch. Even Jon, not known for his ability to read between the lines, can pick up on that signal.
“I might head out for some air. Make the most of the long evenings.”
“Do,” she says, reaching for her phone. She meets his gaze. “Take your time.”